With October comes fall in Colorado and new dangers that could be hazardous to your pet with new important safety issues to consider. Here are some tips to keep your pet healthy and happy this fall.
Judy Calhoun & Ellie
Wild Mushrooms. When it’s fall, mushrooms will start sprouting up more often than any other season besides spring. In Colorado, there are over one hundred mushroom species that are considered poisonous. With so many varieties of mushrooms, we advise keeping your dog or cat away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Coloradomushrooms.com has an extensive list of poisonous mushrooms that currently inhabit our state.
Halloween. Halloween is fun for both kids and adults but has hazards for our pets. While we don’t know for sure what Halloween will look like this year, here are a few things that will make it safer and more enjoyable for your pet: Keep all candy away from your pets. Chocolate is toxic for dogs and large amounts of candy can lead to pancreatitis in pets.
If you are dressing your pet in a costume, make sure their outfit is safe and won’t get too hot.
Don’t let your pets, especially cats play with or chew on glow sticks or glow jewelry.
It is best to keep your pet in another room during trick or treat times so that they are less distressed by the door knocking or doorbell ringing.
If you decorate, make sure all decorations are out of reach of your furry friend, including lit candles. Be sure to have identification on your pet in case they do escape.
And, in these changing times, pay attention to how changes in your routine – more time at home, less time at home, fewer walks as the weather cools – are impacting your pets.
~ Judy Calhoun is the Executive Director for Larimer Humane Society in Loveland. See more info at www.larimerhumane.org.