Fall safety tips for pets from Canine Company

Via PRWeb - It’s that time of year again, the leaves are beginning to fall, the days are getting shorter, and children everywhere are getting excited for Halloween.

However, the change in season also means new hazards to be aware of. Canine Company provides pet owners with fall safety tips to help protect their four-legged family members.

Mushrooms are back in full swing and can pose a serious threat to your pet. Although 99% of mushrooms have little to no toxicity, it can be difficult to distinguish the highly toxic mushrooms from those that are harmless. The best practice is to keep your pet away from areas where any mushrooms are growing.

The conker seed is another naturally growing hazard to be aware of. These nuts fall from the horse chestnut tree, and are highly poisonous if chewed or eaten by dogs. Additionally, they can cause a serious blockage if swallowed whole.

Even the compost pile in your yard can also be dangerous to your pet’s health. Mycotoxins found in decomposing materials can cause hyperthermia, diarrhea, vomiting, and even seizures.

With Halloween right around the corner, candy and decorations are plentiful. It is common knowledge that chocolate is toxic to dogs, especially the baking types. Also, be sure to keep you pet away from raisins and treats containing xylitol, the sugar-free sweetener.

Intestinal blockages can be caused from the ingestion of candy wrappers, lollipop sticks, as well as large quantities of pumpkin or decorative corn.

When it comes time for trick-or-treating, be aware that the excitement of the night can be confusing or frightening to pets. Don’t put your pet in a costume unless he or she is used to being dressed up and enjoys the experience. If a pet’s fur is covered, it can be difficult to read their body language when they are uncomfortable in a situation.

If you decide to keep your pet at home, try to mask the trick-or-treating activity at the front door. Put your pet in a closed room with music or the TV on and be sure to close the curtains. This will help your pet stay calm while groups of children come to your door.

For more tips on pet care and safety, follow Canine Company on Facebook at or on Twitter @Canine_Company.

Canine Company is a family of pet lovers dedicated to fostering rewarding, lifelong relationships between pets and their owners by providing products and services to keep pets happy, healthy, and safe. For more information, visit http://www.caninecompany.com/