Pet Safety Guide for Every Season | Petco

Taking care of our pets is a year-round responsibility, and that starts with helping them stay safe. Annual veterinarian visits, adherence to a vaccination schedule, investigating pet insurance and regular grooming sessions are all essential wellness activities that need to happen regardless of the season. Put those on the calendar, then focus on each season separately, considering the issues that are more likely to arise at each time of year. By breaking them down into quarterly to-do lists, it’s much more manageable.

Fall Pet Safety: Your Season-by-Season Care Sheet

Fall is a fabulous season to enjoy with your pet. Cooler temperatures can mean longer outdoor adventures, and the approach of the holiday season brings extra time with the ones you love — including your four-legged family members. Use this care sheet checklist to keep your pet safe, comfortable and happy all autumn long.

Fall Food Safety

The return of fall means comfort food for many of us, but several seasonal favorites are genuinely dangerous for dogs and cats. Keep the following off your pet's plate entirely:

The golden rule: when in doubt, skip the table scraps. Stick to pet-appropriate treats and foods formulated to meet your pet's nutritional needs https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/. If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.

Cold Weather Comfort for Older Pets

Cooler fall weather can feel invigorating to you, but it may aggravate aches and pains in senior dogs — particularly those living with arthritis. Joint discomfort often worsens as temperatures drop, so watch for signs like stiffness after rest, reluctance to climb stairs or slower movement on morning walks.

Practical steps to keep older dogs comfortable this fall:

• Upgrade their sleep setup. A heated bed or a cozy blanket can make a meaningful difference in joint comfort for an older dog.
• Shorten or adjust outdoor time on especially cold or damp days, and consider a well-fitted dog coat or sweater for thin-coated or small breeds.
• Ask your veterinarian about joint support. Your vet can recommend appropriate supplements or other strategies tailored to your dog's specific needs. Do not start any supplement regimen without veterinary guidance.
• Keep up with regular movement. Gentle, consistent exercise — like shorter, more frequent walks — can help maintain mobility. Your vet can advise on the right activity level.

Seasonal Illness and Medication Safety

Fall ushers in cold and flu season for humans, which means more medications, vitamins and supplements in the home. Many of these — including common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen — are highly toxic to dogs and cats https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.

Steps to protect your pet:

• Store all human medications, vitamins and supplements in closed cabinets your pet cannot access — not on countertops or nightstands.
• Be especially careful with pill organizers, which are easy for a curious dog to knock over and chew open.
• If a pet ingests any human medication, treat it as an emergency and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.

Outdoor Safety: A Fall Care Sheet Checklist

Before heading into the great outdoors with your dog, a little preparation goes a long way. Fall introduces a specific set of hazards — from seasonal plants to shorter daylight hours — that are worth knowing before you head out.

Before every outing, check your yard and walking route for:

• Poisonous plants — including lilies, oleander, sago palms, English ivy and chrysanthemums https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
• Toxic wild mushrooms, which proliferate in cool, damp fall conditions
• Yard chemicals — fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides applied in fall for lawn winterization
• Compost piles, which can contain moldy food matter that produces toxins harmful to dogs https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
• Gardening tools left out after fall cleanup
• Fence gaps or holes your dog might squeeze through while distracted by seasonal scents

After every outing, do a full body check:

Run your hands over your dog's entire body — including between the toes and along the paw pads. Grass seeds and plant awns are especially common in fall; their sharp tips can work into skin and cause infection. Remove any debris, burrs or mud before it becomes a problem.

Visibility matters as days get shorter:

Daylight shrinks noticeably in fall. Add reflective gear — a reflective collar, lead or vest — for both you and your dog on early morning or evening walks. Clip-on LED beacons are an easy, affordable addition to any harness or collar.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is a wonderful opportunity to include your pet in the fun — but it comes with a specific set of precautions worth reviewing before the big night.

Costumes:

• Make sure your pet can move freely, breathe easily and see clearly in any costume.
• Never leave a costumed pet unsupervised.
• Always keep your pet identifiable — a reflective collar with current ID tags worn under or alongside any costume is a simple safeguard.

Candy and treats:

• Keep all Halloween candy completely out of reach. Chocolate, xylitol-containing candies and raisins are among the most common Halloween toxin exposures reported to poison control https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.
• Treat wrappers and foil are also choking and obstruction hazards — dispose of them promptly.

For anxious or skittish pets:

• The combination of doorbells, costumes and excited children can be genuinely stressful for some animals. Set up a quiet, comfortable room with familiar bedding, toys and water where your pet can decompress away from the commotion.
• Consider calming products designed for pets — ask a knowledgeable Petco associate or your veterinarian what might be appropriate for your pet's temperament.

Decoration safety:

• Tuck away electrical cords from jack-o'-lantern lights and decorative displays.
• Keep lit candles inside carved pumpkins well out of reach — a wagging tail or curious paw can cause burns or start a fire.
• Remove any small, chewable decorations that could become choking hazards.

A note from our care team: This fall care sheet covers the most common seasonal hazards, but every pet is different. If you have questions about your specific pet's needs — especially for senior animals, those with health conditions or pets new to your home — consult your veterinarian before the season gets into full swing.

There’s a lot to love about winter, from frozen adventures to fireside lounges and the goodwill of the holiday season. With a little forethought, you can rest assured that your pet can enjoy the fun and festivities along with you.

• Cold weather outdoor safety tips: Even if you think your dog likes cold weather, it’s important to keep a close eye on their behavior and appearance when they’re playing outside in the snow and ice. Dress them in the proper winter weather gear to help keep them as warm and dry as possible. Use your best judgment when it comes to temperature—if it’s too cold for you, it’s likely too cold for your dog. Everyone should head inside when you are uncomfortable or your dog shows any sign of discomfort. Dogs who remain outside too long in winter elements can have trouble regulating their body temperature and can even develop hypothermia or frostbite. Signs that your pet has been outside too long and you need to contact your vet include:
  • Shivering
  • Lack of coordination
  • Pale gums
  • Slow heart rate
  • Lethargy
  • Stiff muscles
  • Discoloration of skin (often pale, gray or bluish)
  • Swelling
  • Blisters
    
    
• Cold weather product safety tips: Remember that certain products you use to help manage cold weather and ice can be harmful to your pet. Keep them away from such hazards as de-icers, antifreeze and road salt, all of which can be toxic if ingested.
  
  
• Holiday décor safety tips: Decorating for the holidays is part of the merriment of the winter season, but bits and baubles can be dangerous for your pets. Avoid any objects that pose swallowing/choking hazards (like tinsel and ribbon) and consider electric candles instead of open flames to avoid potential burns or fires. Animals can become tangled in strings of lights or garland, so keep these out of reach along with breakable objects. Secure your Christmas tree in an area where your pet can’t climb or knock it down, and remember that certain indoor plants can be hazardous to animals, so avoid them altogether. Also remember that holiday décor, noises and odd/unfamiliar smells can make your pet anxious.
  

When spring arrives you’re likely ready to bust out of your home to enjoy the agreeable outdoor temperatures, blooming flowers and the potential for lots of new adventures. Get prepared with these tips:

• Flower safety tips: A romp through a field in spring sounds like just what the doctor ordered after a long winter inside, but it’s important to keep your pet away from plants and flowers that are harmful when ingested. A good starter list of plants to avoid includes:
  • Aloe
  • Apple trees
  • Boxwoods
  • Calla lily
  • Wisteria
    
    
• Pest safety tips: Although you should be safeguarding your pet against pests all year round, spring brings with it some extra concerns as pest season gets into full swing. During your pet’s annual veterinary wellness exam, ask about a yearly routine that includes an up-to-date heartworm prescription, as well as flea and tick prevention. Even with the right course of tick prevention, it’s helpful to also know the proper way to remove a tick should you find one on your pet. Check your pet after every outdoor adventure to make sure their coat is free and clear, and if you do find a tick, remove it, then immediately call your veterinarian to discuss next steps.
  

Summer can be a delightful season for a number of reasons. With kids out of school, families are more likely to take time off and travel if they can (even if it’s a short distance), all of which means more time to spend with your pet. Sunny, warm weather makes it a great time for outside adventures as well, as long as you’re properly prepared.

• Sun and heat safety tips: Warm weather and sun can be nice, but as the temperature rises so does the potential for heat-related complications for your pet. Pay particular attention to:
  
  
  • Car temperatures: Leaving your pet in a car is a serious health hazard for them, especially when air conditioning is off and the car is in direct sunlight. But even in shade and with the air conditioning on, leaving a pet alone in a car is not recommended. You might be surprised by how quickly things can heat up. A temperate 75-degree day can quickly equal 100 to 120 degrees in a car, and if your pet is inside, they can sustain brain damage, or even death, within just 15 minutes.
    
    
  • Walking surfaces: Asphalt and concrete can be pretty uncomfortable walking surfaces for your pup in summer. Remember that it’s possible to fry an egg on asphalt in just 5 minutes. For the comfort and safety of pup paws in hot summer months, you may need to adjust your walking times, locations and surfaces.
    
    
  • Staying hydrated: It’s especially important to pay attention to your pet’s water intake and cooling needs during the hottest months. Cats can be finicky when it comes to water consumption, but in general, a healthy cat should drink at least 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per day for every 5 pounds of body weight. To encourage them to drink, keep multiple bowls of fresh water throughout the house and consider an automatic water fountain, since moving water can be extra appealing to felines. Cats who eat wet food naturally get more hydration through their meals than those who eat only dry food. A cat who’s lethargic, loses their appetite or seems depressed may be suffering from dehydration. Consult your veterinarian immediately if your cat fits those descriptions, and check out this piece for more tips about keeping your cat hydrated. Dogs are more likely to readily drink their water than cats, but it’s still important to provide your pup with easy access to fresh water at all times, and adding moisture to their meals is another way to up their hydration during those warm months.
    
    
  • Cooling tips: Removing excess fur through regular grooming can help both cats and dogs stay cool in summer. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day.
    
    
• Travel safety tips: Hitting the open road with your pet might seem like a super-fun adventure—and it can be—but it’s important to take proper precautions. For example, it helps to acclimate your dog to car rides on shorter excursions before heading out on a 12-hour road trip, and you’ll want to make sure you have the proper harness seat belts, kennels or car seats for your dog’s size. If your dog gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about medications that can help settle their stomach. Being prepared means bringing cleaning supplies (for accidents) as well as pet essentials like plenty of food and fresh water. And don’t forget their treats and favorite toys. If your pet will be along for a car ride, plan for frequent breaks, too, so they can get out to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs. Remember to pack waste bags and all the gear they’ll need for walking, like a sturdy, well-fitting harness and leash. Be sure to confirm that your final destination is pet friendly, and update their microchip and tag information before leaving.
  
  
• Fourth of July fireworks safety tips: Watching fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations is an American pastime that many pets would rather skip. Shaking or trembling, licking their lips, hiding, pacing, salivating excessively or urinating or defecating indoors are all signs that your pet is stressed. If you know that fireworks upset your pet, provide them with a safe space in your home to relax. Playing music or turning on a TV can help drown out the noise from the fireworks and hopefully help your pet stay calm. If none of these options have worked, talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medications or calming supplements or try a calming wrap—a vest or shirt that’s designed to help relieve anxiety and reduce stress.
  
  

Having a pet equals year-round fun, and making the most of the seasons is a wonderful way to incorporate the great outdoors, festivities and holidays into your routine. Taking the above precautions can help your pet enjoy the seasons, too, while you help keep them safe no matter where your adventures take you. Talk with your veterinarian about any of your seasonal-specific questions and stop by your local Petco or shop online to stock up on any products you might need.

Seasonal Pet Preparedness at a Glance

Use this quick-reference checklist alongside your Petco care sheets to keep your pet safe and comfortable through every season. Consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's health routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which common household foods are dangerous to dogs in every season? Chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol and caffeine are toxic to dogs year-round and should always be stored out of reach. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is your first call if ingestion is suspected. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

How quickly can a car become dangerous for a pet in summer? On a mild 75 °F day, the interior of a parked car can climb to between 100 and 120 °F within minutes — hot enough to cause brain damage or death in as little as 15 minutes. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, even with windows cracked or the air conditioning running.

Are lilies really that dangerous for cats? Yes — certain lily varieties are considered severely toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney failure even in small amounts. If you suspect your cat has chewed on any part of a lily plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information

Should my pet's food portions change between seasons? Caloric needs can shift with activity level and temperature. Dogs who are less active in winter or extremely hot summer months may need adjusted portions, while those burning extra energy in cold weather may need slightly more. Your veterinarian is the best resource for a personalized feeding plan based on your pet's body condition score. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

What are the warning signs that my dog has been outside too long in the cold? Watch for shivering, lack of coordination, pale or bluish gums, lethargy, stiff muscles, skin discoloration, swelling or blisters. These can be signs of hypothermia or frostbite — bring your dog inside immediately and contact your veterinarian.

How do I know if a pet food meets nutritional standards year-round? Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label, which confirms the food meets established nutrient profiles for your pet's life stage. For additional guidance on reading pet food labels, the FDA's pet food resources and AAFCO's consumer information are reliable starting points. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-foods-feeds/pet-food

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.