Cooler mornings, colorful leaves, longer walks and cozy evenings make fall a favorite season for many pet families. But the change in weather also brings a few seasonal hazards that are worth keeping in mind. A little awareness can go a long way toward keeping your pets safe while you enjoy everything autumn has to offer. Keep Halloween Treats Out of Reach Halloween candy may be fun for us, but many popular treats can be dangerous for pets. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats, and some sugar-free candies and gums contain xylitol, which can be especially dangerous for dogs. Candy wrappers can also become a choking or intestinal hazard if swallowed. Keep candy bowls, trick-or-treat bags and discarded wrappers somewhere pets cannot reach. If you think your pet may have eaten something potentially harmful, contact your veterinarian promptly. Be Cautious Around Wild Mushrooms Fall moisture can encourage mushrooms to pop up in yards, parks and along hiking trails. While many mushrooms are harmless, others can cause serious illness, and it can be difficult to tell safe and toxic varieties apart. The safest option is to prevent your pet from eating any wild mushrooms. During walks, keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing or investigating, especially in wooded or damp areas. Watch for Antifreeze and Other Garage Hazards As temperatures drop, antifreeze becomes more common around vehicles and garages. Even small amounts can be dangerous to pets. Clean up spills immediately and store automotive products, rodenticides and other household chemicals in secure locations pets cannot access. It is also a good time to check garages, sheds and storage areas for products that may have been left within reach. Make Evening Walks Easier to See Shorter days mean more walks may happen before sunrise or after sunset. Consider using reflective collars, leashes or harnesses, and carry a light when walking in low-visibility areas. Even if your neighborhood is familiar, added visibility can make evening outings safer for both you and your pet. Give Pets Time to Adjust to Cooler Temperatures Many pets enjoy cooler weather, but not every animal handles cold temperatures the same way. Young animals, seniors, small dogs and pets with short coats may become uncomfortable more quickly. Watch your pet for signs that they are getting cold and adjust the length of outdoor time accordingly. Make Fall Walks an Enrichment Opportunity Fall walks are full of new smells, sounds and textures. Instead of treating every walk as a race to the finish, give your dog time to sniff and explore safely. A relaxed “sniff walk” can provide valuable mental stimulation and can be just as enriching as physical exercise. For indoor pets, try bringing the season inside with a new food puzzle, treat hunt or cozy window perch. Safety from Spooks While we humans may think that haunted houses and spooky costumes are fun on Halloween, our pets do not. It's important to avoid scary situations for our pets and recognize when they're uncomfortable. Be aware of spooky decorations when you're out and about (remember, some of these things may move or make noises), people in costumes and trick-or-treaters at your door. If you see your pet avoiding things, displaying large pupils, with ears back, tail tucked, low growling or trying to escape from something, it's best to remove them from the situation immediately. Remember- we know what to expect for the month of October, but our pets don't. Be aware of their feelings and keep them safe this spooky season! Safe Fall Is a Happy Fall Seasonal changes are a great reminder to look at the world from your pet’s perspective. A few simple precautions can help make sure fall remains full of the things we love most: crisp walks, cozy naps and plenty of time together. And if your family could use another four-legged companion this season, Pet Network has wonderful dogs and cats waiting to meet you. This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your pet’s health or possible exposure to a toxin, contact your veterinarian.

Gambit, a 12-year-old Chihuahua, came to Pet Network Humane Society through a transfer request from Lyon County Animal Services. After his owner passed away, he was left alone in the home for three weeks before being discovered. Lyon County knew he needed medical care beyond their resources and reached out to us for help. On intake, Gambit was underweight, had a heart murmur, cloudy eyes, severe dental disease, and a concerning facial mass. Our medical team performed full diagnostics, neutering, and mass removal. The growth was identified as a melanoma, but thankfully it was non-aggressive, and surgery was curative. Gambit quickly won over everyone at the shelter, and his story ended in the most meaningful way—he was adopted by people who had known his previous owners. He recognized them immediately and climbed into their lap as if he knew he was finally home. Today, Gambit is thriving, enjoying his golden years with the comfort and care he deserves.

Bernice arrived at our shelter from The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, NV. A long-haired French Bulldog with a gentle soul, she had already endured far too much. It was clear she had once been used for breeding and then discarded when she could no longer have puppies. When Bernice came to us, she was in rough shape.  She wasn’t eating, had persistent diarrhea, experienced overheating episodes, and struggled to breathe due to brachycephalic syndrome. Her ears were infected, her skin was inflamed, and she was significantly overweight. Our team jumped into action. Bernice underwent airway repair surgery, including a palate resection and rhinoplasty, to help her breathe freely for the first time. She was also spayed so she would never again be exploited. During surgery, we discovered an infection in her uterus—likely the reason she was no longer “useful” for breeding. We treated her ear infections, addressed her painful skin allergies, and supported her weight loss journey. After diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease, we found the perfect special diet—one she now enjoys happily. Just two weeks after arriving, Bernice was transformed. She could breathe more easily, her ears and skin had healed, and her digestive issues were under control. Most importantly, she found a family that loves her simply for who she is. Bernice’s story is one of resilience, healing, and hope. Thanks to the care, compassion, and resources at our shelter, dogs like Bernice get a second chance—not just to survive, but to truly thrive.

Host a Collection Box A super-simple way to give back to the cause you love! Learn More A donation box at your place of business is a simple and impactful way to help support Pet Network Humane Society. We’ll provide you with an eye-catching donation box, making it easy for your customers to contribute and show their support for vulnerable animals in our community. Save Lives in Three Steps Request Your Donation Box Contact us at (775) 832-4404 x 109, and we’ll provide you with a beautifully designed donation box to place at your business. Place the Box in a High-Visibility Area Position the donation box in a spot where your customers will see it, like near the checkout or in a high-traffic area, making it easy for them to contribute. Start Collecting We’ll periodically collect the donations, ensuring that every contribution goes towards helping homeless pets in our community. It’s a simple and effective way to show your support! Get Started

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Pet Network Humane Society's Giving Tuesday 2023. I hope this message finds you wrapped in warmth, perhaps with a furry friend snuggled close, providing comfort and companionship. I'm reaching out on behalf of the animals at Pet Network Humane Society, the ones who are still waiting for their loving home. I come to you with a heartfelt plea: will you help feed the animals this winter? If our donation portal does not appear, please click here . Stay In Touch Sign up to receive the first word on happenings at the Shelter. First Name Last Name Email Subscribe Thanks for submitting!