Fall in Ohio is hard to beat. The leaves turn, the air gets crisp, and every walk is suddenly full of new smells. For a puppy, the backyard in October is basically an amusement park. There are crunchy leaves to pounce on, sticks to carry, and all sorts of interesting things to put in their mouth.
In my 22 years in rescue, autumn has always brought a certain kind of phone call: “My puppy just ate something in the yard. Is that bad?” Here is what I want every new puppy owner to know this season.
Acorns
If you have oak trees, you already know acorns end up everywhere this time of year. Acorns contain tannins that can upset a dog’s stomach. In larger amounts they can cause kidney failure, according to the American Kennel Club. They are also hard and just the right size to cause a choking problem or a blockage in a small puppy’s gut.
You don’t need to panic over one acorn, but call your veterinarian if your puppy eats some. The AKC’s chief veterinarian advises calling right away, because waiting can lead to lasting damage. The best prevention is a quick rake under your oak trees and a “leave it” cue you practice every day.
Wild Mushrooms
Cool, damp fall weather brings mushrooms popping up overnight. Most are harmless, but some, like certain Amanita mushrooms, can be deadly. The AKC explains that these can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, then a period where the dog seems to feel better, followed by liver failure.
That “feeling better” stage is what worries me most. Owners relax, when that’s exactly when treatment matters. Even experts have trouble telling safe mushrooms from toxic ones, so treat every wild mushroom as dangerous. If your puppy eats one, pick up a sample in a paper towel or take a photo, and call your vet or poison control immediately.
Leaf Piles
Leaf piles are fun, and I’m not going to tell you to skip them. Just know what can be hiding inside: sticks that can splinter, mold that can upset a tummy, and ticks. Ticks are still active on mild fall days in Ohio. After a romp in the leaves, run your hands over your puppy, paying close attention to the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes. Keep your puppy on the flea and tick preventive your vet recommends all year.
The Garage: Antifreeze and Mouse Bait
These two are the most dangerous fall hazards, and they’re the ones people forget.
Antifreeze. Fall is when many people change their car’s coolant. Ethylene glycol coolant tastes sweet, and the ASPCA warns it is highly toxic. Clean up any drips right away and keep jugs on a high shelf. The ASPCA suggests a propylene glycol coolant, which is much less toxic, though not completely safe.
Rodent bait. As the weather cools, mice move indoors and bait comes out. The ASPCA notes that rodenticides are highly toxic to pets and can be fatal. If you must use them, use pet-proof bait stations and place them where your puppy can’t reach. Save the package so your vet knows exactly what’s in it.
Chilly Mornings and Shorter Days
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, and your puppy’s internal clock doesn’t change with ours. Expect a few early wake-up calls. Shift meals and potty breaks by 10 or 15 minutes a day for about a week.
Young puppies, toy breeds like Yorkies, and short-coated pups get chilled quickly. Keep early morning outings short, dry your puppy off if the grass is wet, and consider a sweater for the little ones. Once it gets dark earlier, use a reflective collar or a clip-on light for evening walks.
From the Rescue Floor
The puppies who stay safe in the fall aren’t the ones kept indoors. They’re the ones whose families walk the yard first, know their “leave it,” and keep the garage shelf organized.
Tech Tip
Teach “leave it” now. Hold a treat in a closed fist, wait until your puppy stops nosing it, then reward from your other hand. Five minutes a day for two weeks can save you an emergency visit.
Show us your puppy’s first fall. Share a leaf pile photo and tag Heaven to Earth Rescue. If you’re thinking about adopting, see our available puppies at h2erescue.org.
If you think your puppy ate something dangerous, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.