The autumn season not only starts a change of leaves and temperature but also a handful of potential toxins for dogs, cats and even horses.
How easily your pet can be exposed to these toxins depends on how much access they have to them.
It is important to know which potential autumn toxins are lurking in your home, farm or garage so you can keep all pets safe during the fall season.
Key dealers
- Many common household and farm articles can be toxic to pets, especially during the autumn season, including rodents, antifreeze and some fungi.
- Symptoms of toxin intake vary with toxin but usually include vomiting, lethargy and cramps.
- Red maple leaves are very toxic to horses, especially when they withered or dried.
- Immediate veterinary attention is crucial. Call your veterinarian or pet poison line if you suspect exposure.
Most common autumn toxins toxic to pets
While lots of everyday articles pose a risk for both cats and dogs all year round, it is important during the autumn season to check your home, garage and even outdoor space for the following toxins:
Rodent
Rodenticides, also known as mouse, rat or molbet, are usually found in garages, farms, houses and even barns. Rodenticides are found in hard or soft blocks, pellets, worms or liquids.
The drugs that rodents contain (anticoagulants, brometaline, cholecalciferol and phosphides) are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. And since these grazing are flavored to attract rodents, they also attract our pets.
It is important to place these pest control products in plastic stations, which help reduce the risk of exposure to nose dogs or cats. Leaving rodents in the open increases the risk of accidental intake.
The type of rodents consumed will determine the signs of toxicity in a pet. Depending on the type of rodents, ingested symptoms may include:
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Unexpected bleeding in abdomen, chest cavity and/or other areas
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An increase in drinking and urination
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Lack of appetite
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Lethargy
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Body shakes
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Fittings
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Coma
Due to the differences in rodents, it is best to contact Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian to determine the next step.
Malbollar
Malbolls protect our clothes from annoying grinds when our garments are stored in containers. They are often used in storage compartments that hold clothes in wardrobes and garages. There are two main types of grinding balls: those with the parades and those with the naphthalene.
Depending on the ingredients, malbolls can affect the central nervous system and damage red blood cells, liver and kidneys.
Pets that occupy malnum balls containing paradiklor bones may develop signs of toxicity within 24 hours of intake, including:
If emergency veterinary care is received early, the forecast is generally good. But if the treatment is not started directly, death is possible.
If your dog or cat takes in a malboll containing the naphthable, symptoms can develop within a few hours or be delayed up to seven days. These characters may include:
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Vomiting
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Lethargy
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Fittings
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Breathing difficulties
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Pale gums
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Increase in drinking and urination, lack of appetite, yellow discoloration of the skin or vomiting and lethargy, which may be signs of kidney and/or liver problems
Forecasting is generally good with early intervention, but intake of malbollar containing the naphthalene can be fatal if the treatment is delayed.
Sponge
While mushrooms can grow all year round, cases are a popular time to see them sprout on farms. Different types of fungi are toxic to both dogs and cats, so it is important when you seek medical care to try to determine which fungus your pet took.
The type of fungus will also determine which symptoms your pet will experience, so it is best to contact Pet Poison Helpline and/or your veterinarian to determine the next step.
Fungal poisoning in dogs and cats is considered a medical emergency, so seek urgent veterinary help if you think your dog or cat has taken some type of fungus.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Frost protection agents refer to a liquid that is added to a motor cooling system – usually by mixing it with water – to prevent freezing at low temperatures.
Frost protection agents are generally found in cars, in a garage or in driveway. Active ingredients include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or other alcohols. Ethylene glycol is very toxic and is fatal when taken by a cat or dog.
Within a few hours after the intake of frost protection agents, dogs and cats will develop vomiting, increased thirst and urination, ataxia and seizures.
If you think your cat or dog has taken any form of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately to determine the next step.
Compost piles
Compost piles may contain toxic foods or plants, depending on what is composted.
When certain products – including milk food and decaying organic material – are composed, mold can grow and toxins called three -corgium mycotoxins can be produced from these molds.
Symptoms of tremorgium mycotoxin poisoning usually occur within an hour after intake but can be delayed for up to three or four hours. Characters may include ataxia, shaking or seizures. If treated quickly, the prognosis is generally good.
Maple leaves
If you own a horse, think of red maple leaves if they are present in your area, as horses can get sick with maple leaf poisoning. A toxin is found in withered and dried red maple leaves and causes the destruction of red blood cells if it is consumed by a horse, leading to anemia.
Clinical signs include reddish brown urine, pale yellow or dark brown gums, difficulty breathing and weakness. Emergency veterinary care is crucial, as the condition can be fatal without treatment.
Forecasting is good if a horse is treated before signs begin, but after clinical signs appear to be the prognosis even with aggressive treatment.
Signs of toxin poisoning in pets
If your pet takes a toxin, the symptoms will vary depending on the type of toxin. General signs of poisoning in all animals may include:
What to do if your pet takes a toxin
If your pet is exposed to any toxin, immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 to determine the next step.
It is important to gather as much information as possible about the toxin and how much exposure your pet may have had for it. If you can, find any packaging, receipt, photos or pieces of toxin when discussing it with Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian.
It's OK if you don't have any of this information available. Getting your pet immediate help is the most important step when a toxin is taken.
Keep your pet safe from autumn toxins
By recognizing ordinary toxins during the fall season, you can increase your vigilance when you limit or eliminate them from your pet's environment.
Ideally, rodents should be stored in bet stations and not be placed freely in the environment or buried, as our pets can smell the curls and dig them up.
While betting helps to limit access, some dogs are cunning and will still have access to the station's content – always monitors your pet outside if they usually get into these types of things.
Malbolls and frost protection agents should always be stored away from pets. When emptying or disposing of antifreeze, place it in a container with a lid and from your pet's access. Clean spilled frostscreen as soon as possible.
Mushrooms should be removed and the compost should be kept separate from your house day area. If your dog has access to the compost zone, use fence or close monitoring to prevent contact with toxins. You can also keep your puppy secure in an outdoor play pen when you monitor them outdoors.
During the autumn season, it is important to stay aware of all toxins in your house or outdoors. By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your pet safely from seasonal risks and together enjoy everything the case has to offer.
