Fall Foods and Plants That Can Harm Your Puppy

Fall means candy bowls, holiday cooking, and new bulbs in the garden, and it also means mushrooms in the yard and more food within reach of curious puppies. Many of these are dangerous, so a quick review before the busy season can prevent a late-night emergency.

Halloween Candy and Sweets

Chocolate is the best-known candy hazard, and darker chocolate is the most dangerous, but sugar-free candy and gum can contain xylitol, which is toxic even in small amounts, and raisins in trail mix and candy are a risk too. Keep candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags well out of reach, and throw wrappers away right after opening since they can cause blockages. If your puppy does get into candy, note the type and how much, because that detail helps your veterinarian decide what to do.

Holiday Cooking Hazards

Onions, garlic, and chives are common in fall recipes and harmful to dogs, and grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts show up in baked goods and snack mixes. Nutmeg, used in many seasonal dishes, can cause serious problems in large amounts, and stuffing, gravy, and pie fillings often contain onion, garlic, or raisins, so check what is in a dish before your puppy gets a lick. Fatty trimmings and cooked bones can upset your puppy's stomach or splinter, so keep counters clear, cover the trash, and let guests know not to share table scraps.

Garden Plants and Bulbs

Fall is the time to plant spring bulbs, and tulips, daffodils, and crocus are toxic to dogs, with the bulbs being the most dangerous part and easy for a digging puppy to unearth. Autumn crocus is especially risky and sago palms are dangerous year-round, so check any new plant against a pet-safe list before you bring it home. Mums and many fall flowers can cause mild stomach upset, so keep arrangements on high tables.

Mushrooms, Acorns, and Compost

Wild mushrooms pop up after fall rain and some are deadly, so remove any you find, check the yard after storms when they often appear overnight, and keep your puppy away from areas where they grow. Acorns can cause stomach upset and blockages, and compost piles with moldy food can also make a puppy sick, so keep them fenced off or covered.

If Your Puppy Eats Something

Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away, and do not try to make your puppy vomit unless you are told to. Have the details ready, including what was eaten, how much, and when, and save the packaging or a sample of the plant for the vet. Keep the number for your vet and a poison hotline in your phone before you need it.

A little preparation keeps the season fun and safe, so review these hazards with your family and make a plan for guests and holiday meals. From all of us at Waggles, enjoy a safe and happy fall.