Fall is a wonderful time of year in Colorado. Daytime temps are just right for enjoying the outdoors with your best furry friend. Why not head to the mountains for a long hike to take in the Fall colors under the blue sky? Both you and your four legged buddy can take in the fresh air and natures beauty. It is a great way to escape the stress of everyday life for a bit and just ENJOY. While you are out in nature with your dog (or cat), remember to always keep them on a leash. The leash may be long, but they have to always be under your control. This is for both their safety and the safety of the wildlife around you. I have run into rattle snakes on hikes with my Yorkie, without the leash he very easily could have suffered a life threatening bite.
If hiking is not your thing, then possibly heading to the nearest community walking path to enjoy the beautiful day? My town of Loveland and surrounding area have many options to choose from. I prefer walking my dog on paths or trails where there are only a few others. However, remember the rules of walking your dog among other walkers. Keep him near you when passing a walker or biker so that he does not interfere with other people’s enjoyment of the outing. When passing another dog, you need to watch closely to make sure the other dog is being controlled. Of course, you need to make sure to control your pet as well. People will say “Oh he is friendly” about their furry friend, however the chemistry between your two dogs may evoke a negative reaction. You just never know and it is always better to be on the defensive side when it comes to the safety of your beloved pet. I had my Yorkie out in a park one time on his leash when a girl came along with two large dogs off-leash. The park had leash rules but she was carrying the leashes. They may have been friendly and most likely were fine with other people, however I picked up my little guy and found a different place in the park to walk. One bite could have been lethal for him. The most interesting pet I passed on a walking path was a beautiful large blue parrot that a man had in a mesh bird cage strapped on his chest. He said the bird enjoyed his walks and getting out in the fresh air.
Halloween is coming, a few things to keep in mind for pets.
Remember that chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Chocolate contains chemicals called methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine. These chemicals are stimulants that can lead to cardiovascular and neurological stimulation in dogs. It can cause rapid breathing and feelings of restlessness. It’s very similar to a person taking too much caffeine.
A small amount of chocolate ingestion might produce only a bit of vomiting or diarrhea, but large ingestions can cause seizures and even death.
Chocolate poisoning in dogs has clear clinical signs.
The most common signs include:
- Stage 1: At 20+ mg of theobromine per kg (9 mg/lb) of body weight, your dog may look agitated or be hyperactive. He may also drool excessively, vomit, or have diarrhea, which may smell like chocolate. Be on the safe side: call your veterinarian. He will tell whether you should perform first aid or bring him in for treatment.
- Stage 2: At 40+ mg/kg (18 mg/lb), your dog may show cardiac signs including racing heart rate, high blood pressure, or even heart arrhythmias. Get your dog to a veterinarian.
- Stage 3: At 60+ mg/kg (27 mg/lb), your dog will start to show neurologic signs, including tremors, twitching, and even seizures. Medical care is essential.
- Stage 4: At 200 mg/kg (approximately 90 mg/lb) is when death or serious complications can happen. Your dog will need to be in the hospital.
Chocolate is equally dangerous to cats. They are very sensitive to the theobromine in chocolate.
Call your vet if he consumes chocolate.
Chocolate Toxicity Levels in Cats
| Type of Chocolate | Minimum Amount That Can Be Toxic to an 8 lb. Cat |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1.14 oz (or 32.3 g) |
| Dark | 0.5 oz (or 14.2 g) |
| Semisweet | 0.5 oz (or 14.2 g) |
| Baking | 0.2 oz (or 5.7 g) |
| White | Not a concern |
Pumpkin, on the other hand, is good for your dogs and cats.
Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs and cats. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat. Besides being a natural stomach soother, pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dog’s digestive tract.
- Pumpkin pulp is naturally low in calories and sodium.
Pumpkin pulp is naturally high in antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein that support eye health and healthy skin and coat as well as potassium and Vitamins C and E. It’s particularly high in Vitamin A. Eating pumpkin pulp can support your dog’s immune system with potential to help fight off some diseases and infections. - Pumpkin can act as a prebiotic that feeds the friendly bacteria in your dog’s gut, which helps with everything from colon function to the immune system.
- Pumpkin’s blend of soluble and insoluble fiber can be an effective remedy for both diarrhea and constipation.
- Pumpkin pulp’s fibers can help prevent anal gland irritation, which can mean fewer trips to the vet. Adding a little pumpkin to your dog’s diet can also help your dog maintain a healthy weight because the fiber in pumpkin can help your dog feel fuller for longer.
- Pumpkin seeds are rich in Omega-fatty acids and in consultation with your vet might be used to treat parasites, dislodge kidney stones, and help control urinary incontinence.
Trick or Treat?
Just a few more things to think about related to your pet and Halloween
- Safeguard the candy dish from the possibility of Fido helping himself.
- Safeguard your pet from being able to escape out the front door while you greet Trick-or-Treaters.
- If your dog does not like children, keep him completely away from them by putting him in another safe area. Never take a chance that he may bite a child. Not all children know how to treat dogs and could evoke a nip. Not only will a child be hurt, but you could face a lawsuit.
Enjoy the Fall weather, have fun at Halloween, and if you decide to take some time away from home please give us a call. We will take care of your pets just as they were our own. We provide day care as well as overnight stays in your home.
Call us at (970) 297-8689 Check us out at Inside And Out Pet Care