The autumn air is turning crisp and cooler temperatures can make it easier for dogs to spend more time outside with their owners. But you might want to think twice about letting your dog jump into that big pile of leaves.
Fall brings some unexpected outdoor health hazards for dogs, veterinarians warn, including activities that appear fun on the surface. Every year, vets see dogs show up with injuries incurred after diving into piles of foliage that were obscuring dangerous items, like sharp sticks, metal fencing, rakes and other debris, said Joanna Woodnutt, a veterinary surgeon based in the United Kingdom. Around this time of year, Woodnutt sees more owners let their dogs off-leash, because the cooler weather allows dogs to run more without getting too tired.
“People go to the park, let them off the lead and they run,” she said, adding, “it's surprisingly common for owners to even encourage them to jump through the leaves.”
Acorns and fruit that fall from trees can also harm your dog if ingested, Woodnutt warned. During this colder part of the year, older dogs, especially those with arthritis need to be kept warm and comfortable as well, she said.
“It's a really picturesque time of year, we're able to get out a bit more more with our dogs, but there are a few important things to bear in mind when we do,” Woodnutt said.
Inspect leaf piles for hazards
Woodnutt said she has seen dogs impaled by sharp objects after jumping into leaf piles. If a large, sharp stick goes through a dog's chest or stomach, it could be fatal, she said.
Similarly, veterinarian Dana Varble told USA TODAY she sees dogs come into clinics with more paw injuries and scratches. Autumn often brings more burrs and sticks that can get caught in a dog's fur, sometimes requiring emergency fur trims, she said.
