The fall season is in the air.
Cooler temperatures are coming and days are getting shorter, which means families are starting to bring seasonal items into the home.
Some of those seasonal items, however, may be toxic to our pets. The BCSPCA has published a list of items to keep away and out-of-reach from pets this autumn.
Antifreeze
As cool weather sets in, many are sa国际传媒渨interizingsa国际传媒� their cars and boats with antifreeze. This, however, is fatal for pets. The BCSPCA said that as little as a teaspoon for a cat or two for dogs, depending on the animalsa国际传媒檚 size, can kill them.
The advice is to keep pets away from antifreeze and to clean up spills on driveways and hard surfaces before pets can get to them.
Candles
Candles made out of paraffin wax or ones that have a lead wick or release synthetic oil and fragrances can be toxic to pets.
sa国际传媒淔ragrances and/or oil can aggravate existing respiratory illnesses like asthma in your pets due to harmful toxins, such as naphthalene or phthalates,sa国际传媒� the organization said.
sa国际传媒淎dditionally, pets can be susceptible to burns from lit candles and hot wax.sa国际传媒�
Candles made out of coconut, soy or other vegetable-based wax with unbleached cotton wicks are not harmful for pets.
Chocolate and candy
Fall means Halloween, which in turn means an abundance of candy and chocolate, which can result in significant illness for your dog or cat.
Cats and dogs cansa国际传媒檛 metabolize the chemicals found in chocolate well, and other ingredients found in candies release insulin that leads to low blood pressure in pets.
Compost and mulch piles
If your pet ingests some compost, it can result in poisoning as these piles contain decaying organic matter and moulding food products.
sa国际传媒淓ven small amounts ingested can result in tremors or seizures. Signs of ingestion can include drooling, agitation, panting, and vomiting,sa国际传媒� said the organization.
Pumpkin spice
The autumnal favourite contains a blend of spices that may not be toxic to pets in small amounts but can be harmful if pets get to the spice directly.
Pumpkin spice generally contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice. Cinnamon can cause respiratory issues for pets, while nutmeg can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and changes in blood pressure. Cloves can cause liver issues in cats, as well as vomiting, tremors and seizures.
Other items that can cause issues for pets include caffeine and other baked goods due to the sugar and high fat.
If your dog or cat has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.
sa国际传媒淗ow quickly treatment is started can mean the difference between life and death,sa国际传媒� said the BCSPCA.
twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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