Halloween

• Keep your Halloween candy stored away from your pet's reach. Most pet owners already know that chocolate is bad for their pets, but candy, gum, and other products containing xylitol are also cause for concern. This artificial sweetener can cause severe liver damage and even death in dogs. In addition, make sure to properly dispose of all candy or treat wrappers, as consumption may lead to choking or gastrointestinal upset. 
• When decorating for the holiday, stay mindful of your pet's habits. Does your pet often jump onto furniture? Do they tend to nibble on things around the house? If so, consider decorating above your pet's level and in areas they cannot access. For example, ensure lit candles are out of range and blown out when you are not monitoring them, so your pet does not accidentally knock them over. Also, specific decorations (ex., tinsel, confetti, or cattle corn) can lead to gastrointestinal upset or may cause your pet to choke.
• The night of Halloween, prepare a safe place for your pet to run off to, even if they aren't usually anxious. While the festivities may be enjoyable for us, screaming children, bright lights, unfamiliar noises, and the continuous ringing of a doorbell may be overwhelming and scary for our pets. If your pet is usually anxious, it's best to have them kept away in a safe, quiet environment before the night even begins. 

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Thanksgiving

• Pet owners should keep Thanksgiving feasts on the table, not under it. Consuming turkey or turkey skin – sometimes even a small amount – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets – including onions, raisins, and grapes. If you want to share a Thanksgiving treat with your pet, make or buy a treat that is made just for them.
• Be careful with decorative plants. Don't forget that some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. The ASPCA has lists of toxic plants for dogs and cats, but the safest route is to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations.
• Visitors can upset your pets. Some pets are shy or excitable around new people or in crowds, and Thanksgiving often means many visitors at once and higher-than-usual noise and activity levels. If your pet becomes nervous or anxious when people visit your home, put them in another room or a crate with a favorite toy to reduce their stress and protect guests from possible injury. If your pet is particularly upset by houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to this common problem.​​

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Cold Weather Hazards

• We often utilize antifreeze to keep cars running smoothly during the colder seasons. However, it is one of the worst offenders regarding outdoor toxins, as it smells and tastes sweet to animals. Thoroughly clean up any spills on your driveway or in the garage. Deicers and road salts are equally toxic, so wipe off your pet's legs and paws when you come in from a walk to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Cold weather is the most dangerous for pets that are smaller or older. For smaller dogs and short-haired breeds, using a sweater or pet-friendly jacket during cold weather can help keep them warm. During frigid temperatures (45°F or below), limit your pets' outdoor activities or keep them indoors to prevent hypothermia and other cold-related injuries or illnesses. For older cats and dogs, the chillier weather can exacerbate arthritis. Contact your primary care veterinarian to schedule an examination if you notice a problem with your pet's joints.
• As days become shorter, you may find your routine walks with your pet occurring during dusk or in darkness. Therefore, you and your dog should wear a light-colored, reflective coat, collar, and leash so drivers can see you both. 
• Outside cats will often seek warmth in the engine block of a recently driven vehicle. Severe injury or even death may occur if they're still napping when the engine is next started. Everyone should remember to check for cats under the hood of their car before starting it.

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Parasites

Contrary to popular belief, your pet may still encounter parasites such as ticks or fleas as the temperature decreases

Ticks
Ticks are out whenever the temperature is above 4°C (39°F). Owners should provide their pet(s) with parasite prevention to ensure ticks do not bite. Once they attach, ticks can potentially transmit diseases, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis. Ticks tend to reside in tall grasses or even raked leaf piles. If your dog's favorite fall activities are jumping in leaves or running through fields, it is great to get into the habit of checking them for ticks regularly (even if they are on prevention).
Fleas
Leaf piles are not only a haven for ticks but fleas as well. Fleas tend to hide in humid areas away from direct sunlight, making leaf piles an ideal environment. To decrease the prevalence of these two pests in your backyard, you should regularly rake and dispose of yard waste. In addition, as temperatures drop in the fall, your pet's warm body and developing winter coat are a cozy alternative for a flea. If you discover a flea infestation on one of your pets, it's vital for all animals in the household and the environment itself be treated.