Fall Brings Its Own Set of Emergencies

Cooler weather changes what lands in our emergency room. Antifreeze leaks, Halloween candy, wildlife on the move, and an active parasite advisory all raise the risk for dogs and cats this month. Here is what pet parents should be watching for.

Four Hazards to Watch This Season

Antifreeze & Ethylene Glycol

Even a small amount is highly toxic and often fatal without rapid treatment. Garages and driveways see more leaks as temperatures drop. Learn what to watch for.

Halloween Chocolate & Xylitol

Chocolate and xylitol (common in sugar-free candy and gum) are both dangerous for dogs and cats, and exposure often happens quickly and quietly. Keep candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags well out of reach. If you suspect ingestion, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control right away.

Wildlife Encounters

Foraging wildlife becomes more active as the weather cools, increasing the risk of bites, scratches, and exposure to rabies or other pathogens during walks and yard time, especially at dawn and dusk.

New World Screwworm Advisory

The FDA has an active advisory regarding New World Screwworm in dogs and cats. This parasite lays eggs in open wounds, and larvae can cause severe tissue damage if untreated. Check any wound, however minor, closely and often. Read the FDA advisory.

Warning Signs That Warrant an Emergency Visit

Vomiting, disorientation, or wobbliness (possible antifreeze exposure); tremors, elevated heart rate, or seizures after any candy ingestion; unexplained wounds, limping, or lethargy after outdoor time. If your pet shows any of these signs, do not wait to see if it passes.

If You Suspect Poisoning or a True Emergency

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately, then bring your pet to BEVS. As Vermont's only 24/7 specialty and emergency animal hospital, we are staffed and equipped around the clock. If you are unsure whether a visit is warranted, our triage team can help you decide by phone.

Vermont's Trusted Specialty and Emergency Partner

Whether you are a pet parent facing an after-hours emergency or a primary-care veterinarian referring a case that needs specialty-level attention, BEVS is built for exactly this. Our team works alongside Vermont's primary-care practices year-round, not only in a crisis, so continuity of care never breaks down. Fall brings its own risks, but you do not have to navigate them alone.