Autumn Advice for Dog Owners

How to keep your dog safe and happy during autumn months.

Tri coloured terrier wearing a red and white collar, running through falling Autumn leaves.

Many dogs and their owners welcome the arrival of autumn; the cool air, crisp mornings, and colourful leaves make for wonderful walks. But as we say goodbye to the long days of summer, it’s important to remember that the autumn season can bring a few hidden hazards for our four-legged friends.

From darker evenings to everyday sights like conkers, mushrooms, and slippery wet leaves, a little extra preparation goes a long way in keeping your dog safe, healthy and happy. Here are Jerry Green Dog Rescue’s essential autumn dog safety tips to help you and your pooch make the most of the season.

Preparing for Autumn Walks with Your Dog

It’s no surprise our dogs are bouncing with excitement as the cooler weather arrives. However, a few extra dog walking safety tips can make your next seasonal adventure even better:

Plan walks earlier in the day: With shorter daylight hours, adjusting your routine for morning or late afternoon walks gives you and your pup plenty of safe, natural light.

Use reflective dog walking gear: A reflective dog collar, lead, or harness makes your dog much more visible as the autumn evenings draw in. You’ll also spot them more easily when they disappear into bushes after their favourite ball!

Layer up: Short-haired breeds and senior dogs may feel the chill sooner than others. Keep a lightweight, comfortable dog coat handy so they can stay snug on breezy autumn walks.

Check microchip details: Now is a great time to ensure your dog’s ID tags and microchip details are up to date. If your dog does get lost during those darker evenings, accurate information gives them the best chance of being reunited with you sooner.

Stock up on dog-friendly shampoo: Autumn dog walks mean puddles, leaves, and plenty of muddy paws! Having quality, dog-friendly shampoo at home will help keep them looking fabulous.

Golden retriever puppy wearing an orange harness, playing with an Autumn leaf.

Five Common Autumn Hazards for Dogs

Autumn scenery makes for picture-perfect dog walks, but it can also hide a few dangers for curious pups. Here’s what to watch out for:

Acorns and conkers: These seemingly innocent nuts might look like the perfect natural dog toy, but both can be toxic to dogs if eaten. Keep an eye out for these common autumn hazards during walks and prevent your pooch from snacking on them.

Wild mushrooms: Autumn is peak mushroom season, and unfortunately, some varieties can be poisonous to dogs. Keep a close eye on what your pooch is sniffing, particularly when exploring woodland areas where wild fungi flourish.

Fallen fruits: Apples and pears may seem harmless, but their seeds can be toxic to dogs. Fallen, fermenting fruit can also upset your dog’s stomach, so it’s important they don’t consume these dangerous snacks during walks.

Leaf piles: We love seeing our dogs dive into a pile of autumn leaves. However, they can sometimes hide dangerous objects, harmful moulds, or even small animals that might not be so friendly.

Unpredictable weather: Autumn brings sudden temperature drops, unexpected storms, and conditions that make for unpleasant walks with your dog. Be prepared by checking the forecast and using the right gear for you and your dog.

Tan and white terrier wearing a red harness sniffing among Autumn leaves.

Prepare for Seasonal Events

Autumn isn’t just about colourful leaves and cosy evenings – it’s also packed with celebrations that can affect our dogs’ wellbeing and stress levels. While we enjoy the fun, it’s important to plan ahead so our four-legged friends stay safe and stress-free.

Halloween is full of excitement, but chocolate, sweets and decorations can be dangerous for dogs. To make sure your pooch stays safe while enjoying the fun, check out our full guide on Halloween Dog Safety.

Loud bangs and bright flashes of fireworks can cause anxiety in many dogs. Preparing well in advance can make a huge difference to how your dog copes. Read our detailed advice on keeping your dog calm during fireworks and make firework season safer for your furry friend.

Read our Dog Advice

Black and white long haired chihauha with its front feet on a large, orange pumpkin.

How to Enjoy Autumn with Your Dog

Autumn isn’t all about hazards and worries, it’s also a wonderful time to strengthen the bond with your pooch and create lasting memories together.

Cooler weather makes longer walks much more enjoyable for both you and your dog. So, why not discover some of the UK’s most popular woodland walks, or head to a dog-friendly pumpkin patch for an exciting day out with the entire family?

If your dog isn’t a fan of wet weather, puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and dog enrichment games can provide excellent mental stimulation for your pooch indoors.

By following these autumn dog safety tips, you and your furry friend can enjoy everything the season has to offer, from crisp morning walks to cosy evenings at home.

If you’re looking to share your autumn adventures with a new best friend, meet the wonderful rescue dogs available for adoption here at Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

Meet our dogs