Keep Fido Away from Leaf Piles

Although playing in colorful piles of leaves is a fall staple, it can be dangerous for your pup. Read below to find out more!

Why Is It Dangerous?

The biggest autumn danger is old piles of leaves. If they have been sitting around for a while, mold, ticks, bacteria, snakes, and harmful objects can gather. Mold and bacteria can cause runny eyes and itchiness.

Additionally, some types of leaves are dangerous if ingested. For example, wilted or dried red maple leaves can destroy red blood cells if eaten by your pup. A loss of red blood cells causes anemia, kidney damage, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing.

Also, chestnuts and branches can collect in leaf piles. These can cause intestinal blockage. There can also be other dangerous trash and objects in leaf piles that can injure your companion or should not be ingested.

What To Do

It can be hard to prevent Fido from jumping into leaf piles. So, be sure to brush out your pal’s coat and ensure that there are no ticks or debris. It is also a good idea to bathe your furry friend just to be safe. Additionally, if you are unsure if your pup ate any leaves, watch for signs of diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of coordination. If you witness any of these signs, take your companion to the vet for a checkup.

Protection

Keep up with your flea, tick, and worm prevention. This is something you should do regularly and don’t skip it just because temperatures are falling! Fleas and ticks are still active in the cooler weather and don’t die off as many people believe. So, in case Fido gets into a leaf pile, keep up with preventative pest measures.

However, the fall fun doesn’t have to stop! If you can ensure that the leaf piles are fresh and clean, Fido can play away! Just be sure to always check for any dangers, fleas, and ticks.