šŸ Fall Safety Tips Every Dog Owner Should Know

 




šŸ Fall Safety Tips Every Dog Owner Should Know

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, fall brings plenty of excitement for both dogs and their humans. From crunchy walks through colorful parks to cozy evenings on the couch, it’s a season to savor — but it also comes with a few hidden hazards every dog owner should keep in mind.

Here are key fall safety tips to help keep your pup happy, healthy, and tail-wagging all season long.

If ever you are worried that your pet may have eaten something they shouldn't have, call ASPCA's pet poison control helpline at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at     (855) 764-7661. <-- SAVE THIS NUMBER (**A consultation fee may apply when calling.)


🐾 1. Watch Out for Toxic Fall Foods

Autumn means more gatherings, tailgates, and holiday feasts — which often leads to tempting smells for our four-legged friends! Be aware that grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and anything containing xylitol (a common sugar substitute) are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues.

šŸ‘‰ Tip: Remind guests not to feed table scraps, and keep candy and snacks out of paw’s reach.


🌰 2. Be Cautious of Mushrooms & Compost

Fall’s damp conditions are ideal for mushrooms — and while most are harmless, a few varieties can be deadly to dogs. If you spot mushrooms growing in your yard or along your walking route, remove them or steer clear. Also, compost piles full of decaying organic matter can produce toxins that are dangerous if ingested.


šŸ‚ 3. Rake Up Those Leaves

That pile of leaves might look like a playground for your pup, but it can also harbor ticks, mold, or harmful bacteria as the leaves start to rot. Keep your yard clean, and check your dog for ticks after every outdoor adventure.


🧄 4. Adjust for Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop, so does your dog’s tolerance for the cold — especially for short-haired breeds, seniors, and smaller dogs. Invest in a cozy sweater or lightweight jacket for walks, and always provide a warm, dry place to rest indoors.


🌾 5. Keep Flea & Tick Prevention Going

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean pests are gone! Fleas and ticks remain active well into the fall, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Continue your dog’s preventative treatments through the first frost (and even beyond in warmer climates).


šŸš— 6. Be Visible on Evening Walks

With daylight fading earlier, many walks happen at dusk or after dark. Outfit your dog with a reflective collar, leash, or LED tag, and wear bright clothing yourself. This keeps both of you safe from cars and cyclists.


šŸŽƒ 7. Halloween Hazards

Costumes and candy can be fun for humans — but they can spell trouble for pets. Keep candy bowls, decorations, and costume accessories (like rubber bands or strings) safely out of reach. If your dog doesn’t love dressing up, skip the costume and opt for a festive bandana instead!


🌻 8. Seasonal Allergies & Skin Issues

Just like people, dogs can develop fall allergies from pollen, mold, or dry air. Watch for scratching, licking, or red skin. A soothing bath with a gentle, oatmeal-based shampoo or a vet-approved allergy treatment can bring relief.


šŸ• 9. Be Careful Around Antifreeze

As car owners start prepping for winter, antifreeze leaks become more common — and the sweet taste can be fatal to dogs. Keep your pup away from driveways or garage floors, and clean up any spills immediately.


🐶 Final Thoughts

Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy the outdoors with your dog — crisp air, colorful trails, and fewer crowds. By staying alert to seasonal hazards, you can make sure your adventures stay safe, cozy, and full of wagging tails.

šŸ Stay safe and enjoy the season — from all of us at Hounds on the Highway!




River Run

Labrador Retriever Mixed Breed


River Run was one of 92 dogs rescued from a heartbreaking property in Mississippi—chained to makeshift fences, neglected, and robbed of the life every dog deserves. Despite the trauma, River never lost his gentle spirit. Today, he’s safe… but he’s still learning what it means to truly be loved. Shy but incredibly sweet, River is searching for a calm, experienced, adult-only home where he can feel safe and take his time to trust.

🐶 Rescued from unimaginable neglect

šŸ’› Gentle and affectionate once he opens up

šŸ” Needs a patient, understanding home to thrive

River Run has never known what it means to be part of a family—but with your compassion and care, he can finally discover that love doesn’t hurt… it heals.

All dogs will be altered, microchipped, and receive age-appropriate vaccines prior to adoption. Please note that the listed location for this dog may not be accurate due to technical limitations of this database and we have transportation options available within 6 hours of NYC (so don't let location hold you back)!

Interested in fostering or adopting?  Need more info on this dog?  The first step in the process is filling out an application on our website.

Adoption application:  www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/general-application/

Foster application:  https://www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/dog-foster-application/

Adoption process & fees:  www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/process/

For a full list of our available dogs and current adoption promotions, visit:https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adoptable-dogs/

Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption. 


NameRiver Run
Adoption Fee$350.00- Dog Adult
Age4 years, 4 months
GenderMale
SizeMedium
Shots up to dateYes
OK with kidsNot Sure
HousetrainedNot Sure
HypoallergenicNo
Spayed / NeuteredNot Sure
OK with dogsNot Sure
OK with catsNot Sure
If you have questions about River Run please contact 

NYC Second Chance Rescue


Transporting dogs is our passion but passions come at a cost.

 With the price of everything increasing, (gas, tolls, supplies, etc) we could use some help! 

If you can, we would graciously accept some donation assistance. Venmo @dalind31 


THANK YOU!!

Thinking it's time to expand your family? Want to explore rescuing a dog of your own? 
Check out Second Chance Rescues available pups  --> CLICK HERE <--

Thinking maybe fostering is more your speed? --> CLICK HERE <--

Maybe you can't adopt or foster but can help in another way? 
To donate to Second Chance Rescue... --> CLICK HERE <-- Every bit helps!

Remember to, #adoptdontshop #becausetheymatter.
There is no love like the love from a rescue!




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