Paws and Pumpkins: Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy This Autumn
Autumn is a magical time of year, with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cozy outdoor activities. As the weather changes, so do the seasonal risks that can affect our four-legged friends which can make keeping your dog safe a bit of a challenge. If you couldn’t tell, I am a very over-protective dog mom of the incredible miniature golden doodle, Dr. Callie Torres! Yes, Grey’s Anatomy fans, she is named after the infamous character. From falling leaves to cool-weather festivities, here’s how to make sure your dog stays safe and happy all autumn long.
1. Watch Out for Seasonal Toxins
Autumn brings some unique hazards, especially when it comes to what your dog might sniff out or nibble on during a walk. Fallen mushrooms, moldy leaves, and acorns can all pose risks. Many mushrooms, for example, can be toxic to dogs and may cause digestive issues or, in extreme cases, neurological symptoms if ingested. Acorns can also cause stomach upset, and their high tannin content may lead to toxicity in large amounts.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on your dog when out in wooded or grassy areas, and discourage them from eating anything they find on the ground.
2. Be Careful with Seasonal Foods
With autumn comes a bounty of seasonal foods that are great for humans but dangerous for dogs. Halloween candy, especially chocolate and candies with xylitol, can be highly toxic. Thanksgiving brings the temptation of table scraps, but foods like cooked bones, onions, garlic, and fatty dishes are best kept out of reach. Even fall favorites like pumpkin pie should be avoided (though plain, cooked pumpkin is a safe and healthy treat!).
Pro Tip: If your dog likes to join the festivities, try safe, dog-friendly treats, like a bit of plain pumpkin puree or a dog biscuit flavored with cinnamon and peanut butter.
3. Mind the Temperature Drops
While many dogs love the cooler temperatures, remember that sudden temperature shifts can affect them. Thin-coated or smaller breeds may feel the cold more than their larger or thick-coated counterparts. On chilly days, consider a sweater or a light jacket for shorter-haired dogs to help them stay warm.
Pro Tip: Even if your dog loves fall weather, monitor their comfort level. When it’s damp or windy, limit time outdoors, as wet fur and chilly winds can make them cold faster.
4. Keep an Eye on Fall Decorations
Fall decorations like scented candles, decorative corn, wreaths, and potpourri are popular, but they can pose hazards if ingested or knocked over by curious pups. Candles can be easily tipped over, causing burns or fires, and potpourri may contain toxic ingredients or oils.
Pro Tip: Place fall decorations out of your dog’s reach, especially if they’re prone to investigate new items. Flameless candles are a pet-safe option for creating ambiance.
5. Visibility is Key with Shorter Days
As autumn progresses, daylight hours get shorter, making it more challenging to keep an eye on your dog during evening walks. To keep them safe and visible in low light, consider using a reflective collar, leash, or even a small LED light on their harness. Reflective gear is especially important if you’re near any roads or busy areas.
Pro Tip: Bring a flashlight on walks, and keep your dog’s ID tags up-to-date, so they’re easy to locate if they wander off after dark.
6. Watch Out for Fleas and Ticks
While fleas and ticks are often thought of as summer pests, they can be active well into the fall. Ticks, in particular, are hardy and can survive in cooler weather, hiding in piles of leaves or tall grasses. To protect your dog, continue their flea and tick preventatives throughout the fall months.
Pro Tip: After walks or outdoor play, especially in wooded or grassy areas, check your dog for ticks and brush away any debris from their fur.
7. Be Mindful of Halloween and Fireworks
Halloween can be a stressful time for dogs, with strangers in costumes knocking on the door and lots of commotion. Fireworks on Halloween night or other fall celebrations can also cause anxiety in some dogs. If your dog gets anxious, consider setting them up in a quiet room with calming toys, soft music, or a comfortable bed where they can feel safe.
Pro Tip: Keep chocolate and candy bowls out of reach and, if needed, talk to your vet about calming products to help with holiday stress.
With a little extra caution, autumn can be a wonderful season to enjoy with your furry companion. From colorful hikes to cozy nights in, there’s so much for you and your dog to explore and enjoy together. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your dog stays safe and happy while making the most of this beautiful season. Happy autumn adventures! 🍁🐾
8 School Lunch Hacks You and Your Kids Will Love
It’s back to school time! And with it comes so much stress and so many expenses! (This list will help you save money.) Check out these school lunch hacks your kids will love, and you’ll love to make!
So. Much. Stress.
I’ve learned to compartmentalize my issues so I tackle just one at a time. It helps me from becoming overwhelmed. Helps. And I can use all the help I can get. (Like these great items every mom needs for back to school!)
One thing that used to really give me anxiety is packing my kids’ lunch. When my daughter was in kindergarten, she wouldn’t eat a sandwich. (I mean, really? No peanut butter and jelly, no turkey and cheese, not even grilled cheese!) That was a challenge I tackled, and feel I won. Both she and my son were known for their fun little “bento box” lunches that included kabobs and deconstructed sandwiches.
You do what you have to do.
Thank GOD for the internet. I was on every mom blog, Instagram, and TikTok I could find to figure out how to be creative with healthy foods for the kids. Okay, relatively healthy foods. They are kids. My goal was to get a fruit and or vegetable in them at lunch. I knew the carbohydrates and proteins would be a little easier.
Don’t break the bank.
But here’s the thing. You know as well as I do that eating healthy foods that are fun and enticing to kids can be easy if you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg for them. It’s a real shame that junk food is so much more accessible and more cost-effective than real food. But our kids have enough hurdles to overcome, especially at the beginning of the school year. So, let’s take this one for them.
Don’t reinvent the wheel.
And getting creative with your kids’ school lunches doesn’t have to take up all your time and energy, either. Don’t reinvent the wheel. There are others who came before you (who somehow have time to create snazzy social media posts) who really want to help. Use their ideas and let’s do what’s best for our kids.
School Lunch Hacks Your Kids Will Love:
