RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) — As the season changes, so do safety tips for our pets. Jenna Crawford of the Wisconsin Humane Society joined us in studio with more on how pet parents can keep their dogs safe this fall.

Autumn Dangers for Pets

Autumn means a new variety of outdoor dangers for pets.

Some common items to watch out for are:

• Acorns — They begin falling to the ground at the end of summer. Not only are they a choking hazard to pets, but they can be poisonous if eaten in large amounts.

• Wild mushrooms — While not all mushrooms are poisonous to pets, it’s hard to distinguish which are safe to eat and which aren’t. Symptoms could range from an upset stomach to fatality.

• Ticks — A year-round threat but more common in spring and autumn, ticks carry several diseases, including Lyme disease. Make sure your pet is up to date on preventatives and check them over for ticks after they’ve been outdoors.

As always, if you have any concerns about your pet getting into something hazardous, contact your vet immediately.

Evening Walk Safety Tips With Daylight Saving Time

It’ll start getting dark outside even earlier, but our furry friends still want to take their evening walks. Some reminders on how to stay safe out there:

• Try to walk on well-lit streets. This helps drivers see you and helps you see everything around you. Make sure to walk facing oncoming traffic. That makes it easier to step out of the way when a vehicle is approaching.

• Wearing reflective or light-up gear is another way to make yourself more visible. Consider a vest or a coat for yourself and a combination of a light-up collar, harness or leash for your pet. You could also invest in a headlamp or flashlight.

• Use a 6-foot leash and avoid retractable leashes. It’s much safer to have your dog close to you, especially near busy roads when it’s dark out.

• If the weather isn’t great, consider choosing a fun indoor activity with your pet instead of an evening walk. A simple game of catch, a laser pointer or an enrichment toy are great options.

You can find more information on our website at wihumane.org.