Autumn Dangers for Dogs and Cats: What Every UK Pet Owner Should Know 🍂🐾

Crunchy leaves, crisp mornings and muddy woodland walks. There's a lot to love about autumn, and our dogs and cats love it too.

But alongside the conker-collecting and puddle-splashing, the season brings a few hidden dangers that many pet owners don't know about. Some of the most tempting things on an autumn walk, or lying around the garage, can make pets seriously unwell. 💛

The good news? Once you know what to look out for, it's easy to keep your pet safe. Here's everything you need to know.

Conkers, Acorns and Wild Mushrooms 🌰

Conkers 🌰 They might look like the perfect ball to chase, but conkers are poisonous to dogs. They contain a substance that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and tummy pain, and because they're hard and round, they can also cause a choking hazard or a blockage in the gut. Don't throw conkers for your dog, and gently discourage them from picking them up on walks.

Acorns 🌳 Acorns, along with oak leaves, contain tannins that can upset your dog's stomach and, in larger amounts, may cause more serious problems. They're also a choking risk. Keep an eye on your dog under oak trees, especially after windy days when lots have fallen.

Wild mushrooms 🍄 Mushrooms pop up everywhere in autumn, in woodland, parks and even your own garden. While many are harmless, some are highly toxic, and it's very difficult to tell them apart. The safest rule is to treat all wild mushrooms as dangerous, and check your garden regularly so you can remove any that appear.

Fallen fruit 🍎 Windfall apples and pears can ferment as they rot, and the stones and pips can cause blockages. Clear fallen fruit from your garden where you can.

Antifreeze, Rat Poison and Other Hidden Dangers ⚠️

Antifreeze 🚗 As the weather gets colder, antifreeze comes out of the garage, and it's one of the most dangerous autumn hazards for pets, especially cats. It has a sweet taste that animals find appealing, and even a tiny amount licked from a puddle or a paw can be life-threatening. Store antifreeze securely, mop up any spills straight away, and keep an eye out for puddles on driveways and roads.

Rat and mouse poison 🐀 More rodents look for warm places to shelter in autumn, so more people put down poison. Pets can be poisoned by eating the bait itself or by catching a poisoned rodent. If you use pest control, choose pet-safe options and keep any bait well out of reach.

Bonfires and garden waste 🔥 Before lighting a bonfire, always check the pile, as cats (and hedgehogs!) love to curl up in cosy heaps of leaves and wood. Keep pets indoors while bonfires are burning, and make sure the ashes are completely cold before letting them back out.

Seasonal Canine Illness, Dark Evenings and Wet Weather 🌧️

Seasonal Canine Illness 🌲 Seasonal Canine Illness is a condition that can affect dogs after walks in woodland, usually between August and November. The exact cause still isn't known, but symptoms often appear within a few days of a woodland walk and can include sudden vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. It can become serious quickly, so if your dog shows these signs after a walk in the woods, contact your vet straight away.

Dark evenings 🔦 With the clocks going back, many of us end up walking our dogs in the dark. Wear something bright or reflective yourself, keep your dog on a lead near roads, and consider a light-up or reflective collar so you can always see them, and so can drivers.

Wet and muddy walks 💧 Rainy autumn walks mean soggy, muddy dogs. Dry your dog off well when you get home, especially between their paws, and check their pads for small cuts or anything stuck between their toes. A wet lead and collar can also get smelly fast, so waterproof, wipe-clean ones make life much easier.

Signs Your Pet May Have Eaten Something Harmful 🩺

Keep an eye out for:

🐾 Vomiting or diarrhoea

🐾 Drooling or pawing at the mouth

🐾 Lethargy or weakness

🐾 Loss of appetite

🐾 Wobbling, shaking or seeming confused

🐾 Tummy pain or a swollen tummy

What to do 📞 If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your vet straight away, even if they seem fine. Some poisons, like antifreeze, can take a while to show symptoms, and acting quickly makes a big difference. If you can, take a note or photo of what they ate and roughly how much. Never try to make your pet sick unless your vet tells you to.

Autumn Walk Essentials 🍂

A few practical extras can make autumn walks safer, cleaner and a whole lot cosier.

Waterproof Dog Lead 👈 No more soggy, smelly leads after a rainy walk. This lead is made from smooth, waterproof material that won't absorb water, mud or odours, so it just wipes clean.

Waterproof Odour Resistant Dog Collar 👈 The perfect match for the waterproof lead. It won't hold onto that wet dog smell, and it's easy to wipe clean after every muddy adventure.

Waterproof Doggy Raincoat 👈 Keeps your dog dry on drizzly days, so there's less towel-drying when you get home.

Calming Dog Vest with Snood 👈 A snug, cosy layer for chilly walks, with a stretchy snood that pulls up over the ears. It's perfect for keeping warm and for the noisy fireworks season too.

Waterproof Car Boot Liner 👈 Heading somewhere muddy for your walk? This liner protects your boot from mud, fur and wet paws on the drive home.

Enjoy a Safe, Happy Autumn Together 🍂🐾

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