Autumn is a wonderful time of year to enjoy adventures with your dog. Cooler temperatures, crisp leaves and plenty of exciting new smells make autumn walks something for both dogs and their owners to look forward to.
However, autumn also brings a number of seasonal hazards that dog owners should be aware of. From conkers and acorns to mushrooms, fallen fruit and darker evenings, there are several things to look out for when you’re out and about with your dog.
With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy safe and enjoyable autumn walks together.
Autumn hazards for dogs
Keep conkers away from curious noses
Conkers, also known as horse chestnuts, can be harmful to dogs if eaten. They can cause illness and, because of their size and shape, may also present a choking risk or cause an intestinal blockage. If collecting them to take home, please keep out of reach.
Autumn walks can be full of fallen conkers, particularly in parks and woodland areas, so keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing and picking up.
Watch out for mushrooms and fungi
Autumn is a great time for fungi to appear, but some wild mushrooms can be poisonous to dogs and humans. It can also be difficult to tell which varieties are safe.
Try to prevent your dog from eating mushrooms or other fungi they discover while out walking. If you think your dog has eaten a potentially poisonous mushroom, contact your vet for advice as soon as possible.
Be careful around acorns
Oak trees can produce large quantities of acorns during autumn, making them another common hazard on seasonal walks.
Eating acorns can cause stomach upset and, if larger quantities are eaten, may lead to more serious problems. They can also pose a choking or blockage risk.
If your dog likes to pick things up during walks, take extra care when walking through areas with lots of oak trees.
Beware of fallen fruit
Autumn means plenty of fruit falling from trees. Apples, plums and other fallen fruit may look tempting to your dog, but they aren’t always safe.
Rotting or fermented fruit can cause problems, while stones and other large pieces can present a choking or intestinal blockage risk.
Keep an eye on your dog around orchards, gardens and areas where fruit trees grow. The occasional apple is a great treat but too many can cause problems for your dog.
Halloween safety for dogs
Halloween can be an exciting time for families, but many of the treats and decorations associated with it aren’t suitable for dogs. Check out our Halloween safety blog post!
Keep Halloween treats somewhere your dog cannot reach them, and remind children not to share their sweets with the family dog and they can be toxic.
If your dog does accidentally eat something they shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately for advice.
Be careful with pumpkins
Plain, fresh pumpkin can be safe for dogs in small amounts, but Halloween pumpkins can present additional risks.
Never allow your dog to eat a mouldy pumpkin, and keep pumpkins containing candles, decorations or other non-food items well away from curious noses.
Once a carved pumpkin has started to deteriorate, it is best to dispose of it safely where your dog cannot get to it.
Check out our blog post for everything you need to know about dogs and pumpkins!
Keep candles and decorations out of reach
As the evenings get darker, candles, lanterns and seasonal decorations often become part of our homes and gardens.
Curious dogs may knock over candles or chew decorations, potentially causing burns, injuries or blockages if pieces are swallowed.
Keep candles and decorations somewhere secure and never leave your dog unattended around an open flame. Perhaps try alternatives such as LED lights.
Keeping your dog comfortable on autumn walks
Keep an eye on the weather
Autumn weather can be unpredictable. A bright morning can quickly turn into a cold, wet afternoon, so consider the conditions before heading out.
Puppies, older dogs and dogs with thin or short coats may become cold more easily. Depending on the weather and your individual dog’s needs, a suitable dog coat may help keep them comfortable.
Always make sure your dog has access to a warm, dry place to rest after being outside.
Dry your dog after wet walks
Rain and muddy walks are all part of autumn, but wet fur can leave your dog feeling cold and uncomfortable.
Keep a towel handy by the door so you can dry your dog when you get home. Pay particular attention to areas that stay damp, such as around the paws and underneath the body.
Check your dog’s paws
Mud, grit, leaves and other debris can become trapped between your dog’s paw pads, particularly after wet or muddy walks.
Give your dog’s paws a quick check when you get home and gently clean away any mud or debris. Regularly checking their paws can also help you spot any irritation, cuts or other problems.
Staying safe on darker autumn walks
Make sure your dog is visible
As the days get shorter, you may find yourself walking your dog in low light or darkness.
Reflective collars, harnesses, leads and coats can make your dog easier for other people and road users to see. You could also consider using a suitable light attached to your dog’s collar or harness.
Remember that being visible is important for both you and your dog, particularly when walking near roads.
Take extra care near roads
Wet leaves, rain, poor visibility and darker evenings can make autumn walks more challenging.
Keep your dog under close control when walking near roads and take extra care when crossing. If your dog is allowed off the lead, make sure the area is safe and that they have a reliable recall.
Watch what your dog eats outdoors
Watch what your dog picks up
Autumn walks can expose dogs to a variety of plants, berries, fungi and other natural items.
While exploring and sniffing is a normal and healthy part of a walk, try to discourage your dog from eating unknown plants or picking up things you cannot identify.
Teaching a reliable “leave it” command can be particularly useful for dogs who like to investigate everything they find.
Be careful around muddy puddles and stagnant water
Many dogs love splashing through puddles, but it’s best to discourage them from drinking from unknown water sources.
Stagnant water can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants. Take fresh drinking water with you on longer walks so your dog has a safe alternative when they’re thirsty.
Slugs, snails and lungworm
Slugs and snails can be more noticeable during damp autumn weather. Unfortunately, they can also carry lungworm, a parasite that can make dogs seriously unwell.
Try to prevent your dog from eating slugs and snails and speak to your vet about appropriate parasite prevention for your dog.
Remember that slugs and snails may also be found in gardens, outdoor water bowls and toys left outside. Take the in or wash them off before playing.
Don’t forget about ticks
Ticks aren’t just a summer problem. Dogs can still pick up ticks during autumn, particularly when walking through long grass, woodland, heathland and areas of dense vegetation.
After an autumn walk, check your dog for ticks, paying particular attention to areas around the head, ears, neck, legs and between the toes.
If you regularly walk in areas where ticks are common, speak to your vet about suitable tick prevention.
Take care around ponds and waterways
Autumn leaves and wet weather can make the edges of ponds, lakes and rivers particularly slippery.
If you’re walking near water, keep your dog close and take extra care around muddy or unstable banks. Don’t allow your dog to drink from unfamiliar water sources, and be especially cautious around fast-flowing or deep water.
Bonfire Night and fireworks
Enjoy a safe autumn with your dog
Autumn is a fantastic season for getting outside and enjoying new adventures with your dog. With cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery and plenty of new smells to investigate, there’s lots to enjoy.
By being aware of common autumn dog safety hazards, you can help keep your dog safe and comfortable throughout the season.
Most importantly, keep those curious noses away from anything they shouldn’t eat and enjoy plenty of safe, happy autumn adventures together!
From all of us at Natural Dog Food Company, have a wonderful autumn with your four-legged friends!
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