Autumn & Winter Hazards: Keep Your Pets Safe!
As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, we all start enjoying cosy evenings, walks through crunchy leaves, and the excitement of the festive season. But did you know this time of year can also bring a few hidden dangers for our pets?
From wild mushrooms in the park to festive chocolates at home, there are several seasonal toxins that can make our furry friends unwell. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and how to help your pets stay safe this season.
🍄 Wild Mushrooms
Autumn’s damp weather is perfect for mushrooms to pop up — and while they may look pretty, some species can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause tummy upsets, drooling, or more serious illness.
👉 Top tip:
Keep your dog on a lead when walking in wooded or grassy areas and check your garden regularly for mushrooms. If your pet manages to eat one, don’t wait to see what happens — call your vet straight away and, if safe, take a photo or sample to help identify it.
🧤 Rodenticides (Rat & Mouse Poison)
As temperatures drop, mice and rats look for warm places to hide — meaning many people start using rodenticides around sheds, garages, and homes. Sadly, these poisons are just as dangerous for our pets if eaten directly or through a poisoned rodent.
Signs can include weakness, bleeding, pale gums, or collapse — sometimes several days after exposure.
👉 Keep your pets safe:
Use pet-safe traps wherever possible, store products securely, and contact your vet immediately if you think your pet might have come into contact with poison.
🌱 Compost & Garden Waste
Compost heaps and garden waste might not seem harmful, but as organic matter breaks down, it can produce mycotoxins — substances that can make pets very ill if ingested. Symptoms may include vomiting, shaking, and seizures.
👉 Keep compost bins sealed and make sure pets can’t dig through discarded food or garden trimmings.
🌸 Autumn Bulbs & Seasonal Plants
Planting spring bulbs like crocus, daffodils, and tulips is a lovely autumn ritual — but they’re not so lovely for pets! If eaten, these bulbs (and the plants that grow from them) can cause drooling, vomiting, and tummy pain.
👉 Keep bulbs stored safely before planting and try to discourage digging in freshly planted areas.
🍫 Chocolate & Festive Treats
With Halloween, Christmas, and plenty of treats around, chocolate becomes a common temptation for both humans and pets. But remember — chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, especially dark varieties, which contain high levels of theobromine.
Even small amounts can cause vomiting, restlessness, or more serious problems like tremors or heart issues. Other festive hazards include raisins, xylitol (in sugar-free sweets), and alcohol.
👉 Simple rule: Keep chocolates, sweets, and gift baskets well out of reach, and remind children that sharing isn’t always caring when it comes to pets!
🚑 What To Do If You’re Worried
If you think your pet might have eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your vet straight away. Quick action can make all the difference. Try to bring the packaging or a photo of the suspected toxin with you — it helps us give the best possible treatment.
❤️ Enjoy the Season Safely
Autumn and winter are full of fun adventures, and with a little extra care, you can keep your pets happy and healthy all season long.
If you ever have any concerns or just want some advice, the teams at Beechwood & Low Waters Veterinary Centres are here to help — give us a call or pop in for a chat.
Stay safe, stay cosy, and give your pets an extra cuddle from us! 🐕🐾🐈