Autumn in Texas means cooler evenings, festive gatherings, and more outdoor activity for pets and their families. But while the season brings fun, it also introduces real risks — some of which can be life-threatening. At Braescroft Animal Clinic in Houston, we care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets, and we want you to be prepared with these essential fall pet care tips.
Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Halloween is exciting for people, but it can be dangerous — and sometimes deadly — for pets.
- Keep candy far away from pets – Children often dump and sort their Halloween candy, and that’s when pets are most at risk. Keep pets in another area to prevent accidents.
- Chocolate is poisonous to all pets — dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, rodents, and reptiles. Even tiny amounts can lead to seizures, heart failure, or death. Below are some examples:
- Dogs: Just one ounce of dark chocolate can poison a 20-lb dog.
- Cats: Half an ounce of baking chocolate may be lethal to a 10-lb cat.
- Ferrets & Rabbits: Even a tiny amount can be fatal.
- Birds & Rodents: Crumbs may cause seizures or cardiac arrest.
- Reptiles: Should never consume chocolate or any human sweets.
- Chocolate is poisonous to all pets — dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, rodents, and reptiles. Even tiny amounts can lead to seizures, heart failure, or death. Below are some examples:
- Xylitol poisoning can be fatal
- This sugar substitute, often found in gum, candy, and drinks can cause a sudden and life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
- Ferrets and rabbits can also experience hypoglycemia, seizures, and death.
- For cats, birds, rodents, and reptiles, no safe dose exists — treat it as poison.
- Wrappers and packaging can choke pets or block intestines. Always clean up candy messes right away.
- Choose pet costumes with care — make sure they do not block breathing, movement, or vision. If your pet resists or seems anxious, it’s best to skip the costume.
- Check IDs and microchips. With doors opening for trick-or-treaters, escape risks rise. A microchip dramatically improves the chance of being reunited if your pet slips out. Braescroft Animal Clinic offers safe, quick microchipping services.
- Keep cats indoors. The costumes, noise, and excitement of Halloween night can cause fear, stress, or dangerous escapes.
Pumpkin for Pets: Superfood or Seasonal Risk?
Pumpkin can be a healthy seasonal treat for many species — but only when it is plain, cooked, or pure canned pumpkin with no added sugar, spices, or flavorings. Pumpkin is naturally high in fiber and low in calories, which makes it useful for digestion and weight management. October also marks National Pet Obesity Awareness Month, a perfect time to review your pet’s diet with your veterinarian. However, pumpkin is not safe for all pets. See below to learn whether it is safe for your pet:
- Dogs: 1–2 teaspoons per day for small to medium dogs, up to 2 tablespoons for large dogs.
- Cats: ½ teaspoon mixed into food daily is beneficial.
- Rabbits & Guinea Pigs: Only a teaspoon once or twice a week — sugar can upset their digestion.
- Birds: Parrots, cockatiels, and similar birds can nibble on small pieces of plain pumpkin flesh or seeds (unsalted). Introduce slowly.
- Reptiles: Omnivores like bearded dragons can have pumpkin occasionally. Snakes and other carnivores should never eat pumpkin.
- Ferrets:Should not eat pumpkin at all — their digestive systems cannot handle the fiber.
Caution: Even if pumpkin is a safe food for your pet, always introduce any new food in very small amounts first to see how your pet’s body reacts.
Fall Hazards to Avoid
Cooler, damp weather brings its own set of dangers:
- Mushrooms: Many wild mushrooms are deadly, and it’s impossible to tell safe from toxic species.
- Garden waste: Corn cobs, pumpkin rinds, and squash hulls can cause dangerous blockages. Moldy leaves and compost piles may harbor harmful bacteria or toxins.
- Poisons: Rodent bait and slug pellets are extremely hazardous. Even “pet-safe” versions can make animals sick.
Supervise outdoor time and leash walks, especially for curious pets and small exotics. If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, call a poison control hotline immediately — they will advise you on first steps and coordinate care with your veterinarian:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
Quick action can save a life. Keep these numbers saved in your phone so you can reach them without delay in an emergency.
Allergies That Flare in Fall
Ragweed pollen, mold spores, and house dust can all irritate pets. Watch for:
- Itchy skin and paw licking
- Sneezing or watery eyes
- Frequent scratching
- Hot spots or hair loss
If you notice these symptoms, schedule an exam at Braescroft Animal Clinic. Our team can check your pet for skin or ear infections, rule out other issues, and recommend treatments to keep them comfortable throughout the season.
Parasite Prevention: Still a Must in Fall
Do not let the cooler weather fool you — fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes remain active well into autumn in Houston. These pests spread diseases like Lyme disease and heartworm. You should continue year-round treatment, especially in our climate. Missing doses leaves pets vulnerable.
To learn more about parasite prevention please read our blogs:
Heartworm Prevention: What Every Pet Owner in Houston Needs to Know
Flea and Tick Prevention: A Comprehensive Guide
Seasonal Fun and Enrichment
Autumn is a wonderful time for safe, enriching activities:
- Dogs & Cats: Brisk walks in the cooler weather; leash walks or stroller time for adventurous cats; interactive play indoors or outside.
- Birds: Supervised outdoor time in secure enclosures or travel cages.
- Reptiles: Outdoor basking when temperatures are right.
- Small mammals: Safe leaf piles and chew toys for supervised play.
October is also Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month — a wonderful chance to give a pet in need a forever home.
Schedule a Fall Wellness Exam
Fall is the perfect time for a wellness check before the holidays. At Braescroft Animal Clinic, we provide:
- Body condition and weight checks
- Vaccines and parasite prevention updates
- Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
Every pet — whether furry, feathered, or scaled — deserves tailored seasonal care.
Call Braescroft Animal Clinic today to schedule your pet’s fall wellness visit and keep them safe this season!
9643 Hillcroft St.
Houston, TX 77096
