Fall – for those who will be mourning the summer days for few more days, of course we can get you some additional time, but for the fall folks - here you come!
Fall is officially here. Temperature is awesome and your bull terrier is ready to go. Let’s enjoy the beauty of this time.
We can say for many bull terriers’ parents, fall is the most wonderful time of the year – perfect for heading outdoors and enjoying life with furry friend. But, autumn brings with it some hidden dangers, potential problems, and a few sources of stress for our four-legged family.
1. Shorter Days and Longer Nights!
In the shorter days and longer nights of autumn, it’s not uncommon for many bullies to get their daily walks after the sun’s already set. Though relaxing, nighttime walks introduce a whole set of dangers not present in the daylight. With reduced visibility, it’s more important than ever to be diligent in monitoring your buddy closely to be sure s/he hasn’t found a potentially dangerous “roadside snack” to nibble on. Stay safe at night by carrying a flashlight along during walks.
It’s also important that your bull terrier be visible to other people, animals, and oncoming cars when outside after dark. Consider using a reflective collar, an LED collar light, or a safety vest whenever you’re outdoors at night. Make your four-leg family member more visible during nighttime walks.
2. There’s a Fungus Among Us!
This time of year, fallen leaves piled beneath trees or raked into cool, damp piles create the perfect environment for wild mushrooms to grow. While not all species of the fungi are toxic, for some of us it can be exceedingly difficult to identify and distinguish the ones which are not safe. As a rule of thumb, keep your bull terrier away from any and all wildly growing mushrooms, if you are not sure which mushrooms are which.
And, take a moment each day, before letting your bullie outside into the backyard or before heading out for your walk, to check your yard for wild mushrooms and remove and dispose of them. Mushrooms can sprout up overnight, so it’s important to check daily.
3. Fleas Reach Their Peak in the Fall!
Many dog parents mistakenly believe that fleas begin to die off as cooler weather approaches. Truth is, fall is actually the peak season for fleas! Only sustained cold (temperatures consistently reaching in the 30’s or lower) will kill off fleas.
4. Sweater Weather Means Mothballs!
Don’t you just love sweater weather? Just be sure to take extra precautions when unpacking your cold weather clothes, making sure mothballs are safely stored and safely out of the reach of pets. Mothballs contain a high concentration of the insecticides naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene (PDB), or camphor – all of which are toxic to dogs. If ingested, mothballs can cause anemia, vomiting, lethargy, and liver or kidney damage. They also pose a choking or intestinal blockage hazard if swallowed or chewed.
Because even a single mothball can be deadly, bull terrier parents may want to consider alternatives to keep moths away, cedar balls, chips, or blocks can be used in place of mothballs in drawers, or a simple sachet of lavender not only smells lovely, but repels the fiber-snacking pests naturally.
5. Keep Away From Antifreeze!
It only takes a few innocent licks of that sweet-smelling goo on the neighbor’s driveway to kill a small to medium sized dog. Be very, very careful when walking your bull terrier to be certain s/he stays well out of reach of antifreeze. And, prevent him/her from drinking from puddles or streams where antifreeze may have runoff.
6. A Cornucopia of Dangerous Fall Foods!
One of our favorite things about fall and the upcoming holidays is the cornucopia of tasty sweets and treats so common this time of year. Unfortunately, many of the foods we enjoy in autumn are dangerous for our dogs. Everyone (hopefully) knows to avoid chocolate, onions, and sugar-free sweets, but some lesser known foods can be equally – or more – dangerous.
Steer clear of grapes and raisins which contain an unknown toxin that can lead to kidney failure. Avoid high-fat foods, like turkey skin and dark meat, ham, and gravy, which can lead to a painful and lifelong condition known as pancreatitis.
7. Ragweed, Pollen, and Mold – Oh My!
The same seasonal allergies that bother many people also affect our bull terriers. Autumnal allergens can trigger a few nasty reactions in our bull terriers as they can with us. Bullies with seasonal allergies can experience problems with both skin and sinuses. Ragweed, pollen, mold, dust, and grasses can all lead to itching, scratching, rubbing, watery eyes, runny noses, and ear infections in our furriest family members. When dealing with seasonal allergies, a good offense is the best defense!
Regular baths with a gentle dog shampoo can both rinse away allergens and soothe itchy skin. Keeping paws clean, either by wiping them every time your bull terrier comes inside or with a paw washing station at the backdoor, can prevent allergens from being tracked around the house and onto bedding.
Now that you know what to watch for and are prepared for these surprising autumn dangers, you’re ready to enjoy the beautiful weather with your bull terrier by your side!
Sources:
The Dogington Post, Brandy Arnold, "7 Surprising Autumn dangers for dog", 09/21/2020,
GoneDogMad, Karly Edwards, "20 unexpected autumn dangers dog owners should know", 09/24/2018
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