Seasonal Hazards in Autumn Every Dog Owner Should Know

For many people, autumn is the best time of year to be a dog owner! The weather is usually mild—not too hot or cold—and the outdoors invite lovely walks amid crisp leaves and the scent of bonfires. However, autumn also brings specific hazards that every dog owner should know about to keep their pets safe and healthy.

This guide will walk you through the common seasonal risks in autumn, providing helpful advice so you and your dog can enjoy this beautiful time of year worry-free.

1. Beware of Conkers and Toxic Autumn Fruits

Conkers are the hard, shiny seeds of the horse chestnut tree, often found in abundance beneath these trees during autumn. Dogs, especially toy-loving retrievers like the Labrador retriever or Golden retriever, might want to pick them up to play.

However, conkers contain aesculin, which is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed. Similarly, fallen fruit such as apples, plums, and sloes ferments on the ground, producing natural alcohol that can be poisonous to dogs.

Tip: Keep a close eye on your dog during autumn walks, discourage them from eating anything off the ground, and quickly remove any conkers or fallen fruit from your garden.

2. Leaf Mould and Piles of Leaves

Many dogs love frolicking in leaf piles, but leaf mould—a decomposed form of fallen leaves—harbours bacteria and fungi. If ingested or caught on the coat, these can cause stomach upsets and skin irritation.

After outdoor play, especially in leaf-laden areas, it's best to wash and dry your dog thoroughly to prevent fungal infections or stomach discomfort.

3. Bonfire Night and Halloween Safety

Autumn is synonymous with festive events like Bonfire Night and Halloween, which bring fireworks, parties, and treats. These can be particularly stressful for dogs.

• Fireworks often cause anxiety, leading dogs to panic, hide, or even run away from home.
• Chocolate and sweets commonly left out for trick-or-treaters are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness.

Advice: Keep your dog indoors during fireworks, create a safe, comfortable space with calming music or toys, and store treats securely out of reach.

4. Antifreeze and Chemical Hazards

As temperatures drop, antifreeze use increases to protect vehicles and garden equipment. Unfortunately, antifreeze smells and tastes sweet to dogs but is highly toxic, causing rapid poisoning that can be fatal.

Keep all chemicals, including garden fertilisers and herbicides, safely stored and clean up any spills immediately. Always check your car for drips when parked outside.

5. Harvest Mites: Tiny but Troublesome

Harvest mites are tiny red mites active in late summer and autumn, commonly found in long grass, forests, and bushes. They latch onto a dog's skin, predominantly in less furred areas like the ears, underbelly, between toes, and around the eyes and nose.

These bites cause intense itching, leading dogs to scratch themselves raw, risking infection.

Prevention: Check your dog thoroughly after each walk, especially in affected areas, and wash them promptly with a veterinary-recommended shampoo if mites are found. Consult your vet for appropriate treatments if irritation develops.

6. Reduced Daylight and Outdoor Visibility

Autumn brings shorter days and often dull weather, lowering visibility during walks.

This can increase the risk of accidents and your dog getting lost. It’s wise to use reflective collars, leads, or hi-visibility vests, especially if walking near roads or in the early morning and evenings.

7. Protecting Your Dog’s Comfort in Cooler Weather

Cooler temperatures can affect small breeds, senior dogs, or those with short coats. They might benefit from warm clothing on walks and cosy resting areas at home.

Also, be mindful that dampness from autumn weather can cause joint stiffness or exacerbate arthritis in some dogs.

Conclusion

Autumn is a wonderful season for dog owners who take time to understand and manage its unique risks. By keeping your dog away from toxic plants like conkers and fermenting fruit, protecting them during fireworks, guarding against chemicals like antifreeze, regularly checking for harvest mites, and using visibility gear, you’ll ensure a safe and happy autumn together.

If you’re considering a new furry friend this season, always choose reputable breeders or adopt from trustworthy rescues to promote responsible pet ownership.