Poisonous Mushrooms, Mold, Mothballs—18 Common Fall Dangers for Dogs

The crisp days of fall are finally here. The weather is perfect for hikes and park days with your dog, but the changing seasons also present some dangers. Some include rodenticides, toxic mushrooms, snakes and seasonal candy. Below is a list of 18 common dangers to watch out for to keep your fur baby safe.

Common Dangers for Dogs

• Rodenticides: As the weather cools down, more rodents seek shelter indoors. Rat poison is highly toxic to pets and can be fatal if ingested. Also be cautious if placing glue traps in your home– the boards can cause skin irritations and fur loss if your dog gets caught.
• Mushrooms: Some wild mushrooms can be life-threatening for dogs, it's recommended owners remove all fungi from your property. Read more about Death Cap Mushrooms below.
• Snakes: Fall is the time of year when snakes prepare for hibernation, increasing the risk of snakebites. Be aware of any venomous snakes in your area and watch dogs if they are near holes or exploring.
• Moldy Leaves: Damp leaves can contain bacteria, mold, and pests like ticks and fleas. Best to clear any piles off of your property.
• School Supplies: As the new school season ramps up, many projects call for a variety of school supplies. Items like glue sticks, pencils and magic markers are low toxicity but can cause gastrointestinal issues and blockages if ingested. Keep these items securely stored and away from pets.
• Acorns: They contain tannic acid which can upset the digestive system. Ingestion can lead to liver and kidney damage and repeated exposure poses severe risk. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
• Autumn Crocuses: Also known as Meadow Saffron, are toxic to pets, causing a range of symptoms and can lead to multi-organ failure.
• Chrysanthemums: They contain pyrethrins which are mildly toxic to dogs.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes remain a risk during fall.
• Antifreeze: Especially those containing ethylene glycol, are extremely toxic to pets.
• Potpourri and Essential Oils: Some can be harmful or irritating to dogs when ingested or come into contact with skin.
• Mothballs: Contain toxic insecticides harmful to dogs.
• Corn Cobs: Can lead to choking or digestive blockages.
• Apple Seeds: Contain low amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful in large quantities.
• Baked Treats: Ingredients like chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, and nutmeg can be toxic to dogs.

Halloween-Specific Hazards:

• Candy: Chocolate and xylitol are particularly dangerous for dogs.

"Halloween means there are more dangerous potential toxicities being brought into the house," Dr. Lori Bierbrier, DVM, Senior Medical Director, ASPCA Community Medicine tells Newsweek.

"Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets."

• Costumes: Cheaply made outfits can pose various risks.
• Glow Sticks: The chemicals inside can be irritating to dogs but are usually not life-threatening.

Death Cap Mushroom:

The death cap mushroom, known scientifically as Amanita phalloides, is among the world's most poisonous fungi. According to WebMD, the toxins in these mushrooms account for 90 percent of mushroom poisoning deaths globally. Originally from Europe, death caps have spread throughout the world, notably on the U.S. East and West Coasts. They thrive in cool, damp coastal climates, favor oak trees and are most plentiful during autumn and early winter rainy seasons.

This mushroom has a greenish-yellow cap, which can also appear brown or tan. As it ages, it may develop a metallic sheen. The cap may also seem to be "balding," and it has white gills and are typically between 2-6 inches across.

What makes the Death Cap particularly dangerous is its fish-like odor when decaying, which attracts dogs. If consumed, the mushroom's amatoxins can severely affect a dog's gastrointestinal and renal systems, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, seizures and lethargy. These symptoms can appear between six to 20 hours after ingestion. If not treated promptly, it can result in liver failure and death.