10 Autumn Trends That Could Be Hurting Your Pets

If you are anything like me, your pets are your best friends, and you would never intentionally do anything that could hurt them.  Sadly, lurking around our homes are items that can make our besties sick, even without us knowing it.  

Autumn is when humans need to be cozy and warm and start craving things that make us nostalgic for past autumns, like pumpkin pie, bonfires, crackling leaves beneath our feet, and snuggly flannel jackets.  

It’s important to know which of our favorite fall activities are bad for our pets so we can do our best to keep them healthy.  Luckily, Pet Insurance Company, Waggle, has created a list of things to watch out for this year as the weather turns from summer to fall. 

1. Autumn Scented Candles and Air Fresheners

I am guilty of running out to the store and grabbing the yummiest fall candle I can get the first day I see a leaf fall.  I love being at home with the fireplace going, and scents of cinnamon or apple filling the air.  

According to pet experts, many common candle ingredients and strong fragrances are potentially harmful to pets. Andrew Leal, CEO of Waggle, states “Candles are made from paraffin wax, which can release harmful toxins into the air when burned; these include benzene, acetaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde, and acrolein. Animals are often more sensitive to these than humans due to their smaller size and faster metabolism.”

He adds, “Synthetic fragrances and oils found in many seasonal products can aggravate respiratory issues in pets. Some oils can be poisonous if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.”

Leal warns that certain popular autumn scents can be especially problematic. “Fragrances like eucalyptus, peppermint, clove, tea tree, wintergreen, and pine might smell delightful to us, but they can be overwhelming or even toxic to pets. What seems pleasant to us could be overpowering for them and potentially lead to toxicity”.

2. Toxic Flowers and Plants

Many popular houseplants, including some autumn favorites like chrysanthemums, can be poisonous to pets if ingested, causing symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, loss of coordination. 

Another popular plant, the autumn crocus, if ingested, can lead to more serious issues such as gastrointestinal distress, respiratory failure, and even kidney or liver damage. 

Additionally, certain varieties of lilies, which may bloom into the fall, are extremely harmful to cats and can cause acute kidney failure. 

3. Cleaning Products

While effective at keeping our homes spotless, many common household cleaning products can harm pets if not used and stored carefully. Bleach, for example, is often found in bathroom and kitchen cleaners, and exposure to it can lead to severe irritation in a pet’s eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

Products with ammonia—another frequent ingredient in floor and glass cleaners—release fumes that can cause respiratory distress, especially in cats and dogs with sensitive noses. 

Disinfectant sprays and wipes containing phenols are particularly unsafe for pets as phenols can cause liver damage if ingested. 

Even some “natural” cleaners with essential oils like tea tree or citrus can be toxic to pets, leading to symptoms from mild drooling to severe gastrointestinal and neurological issues. 

To keep pets safe, it’s best to look for pet-safe cleaning options or ensure areas are well-ventilated, with cleaned surfaces completely dry before pets are allowed near them.

4. Human Medication 

With the cold and flu season often arriving hand in hand with fall, it’s important to keep all medications out of paw reach. Keep all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, safely out of reach. Even common painkillers can be toxic to pets if ingested accidentally.

5. Chocolate 

As you probably already know, Halloween is coming, and chocolate is toxic to dogs.  While a very small amount will probably be ok, you don’t want them raiding the trick-or-treat bowl and overindulging.  

No candy is the best choice for dogs since they do not process sugar like humans do.  

Pure pumpkin, however, in small amounts, can be a yummy treat for dogs and has great health benefits for them, too. Just be sure it doesn’t have additives such as cinnamon in it. 

6. Cooked Bones 

While every pet has probably begged for table scraps at one point or another, it’s important to resist the urge to share. I know those eyes get you every time. Me too.  

It’s especially important not to share bones from cooked meats such as ham and beans.  Cooked bones can splinter easily and tear your pet’s digestive tract. 

7. Trash Cans

Keep all trash cans closed and put them where your pets can’t access them.  This time of year, we have a lot of food waste and garden trimmings that can harm the dogs.  I thought I was clever getting a trash can with a motion sensor lid until my 5-month-old pup learned he could open it, too! 

8. Seasonal Decorations

As people start to decorate for autumn, they should be mindful of dangling cords and small ornaments that pets might chew on or swallow.

Pinecones that smell like cinnamon might seem like tempting chew toys but can make your pup sick.  Additionally, ornaments stored all year in a garage or attic may contain mold or dust that can make your pets unwell. 

9. Insecticides and rodenticides

Cooler weather might bring pests indoors, so ensure pest control products are pet-safe and securely stored.

For us in the Pacific Northwest, October means spider season, and we do all we can to keep them away from the house.  Our pest guys always warn us where they’ve placed the product and to keep the pets inside for approximately 30 minutes after it’s applied. 

Keep loaded mice traps away from areas pets frequent, or they might try to get a little taste of cheese or peanut butter and activate the trap on their nose, tongue, or paws. 

10. Essential oils

While popular for creating a cozy atmosphere, essential oils can be toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled in high concentrations.

When not burning a candle, I often run a diffuser with essential oils. I try to be careful of cinnamon, eucalyptus, or clove, even though I enjoy the smells. 

I also sometimes spray peppermint oil to keep spiders and ants away, but I am careful not to put it where the dogs hang out. I’ll usually spray it along windowsills instead of doorways.

Source: Waggel