Keep Pets Safe From Fall Hazards

MANHATTAN -- The weather is getting chillier and the days are getting shorter. These signs could be the indication of only one thing: fall.

Fall brings many hazards for pets and pet owners. Dr. Kathy Gaughan, assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, offers some helpful hints to help pet owners keep their pets safe during the season.

Gaughan said that all pets should be acclimated to the cooler weather gradually. "Some people let their pets in during the summer because of the heat," Gaughan said. "If these pet owners expect the pets to go outside because of cooler temperatures, the animals should be slowly adjusted to the outdoors again."

Also, pet owners who expect the pets to be outside a majority of the time should make sure that the pet's shelter is secure. "Make sure that the shelter is windproof and waterproof," Gaughan said. "Owners should also make sure that the animal has enough clean bedding."

One of the biggest dangers for outdoor pets is lack of food and water. "Some pets that stay outside a majority of the time need more food than usual in cold weather," Gaughan said. "It's also important to make sure that the animal has enough clean, nonfrozen water to drink."

Outdoor animals are the not the only ones that will be at risk for fall hazards, however. With the colder weather approaching, many pet owners will be bringing out the space heaters and clearing out the fireplace. These can be extremely dangerous for pets.

"Supervision and common sense are the keys to preventing possibly bad situations," Gaughan said. "Always put space heaters out of the reach of pets. Also, keep pets away from the fireplace. A good way to do this is to place double-sided tape around the perimeter of the fireplace. Animals will step on it and will not like the stickiness. They will probably stay away from then on, but you have to watch them."

Finally, fall is not only a bad allergy season in humans, it's also a bad allergy season in pets. Both indoor and outdoor pets can experience severe allergies in the fall. The most common sign of pet allergies is itching, Gaughan said.

"The animal will not typically have human-like reactions to allergens like a runny nose or watery eyes."

If you notice that your pet is itching and fleas have been ruled out, consult your veterinarian.

Prepared by Angie Rupert. For more information contact Kathy Gaughan, (785) 532-4309, or your veterinarian.

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Thursday, November 4, 1999