As the cooler weather sets in, here are some things to watch out for to keep your pets healthy this fall.

1. Rat poison
   • Rats and mice like to move indoors during the cool fall weather, so people are more likely to use baits to kill them this time of year. There are different types that cause different sets of symptoms in our family pets. Watch for: weakness, lethargy, vomiting, coughing blood, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and even death. If you have rodents in your home, we advise the snare or glue traps as safer alternatives to the poisons.
2. Chocolate 
   • Hello holiday baking! Dark and baking chocolates contain the most theobromine, a compound toxic to dogs. Symptoms include: agitation, racing heart rate, panting, vomiting, and diarrhea. Milk chocolate is less toxic, but smaller dogs are still at risk.
3. Compost/mulch piles
   • Compost piles can grow certain molds that are toxic to dogs. Signs that your pet has eaten these dangerous mycotoxins include: tremors, seizures, agitation, incoordination, drooling, vomiting, and panting. So make sure that compost pile is secured away from your pets.
4. Mushrooms
   • Most mushrooms are harmless, but there are a few (like the amanitas) that are incredibly harmful. The safest plan is not to allow your pet to chew on any backyard mushrooms. Symptoms include: drooling, vomiting, weakness, tremors, seizures, and even death.
5. Mothballs
   • The old fashioned napthalene mothballs are the most toxic, but even the newer chemical ones can cause illness. If ingested, your pet can experience lethargy, vomiting, pain, tremors, and changes to their red blood cells. Keep closets and chests containing mothballs securely closed to avoid pet snooping.

If you think your pet has been exposed to any of these poisonous substances, call the Montgomery Animal Hospital at (513) 791-7912 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.