Top Four Dangers to your Dog in Fall and Winter

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This post was written by: Gailstrail

Coming Fall

Fall has a way of sneaking up. I’m always surprised as I walk through woods and see a sprinkle of orange and yellow dotting the path. It’s September and the woods have a different feeling and smell. There is a coolness in the air that I know will grow. This cooler weather brings a spring to Pieper’s steps.

The Autumn, Fall, Indian Summer and Winter seasons are Pieper and my favorite times of the year. We look forward to the crinkle, crack and crunch of the leaves beneath our feet! The colors are rich and full as the leaves of the deciduous trees change. The brilliant orange, yellow and gold colors bring warm memories of our summers delight.

Fall is extraordinary! The earth tilts closer to the sun, days become shorter and nights grow longer. The sky, moon and stars glow longer. The autumn sky will soon be filled by a Harvest moon. The first full moon after the autumnal equinox will shine bright, helping farmers to bring in their crops. New stars arrive and are visible in the sky of the northern hemisphere; Cassiopeia, Pegasus, and Cygnus sparkle and play in the night sky, and if you look closely, there is a good chance you might see the Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest galaxy neighbor.

Fall and Winter holidays are just around the corner; however we must not forget there are many common dog poisons that pose great danger to our furry friends.

1) Antifreeze and Windshield Wiper Fluid

Antifreeze is a major winter hazard for your dog; it’s deadly! Dogs are attracted to antifreeze. It has a sweet taste and smell. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, call your veterinarian or get your pet to the nearest vet clinic immediately.

2) Holiday Plants

Many plants associated with the holidays are harmful to our furry friends. This means sick dog winter hazards can put a real damper on your holiday festivities.

Mistletoe - Mistletoe can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, shock and death within hours of ingestion.

Poinsettia - Research has been done that shows this plant is not as harmful as once believed, it does produce an irritating milky sap that is harmful hen swallowed. Holly - The leaves and berries of the holly plant are harmful if swallowed. Signs of ingestion include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Lilies - These plants can cause irreversible kidney damage.

3. Foods

Yeast dough - The ingestion of raw yeast dough can lead to serious alcohol intoxication due to the fermentation process. The rising of the dough in your dog can also cause bloat, a potentially deadly disorder.

Coffee - Liquid coffee, coffee beans, espresso and other coffee products are harmful. The caffeine in these products does not react with a dog’s system the same way it reacts with a person’s system. Caffeine causes seizures, diarrhoea, erratic heart rates and death in canines.

Macadamia nuts - These nuts, often found in cookies around the holiday season, cause muscle weakness, tremors, and vomiting.

Chocolate - While all types of chocolate are hazardous to your dog, baking chocolate is the most lethal. Baking chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine, an ingredient in chocolate that is hazardous to dogs. In high doses, chocolate causes epileptic seizures and death.

4) Cold Temperatures

Hypothermia - If your dog is left outside for any extended period of time during the winter months in cold weather climates, be alert for signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a severe drop in body temperature. If you suspect your dog may have hypothermia, wrap him up in a warm blanket and bring him inside. A warm bath may help as well. Frozen Water Dish - If your dog’s water is left outside in the cold, chances are the water in his water bowl will freeze. Without fresh water, dogs can dehydrate. Exercise - Pets, like people, tend to get less exercise in the cooler months. Create indoor activities you can perform with your pet to keep you both in shape. Grooming – It’s so important to brush, comb and bath or wipe your furry companion down. They love to be touched and have their tummy rubbed. Having them clean and smelling good makes it more enjoyable for everyone.

Sleeping area – Dogs are pack animals, they like to be in the same area as everyone else. Keep their bedding in your room and let them sleep in the same room. If their collars make noise, take it off

Some animals migrate, some travel short distances, other go thousands of miles. Migrating animals usually use the same routes year after year–from generation to generation. Land animals cross mountains, rivers, and vast tracks of land. Birds, bats, and insects fly long distances, sometimes crossing entire continents or oceans. Swimming animals frequently migrate half way across the world!

Whatever trails we take as we move into fall and winter may they each be safe and carefree!

Happy Trails!