1 week Ago By [email protected] (Ketsuda Phoutinane)
Taking your dog on a brisk stroll in autumn to take in the golden light, blue skies and changing leaves is one of the loveliest parts of the season. However, a peaceful autumnal stroll can turn 'perilous' due to the unforeseen risks that come with the season, according to animal experts. As trees turn colour and shed their leaves, our furry friends will also be attracted to dangerous items that may be littering the ground.
Woofz, a dog and puppy training app, report over 60% of British families spending more time outdoors with their pets during autumn, and many unknowingly expose their pets to life-threatening hazards hidden in parks. To help dog owners avoid unnecessary trips to the vet, Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer at Woofz, highlights some commonly overlooked dangers in parks and offers tips on how to keep your furry friend safe. For one, she says rat poisons can be just as tempting - and dangerous - to dogs as well as rodents.
The hidden dangers in parks: what dog owners need to know this autumn As the sun departs, rodents search for somewhere warm to wait out the colder weather. Park management uses poisonous bait to keep them out of garbage cans, storage sheds, and toilet facilities – but it’s often highly enticing and highly toxic to dogs, too. Before letting your four-legged fri end off-lead, check with management to find out what they’re using and where they’re using it.
Avoid bait stations, and keep some activated charcoal at home, just in case. As trees shed, nuts, acorns, and chestnuts litter the ground. Not only can they block airways and intestines if swallowed, but many varieties are poisonous, causing stomach issues in the best case scenario and organ damage in the worst.
To stop your pet from picking up fallen nuts, a flawless “leave it” command is vital. If in doubt, steer well clear of oak and chestnut trees. Piles of leaves seem to call our pets to jump in and roll around, but there’s no knowing what dangers lurk beneath - broken glass, metal shards, hedgehog nests, and ticks looking for a warm host to cling to.
While you wait for autumn’s leaves to blow away, stick to paved or well-maintained paths. If venturing off the beaten track, use a pair of dog boots to protect your furry friend’s feet. While some animals, like squirrels, prepare to hunker down for winter, others, such as deer, are busy searching for a mate – and can become aggressive if disturbed.
For the safety of your pet and the park’s wildlife, use a short leash when advised, keep a dog whistle handy to discourage chasing, and never let your dog off the leash unless they have a reliable recall. Remember, dog whistles only work if your dog has been trained to respond to them!.
