Pets feel October too. Dogs that once walked at 7 p.m. in daylight now need reflective gear and well-lit routes. Cats that hunt in yards meet leaf blowers and open garage doors that invite escapes.

Wet leaves can hide molds and foxtails. Wipe paws after walks and watch for limping. As temperatures drop, outdoor water bowls ice over — check them twice a day if pets spend time outside.

Halloween candy is a yearly hazard. Chocolate, raisins, and xylitol gum are toxic to dogs. Put bowls up high and tell trick-or-treaters to keep hands away from pet mouths. Costume props with small parts are choking risks.

Schedule a nail trim as activity patterns change; less outdoor running can leave nails long on apartment dogs. Ask a vet before starting joint supplements just because the calendar says fall.

Microchip and collar tags still matter when doors open for deliveries on dark evenings. A phone photo of your pet's current look helps if posters are needed — coats change with seasons.

Brush long-haired pets more often as coats thicken; mats hide under collars. Keep a towel by the door for muddy paws after leaf-pile zoomies.

Store antifreeze locked away; its sweet taste is dangerous to pets sniffing garage floors. Clean spills immediately and keep containers sealed.

Update the pet sitter sheet with new walk times and emergency vet numbers before the next overnight football trip.

What we know: Darker evenings and holiday candy make autumn a high-awareness stretch for pet owners.
What we don't: Local wildlife rabies notices, which vary by county — check your health department.