October is a wonderful time of year for families, and this includes our furry friends! Our team at Caudle Veterinary Clinic has some recommendations to keep your pets safe this spooky season. Keep reading to learn how to keep your pets safe and sound during the fall weather.
October Pet Health Tips
- Pets & Pumpkins: While pumpkin is generally a safe treat for pets in certain circumstances, we recommend keeping safe practices if you are cutting pumpkins around your dog or cat. The stem, leaves, skin, and raw seeds of pumpkin are unsafe for pets, with the rind being of particular concern because it can get stuck in their esophagus or small intestine.
- Keep Pets Away From Candy: Halloween candy often gets strewn about around the house during this time of year, but it is imperative to keep it contained so that your pets stay safe. Chocolate is of course toxic to cats and dogs, and xylitol, a sweetener, is extremely common in Halloween sweets and can cause serious health issues, such as liver damage and hypoglycemia. It can also be tempting to give pets a bite of pumpkin pie, but we also recommend against this.
- Avoid Putting Up Dangerous Decorations: Lights, heavy materials, and other decor can be tempting for cats and dogs to mess with and bite. If you have particularly meddlesome pets, we recommend that you avoid keeping common fall decor, such as open candles and string lights where your pets may jump and knock them down.
- Be Cognizant of Costumes: While it can be truly adorable to see your pet all decked out in a fun Halloween costume, we recommend that pet owners beware of your pets comfort first and foremost. Be careful that there are not small parts that your pet can choke on, and that the costume is not too tight. Some pets may dislike costumes and become agitated, and it is important to take note and remove the costume if so!
Ways To Have Fun With Your Pet This Fall
There are many ways to still enjoy the season with your pet this October! Here are some of our recommendations for our furry friends.
- Hikes and Walks: The more mild temperatures that reach Nashville and surrounding areas during the fall are perfect for taking your pet out for a hike or stroll, as the sidewalks will also be cooler on their sensitive paws! If the weather gets a bit cooler, however, we recommend bundling your pet up for a shorter walk to make sure they stay warm.
- If your pet is more adventurous, we recommend taking them on a lovely hiking trail and exploring all of the natural beauty that Nashville has to offer. Take note to be aware of the mushrooms that pop up and may be hidden under leaves, as many of them can be toxic to pets and hard to identify.
- Tasty, Healthy Treats: While your pet might be begging for a piece of your pumpkin pie or other fall treats, it is important to be aware that it can severely harm. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars including aforementioned xylitol, allspice, and clove, all of which can be toxic.
- For a fun tasty treat for your pet, we recommend giving your pets small amounts of homemade, unseasoned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin, as it has a high fiber content and is full of vitamins and nutrients.
- Fun Games: There are plenty of fun, safe activities you can enjoy with your pet this October! You can let them jump in a pile of leaves in your yard, visit a pet-friendly pumpkin patch, take Halloween photos, or bring them on a cabin trip!
At Caudle Vet Clinic, your pet’s health is of utmost importance to us every month of the year. If you need to make an appointment or have questions for our team about your pet, feel free to reach us at (615) 227-6230 or via our website. We are happy to help you during this spectacular fall season!