November is a lovely time to go on walks but, when you’re out and about with your dog, there are some things you need to do to keep them safe. Vets have warned four common items lying around can be toxic to your pets, and you need to keep your animals away from them during the colder months of the year.
Advice has been shared by the Pet Health Club, which posts a lot of pet approved advice to help people look after their animals in the best way possible. Recently, it shared what people need to do to ensure their dogs don’t become ill due to toxic items lying around outside.
It’s not the only information dog owners need to take note of either. Little you may know, there are various dog-related health risks that arise during the autumn months.
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Antifreeze
Perhaps not surprisingly, antifreeze is highly poisonous to dogs and can be fatal even in small amounts. The main toxin, ethylene glycol, has a sweet taste that can attract dogs, but it can lead to irreversible kidney damage.
It can even cause death if not treated immediately. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, disorientation and excessive urination. Speedy veterinary care is critical if your dog has consumed any.
Wild mushrooms
Various wild mushrooms are poisonous to dogs and can cause severe illness or death. It can be super hard for even experts to tell the difference between poisonous mushrooms and edible ones.
For this reason, it’s best to assume all wild mushrooms are harmful so ensure your dog doesn’t eat them. If your dog ever consumes a wild mushroom, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Compost and garden mulch
Both compost and some types of garden mulch can be poisonous to dogs. This is mainly due to the mould that produces dangerous mycotoxins.
Ingesting these toxins can cause severe health problems, such as tremors, seizures and even death.
Compost bins are particularly risky as they contain a mixture of decaying food and organic matter that can be highly appealing to dogs; however, it’s also a breeding ground for toxic moulds.
Conkers and acorns
Conkers and acorns are poisonous to dogs and can lead to various problems from mild stomach upset to severe and potentially fatal issues if consumed. They contain toxins such as aesculin in conkers and tannic acid in acorns.
Due to the fact that they’re large and hard in size, they also present a choking hazard or can cause an intestinal blockage. You should always be mindful of them when you’re out and about on walks.
If you think your dog has consumed anything that may be toxic, contact your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Tell them everything you know, as well as what symptoms they may be experiencing.
Never take matters into your own hands. You always need to speak to a professional for advice.
