What are the dangers of autumn leaves?

Fallen colorful leaves cover the ground like a blanket. It is pleasant to walk on them, it is pleasant to look at them, but we do not see what is under them. And if we don’t really care about this with our boots, then dogs come into contact with the leaves not only with their paw pads, but also with their nose, and tongue, and maybe even with their whole body. How can such contact be dangerous for them?

• Danger number 1. Sharp and piercing objects

Under the autumn leaves, there may be glass fragments, rebar, or other objects that the dog may injure himself on. Unfortunately, owners usually notice them when the pet is already cut or bruised.

What to do?

Keep your dog on a leash and keep a close eye on the area.

• Danger number 2. Edible – inedible

Dogs are still lovers of picking up all sorts of “nasty things” from the ground. If on a flat road the owner immediately sees the garbage and takes the dog away from it, then it is much more difficult to notice the “treasure” under the leaves. But the dog – thanks to the amazing sense of smell – will not have such a problem!

Picking up food from the ground is very dangerous for a pet. The simplest thing that he can get from such a “delicacy” is indigestion and helminthiases, and the most dangerous is a severe infection or poisoning, which in some cases can cost the pet his life.

What to do?

Teach your pet not to pick up food from the ground, work out the commands “you can” and “fu”. Walk on a leash. If the dog is still trying to pick up litter, put on a muzzle.

• Danger number 3. Puddles and dirt

You will say that without them in the fall, nowhere and the dog will get dirty anyway. But it’s not about cleanliness, but about the reagent with which they begin to treat the streets in the fall. Autumn leaves mix with mud and puddles, accumulate reagent. And he, in turn, remains on the paws of the dog, causing cracks and dermatitis.

What to do?

Wash paws with warm water after each walk. Use special protective wax for paws.

• Danger number 4. Ticks and fleas

We know that fleas are dangerous all year round. But ticks do not disappear with the departure of summer either. They only hibernate when the temperature drops below 5 C outside. Until that happens, they are still dangerous and autumn leaves are a great place to meet them.

What to do?

Treat your dog regularly for fleas and ticks.

• Danger number 5. hypothermia

Autumn is rich in weather changes, winds and rains. The dog has every chance to freeze on the street, catch a cold or get an exacerbation of chronic diseases. Wallowing in leaves (that is, on cold and damp ground) contributes to this.

What to do?

Don’t let your pet get cold. Protect from moisture. Use special clothing.

Taking these recommendations into account, you will give your dog a wonderful – and, most importantly – safe, autumn. Happy walking!