Pets and Poisons:

WHAT TO KNOW

There’s nothing like the crisp, cool air and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming a break from summer’s hot, sticky weather. But fall also brings a few dangers that can harm our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather hazards, here are some important safety issues to consider.

RODENTICIDES AND PETS

Be cautious when using poisons to kill rodents that seek shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets, and if ingested, the results could be fatal. To protect pets, use only pet-safe alternatives, secure rodenticides in tamper-resistant bait stations out of reach, and always store them in locked cabinets.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND PETS

School supplies like pencils, glue sticks, markers, and erasers can pose risks to pets through ingestions, which can cause intestinal obstructions or poisoning. Pets can also be harmed by items found in backpacks, such as snack foods containing toxic ingredients like xylitol, raisins, or chocolate. To ensure pet safety, store all supplies and food items out of reach in secure locations.

MUSHROOMS AND PETS

Fall is mushroom season, and while 99 percent of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1 percent that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Since most toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from nontoxic ones, the best way to prevent pets from ingesting these poisonous plants is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested a toxic substance, please contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately.

Pet-Friendly Events in Your Area

There are many pet-friendly events and activities taking place in and around Burlington this fall, including costume contests, charity runs, and dog-friendly festivals.

HOWL’WEEN DOG COSTUME CONTEST

WHAT: The annual dog costume contest on the Church Street Marketplace.

WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 12pm

WHERE: Church Street Marketplace

BURLINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET DOG COSTUME CONTEST

WHAT: A dog costume contest hosted in partnership with the Humane Society at the last market of the season.

WHEN: Saturday, October 26, 9am–1pm

WHERE: Burlington Farmers› Market, Pine Street

Don’t Wait—Vaccinate!

Based on potential risks in New England, pets should receive the following vaccinations during the fall to lower the risk of contracting these diseases:

FOR DOGS

Leptospirosis: This bacterial disease spreads through the urine of infected wildlife and is transmitted via contaminated water or soil. With fallen leaves, soggy conditions, and increased wildlife activity in the fall, there›s a higher risk of your dog encountering this dangerous bacteria.

Lyme disease: Ticks, which transmit Lyme disease, remain active in New England until the first hard freeze. As your dog explores piles of leaves and brush, they can easily pick up these pests. The Lyme vaccine is a crucial non-core vaccine for dogs in this region.

Bordetella: Often called “kennel cough,” this vaccine is recommended for dogs that socialize with other canines, whether at a daycare, boarding facility, or dog park. As cooler weather approaches and social activities move indoors during the fall, the risk of airborne transmission increases.

FOR CATS

Feline herpesvirus (FHV): A common, highly contagious viral infection in cats that primarily affects the respiratory and ocular systems. It is spread through direct contact with infected cats or their secretions, such as saliva, nasal discharge, or eye discharge.

Calicivirus: Also highly contagious, calicivirus causes upper respiratory infections with symptoms like sneezing, fever, and discharge from the eyes and nose.

Panleukopenia: Also known as feline distemper, this is a severe gastrointestinal disease that suppresses the immune system.

What to Do for Pets’ Cold-Like Symptoms

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can exhibit cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, and fever. These symptoms often signal an upper respiratory infection, which can stem from various viruses like the canine influenza virus (dog flu) or bacteria like Bordetella. Since symptoms can also indicate more serious conditions like distemper, it is essential to contact a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.