Ah, Fall. Leaves falling, pumpkin spice, the sights, the smells the tastes…. However, depending on where you live and where you exercise with your dog, you may need to watch out for some potentially toxic fall flora.
Apples: Generally safe for dogs and cats to eat, but the seeds do contain very small amounts of cyanide. While cyanide toxicity is rare, pets can experience diarrhea and vomiting after eating apple parts. Moreover, dogs that try to eat spoiled apples that have been left to ferment on the ground are at risk of alcohol toxicity.
Acorns: Though dogs and cats are unlikely to eat enough acorns to cause long-term damage, the ASPCA notes that these seeds contain high concentrations of tannins. When ingested, these tannins can cause gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
Mushrooms: Wild mushrooms are tricky. Some are harmless but many cause stomach upset. And some can cause serious, long-term damage, including death. Thus, the safest course of action is to regularly scan your pet’s path for fresh fungi and to give them a wide berth if spotted.
Candy/Chocolate: No, you won’t find these on your next jaunt through the woods, but keep an eye out for discarded treats left on the ground along city streets and parks. Dogs should always avoid sugar, and chocolate in particular can be deadly to a pup’s system. If you don’t want to spend your Halloween in the Pet ER, keep your inquisitive dog’s sniffer away from any/all candy.
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