Autumn Hazards: Dangers for Dogs and Cats (and How They Can Affect Kidneys and Urinary Health)

Autumn is a beautiful season, but it can also be one of the most hazardous for dogs and cats that spend time outdoors. Damp leaves, toxic plants, mushrooms, berries, temperature changes, and seasonal scents can all pose serious risks to their health – particularly to the kidneys and urinary system, which filter and remove toxins from the body.

Common Autumn Dangers

• Toxic mushrooms and fungi: can cause vomiting, acute kidney failure, or even death.

• Chestnuts, acorns and fallen fruits: risk of obstruction or toxicity, putting strain on kidneys.

• Autumn plants such as yew, lilies, amaryllis, or cyclamen: highly poisonous and can damage renal function.

• Decomposing leaves: contain bacteria and mould that upset digestion and increase toxic load on kidneys.

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): sweet-smelling but extremely poisonous, can lead to severe kidney injury.

• Invisible mould and fungi in damp gardens: affect liver and kidneys.

• Autumn scents, incense and candles: some essential oils can irritate urinary tract and kidneys.

• Increased use of pesticides and herbicides: exposure can overload kidneys with toxins.

• Rodenticides and rat poison: highly toxic for cats and dogs, may cause kidney failure.

Symptoms to Watch For

Pets exposed to toxins may show:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness

• Increased or decreased urination

• Blood in urine or straining to urinate

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Excessive drooling or panting

• Confusion or disorientation

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Quick intervention can make a crucial difference for kidney and urinary health.

How Autumn Hazards Affect Kidney and Urinary Health

Many of these toxins enter the bloodstream and must be filtered by the kidneys. A higher toxic load can:

• Inflame kidney tissues

• Impair filtration function

• Increase risk of urinary tract infections or crystal formation

• Cause digestive upset, dehydration, and stress on the urinary system

Autumn is therefore a high-risk period for pets’ renal and urinary health.

How VetiCoal Charcoal Paste Can Help

VetiCoal Charcoal Paste acts in the digestive system, binding harmful substances before they enter the bloodstream, reducing kidney workload and promoting a cleaner internal environment.

Key benefits:

• Supports safe elimination of toxins

• Reduces bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort

• Indirectly supports urinary and kidney health

• Easy to administer, suitable for dogs and cats from 12 weeks old

Perfect for pets exposed to potential toxins outdoors during autumn.

👉 Find it here: indarpet.co.uk/shop

And your pet?

Have you noticed changes in their digestion, energy, or urination during autumn? Could autumn hazards be stressing their kidneys or urinary system?