09/10/2025
🍁💀🎃 Seasonal toxin dangers to look out for, for your pets during the Autumn and Winter 🎃💀🍁
The Autumn season is well underway! During this season pets may encounter some risks of dangerous ingestions that can result in fatal toxicities.
It is important to know what potential toxins lurk in your homes and gardens so that you can keep all of your pets safe during the coming colder months!
Toxins to look out for 👀
- Wild Mushrooms🍄
There are thousands of mushroom species with different toxic effects, meaning the symptoms of poisoning can vary from mild to severe.
- Antifreeze🥶
Contains an extremely toxic chemical called ‘Ethylene glycol’. Ingestion of small amounts can cause rapid kidney failure.
- Chocolate 🍫
A common pet poison. The higher the cocoa content, the more danger it poses.
- Xylitol (E967)🍬
Sweetener can be found in many sweet treats and causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels (and occasionally liver failure) in dogs.
- Conkers 🌰
Whilst severe problems are uncommon when acorns and conkers are ingested, they can cause nasty upset stomachs and intestinal obstructions.
- Mouldy foods😷
Can cause seizures and liver problems.
- Rat poison 🐀
(Anticoagulant rodenticide) Can cause fatal haemorrhaging in pets and be life threatening.
- Human cold and flu medications 💊
Can be particularly toxic to pets - keep them well out of reach!
If you think your pet has eaten a seasonal toxin, stay calm and stop them from eating any more of the suspected poison. Phone the vets and book an emergency appointment, bring evidence like labels and samples (or vomit) and remember, don’t delay! You can also contact the animal poisons line if you are unsure.
Please familiarise yourself with with these common pet dangers that may be found in and around your home and remember to keep them out of reach 🧡
This video is designed for use in veterinary practice waiting rooms for owner education.
