Cooler mornings, crunchy leaves and muddy paws—fall might just be a Labrador’s favorite season! But autumn brings a few hazards worth keeping on our radar.
Cavedog (age 11), Evvy (age 4), Hayzel (age 9)
🍄 Watch for wild mushrooms.
Fall moisture can bring mushrooms up almost overnight. Some are toxic to dogs, so don't let your Lab investigate them with his mouth—which, of course, is how a Labrador investigates everything!
🌽 Keep an eye out for corn cobs.
Here in Iowa, harvest season means corn is everywhere. Corn cobs can cause a serious intestinal blockage if swallowed. Be especially watchful along country roads, fields and farmyards.
🐭 Be careful with rodent control.
As temperatures drop, mice start looking for warmer quarters. Keep rodenticides and traps completely inaccessible to pets.
🚗 Antifreeze deserves extra caution.
Even a small spill can be extremely dangerous. Check garages and driveways for leaks and clean spills immediately.
🍫 Keep the Halloween stash out of reach.
Chocolate and sugar-free candy containing xylitol can be dangerous for dogs. And remember—we're talking about Labradors. “Out of reach” needs to mean really out of reach!
🦌 Make your Lab easy to see.
Fall also means hunting season in many rural areas. Bright or reflective gear is a smart choice when walking near fields, timber or other areas where hunting may occur.
🏷️ Check that identification is current.
Make sure tags are readable and your dog's microchip information is up to date. It's a simple job that's easy to forget.
And finally...
🍂 Let them enjoy fall!
Take the walk. Toss the ball. Let them sniff the leaves. Get the muddy paws. Take too many pictures.
These beautiful fall days never seem to last quite long enough. ❤️
What does your Lab love most about fall?
