Fall Pet Safety: Essential Tips for Pet Pawrents

Fall in Northeast Ohio is magical - crisp air, colorful leaves, football games, bonfires, & pumpkin everything. But as pawrents, it’s important to remember that the same things that make the season cozy & fun can also create hazards for our fur babies. At Fairy Dogmothers, our job is to make sure tails keep wagging safely all year long, so we’ve rounded up a collection of seasonal safety reminders to help you & your pets enjoy fall to the fullest.

Fire Pit & Bonfire Safety 🔥

Cooler nights make for perfect fire pit gatherings, but open flames are a magnet for curious noses & wagging tails. Even after the fire is out, hot embers & ashes can burn paws or cause digestive issues if eaten. Also, be cautious of any snacks you're making on the fire, these can be very tempting to fur babies who don't realize the danger

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Keep pets on a leash or behind a gate during fires, & dispose of cooled ashes in a secured metal container - never let pets sniff or dig in them.

Candy, Treats & Fall Baking 🍫

From Halloween candy bowls to pumpkin pies cooling on the counter, fall brings a surge of tempting (but dangerous) goodies. Chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum & some baked goods), raisins, grapes, & nutmeg can all be toxic to pets.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Set up a “no-paws zone” around your kitchen when baking, & remind guests not to slip Fido a bite under the table.

Leaf Piles Aren’t Always Fun 🍂

Jumping into a big crunchy pile of leaves looks fun, but leaf piles often hide sharp sticks, mold, ticks, or even small critters. Wet leaves can also cause skin irritation if pets roll around in them.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: If your pup can’t resist a leap, keep piles small & make sure to do a thorough head-to-tail check after. Better yet, create a safe “play pile” of freshly raked leaves just for them.

Fleas, Ticks & Fall Pests 🦟

A common myth is that once temperatures drop, flea & tick season ends. Unfortunately, these pests stay active until we’ve had several hard frosts in a row. Deer ticks - which can transmit Lyme disease - are especially active in the fall.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Stay consistent with flea/tick preventatives through late fall, & do a quick head-to-tail check after outdoor play, especially if your pet was romping in tall grass or wooded trails.

Holiday Guests & Open Doors 🚪

From Halloween trick-or-treaters to Thanksgiving family dinners, fall often means more people in & out of your home. With every door that opens, there’s a chance a curious cat or eager pup could slip out unnoticed.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Use baby gates, close off certain rooms, or give pets a comfy “safe zone” with toys, water, & a bed while guests are over. It helps prevent escapes & reduces stress for shy or anxious pets.

Acorns, Mushrooms & Fall Foliage 🌰

Nature is beautiful this time of year, but some seasonal plants are harmful if ingested. Acorns can cause stomach upset or even blockages, & certain wild mushrooms can be toxic (even fatal) to dogs.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Keep a close eye on what pets are sniffing or chewing during walks, & teach a reliable “leave it” command - it’s a lifesaver in more ways than one.

Sudden Weather Changes 🥶

Ohio weather loves to keep us guessing. One day it’s warm, the next we’re grabbing winter coats. Pets feel these sudden swings too - senior pets and short-haired breeds may struggle with joint stiffness or chills in colder weather.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Keep a lightweight pet sweater or jacket handy for cool mornings & evenings, & watch for signs of discomfort like shivering or reluctance to go outside.

Game Day Gatherings 🏈

Football season means tailgates & game-day spreads. While you’re cheering on your team, pets may be eyeing plates full of chicken wings, dip, or beer spills. Many of these snacks can cause pancreatitis or toxicity in pets.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Prepare pet-safe “tailgate snacks” like frozen peanut butter Kongs or shredded carrots so your fur baby feels included without the risks.

Seasonal Décor Hazards 🕯️

Fall decorations make homes festive, but they can pose risks: candles can be knocked over by wagging tails, string lights can be chewed, & fake cobwebs can entangle curious kitties.

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Use flameless candles, keep cords tucked away, & place décor high enough to stay out of paw’s reach.

Keep Choking Hazards Out of Reach 🌽

Corn cobs, apple cores, bones from game-day wings - all can quickly turn into dangerous choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Even strong chewers aren’t immune to getting something lodged where it shouldn’t be. 

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Dispose of food waste in sealed trash cans, our keep trash in areas pets cannot access, remind guests to keep their plates high & their scraps to themselves. A safer alternative? Have pet-friendly chew toys ready for your pup when the feast begins.

Pupdate ID Tags & Microchips 🪪

Fall adventures mean more opportunities for pets to explore (and sometimes wander too far). An up-to-date ID tag and microchip can be the fastest way home if your fur baby ever slips out. Don’t forget: collars and tags wear down over time, and engraving can fade. 

Fairy Dogmothers Pawrent Tip: Take a few minutes this season to double-check that your pet’s tags are readable & your contact info is current on their microchip. Replace anything that looks worn or outdated.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to live in Northeast Ohio - and sharing it with our pets makes it even better. With just a few precautions, you can enjoy everything the season brings without worry.

At Fairy Dogmothers, we’re here to keep your fur babies safe, happy, & loved - whether that’s through daily walks, drop-in visits, or just sharing resources like this. Here’s to cozy nights, long walks with crunchy leaves underfoot, & wagging tails all season long.

With love (& lots of treats),

Kaley Reinhart ✨🐾

CPPS & Fear Free Certified Professional

Owner, Fairy Dogmothers LLC

fairydogmothersllc.com | @fairydogmothersllc