Safety

How to Protect Pets from Autumn Poisons

Learn about the seasonal pet poisons to watch out for in the fall and find pet insurance that helps ensure your furry friends stay healthy and protected.

Dog looking up, surrounded to fall leaves.
Maggie Pycherek

Sep 19, 2025

4 min. read

Autumn is a season filled with delights, from crisp air to cozy sweaters and delicious hot drinks. So many of us adore this time of year because it means brisk walks outside with eager dogs or curling up with a good book and a snoozing cat nearby.

But it’s also a season filled with hidden dangers for our four-legged family members. Since a healthy pet depends on us to keep them safe, take a few minutes now to learn about autumn’s most common seasonal poisons.

Cat sleeping on a couch.

Spooky Treats

Halloween candies can be trouble for our furry friends. Chocolate is especially dangerous due to the presence of theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Keep all Halloween treats out of your pet’s reach and make sure to have healthy snacks for dogs and cats on hand to avoid temptation.

Turkey Troubles

The aroma of a roasting turkey is a seasonal tradition for many, but cooked poultry bones splinter easily and can cause choking, digestive blockages or severe injuries to your pet’s mouth or throat. Make sure any bones (and all dinner scraps) are disposed of safely in a compost or trash bin that’s secure enough to keep hungry pets out.

Keep an Eye Outside

While most of the mushrooms that sprout up in yards and parks during the fall are harmless, some can be toxic to pets and result in severe gastrointestinal issues, organ failure or even death. If you suspect your pet has eaten a wild mushroom, contact your vet immediately.

Other plants can pose problems, too. Chrysanthemums (often found in decorative planters) can cause digestive upset, drooling and skin irritation if ingested, and decorative corn can cause an obstruction if ingested. Always research any new plants or decorations you bring home and keep them out of your pet’s reach.

Cat and dog sitting together on a couch.

Poisons Around the House

Winterizing your car and home may seem routine, but there are hidden dangers to be aware of. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which can be fatal to pets even in small amounts, so make sure to keep it out of reach and clean any spills right away. Store all household cleaning products and chemicals out of reach, too. If you use insecticides and rodent poison, place them in elevated areas your pet can’t reach and restrict your pet’s access to the affected areas. You can also consider switching to non-chemical options for pest control.

Get Extra Peace of Mind

Purchasing pet insurance is another way to give your cat or dog even more protection in the event of any accidental poisoning or illness. We’ve partnered with Pets Plus Us to offer CAA Members a 13.5% discount*, plus all pet insurance plans include free access to the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline® as part of their Blue Ribbon Benefits. To help make sure your pet is fully protected, get a free quote today at caamanitoba.com/insurance/pet or call 1-833-323-2605 to get started.

Terms and Conditions

*CAA Members receive a discount of 13.5% off. Non-members receive a discount of 9% off when purchasing through the CAA online portal

The information herein is summarized. All Pet Insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, coverage limits, rates, and discounts may vary by province, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. This advertisement is an outline only, the actual policy issued Terms and Conditions will prevail.

© 2025 All rights reserved. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Northbridge Insurance and distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance is available in all provinces and territories. Pets plus Us®, Pets Plus Us & Design and related words and logos are trademarks and the property of PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. For the terms and conditions, click here.

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