How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Autumn

Autumn in the UK is a beautiful time to get outdoors with your dog. The air feels fresher, the countryside glows in shades of gold and amber, and long walks through fallen leaves make for wonderful memories. Yet, behind that picture-perfect scene lie a few hidden dangers that every owner should be aware of.

As the season changes, so does your dog’s environment. Fallen acorns, conkers, and wild mushrooms can pose serious health risks. 

Cooler weather and shorter days bring new challenges, such as slippery paths, poor visibility, and noisy fireworks nights. Autumn also sees an increase in mysterious illnesses like Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) and Alabama rot, as well as an uptick in household toxins like antifreeze and rodenticides.

Better awareness doesn’t just mean a safer dog. It means peace of mind. It means more time enjoying what matters, less time worrying about what might go wrong. It means protecting the relationship that makes those autumn walks meaningful in the first place.

Why Autumn Brings New Risks for Dogs

Autumn transforms the landscape, trees shed their leaves, fields become muddy, daylight fades earlier, and households begin preparing for Bonfire Night and Halloween. These changes might feel routine to us, but for dogs, they create a completely different environment filled with new smells, textures, and temptations.

Dogs are naturally curious scavengers. Many will happily snuffle through piles of leaves, nibble fallen fruit, or pick up whatever they find on the ground. 

Unfortunately, this behaviour makes them vulnerable to ingesting toxic items such as acorns, mushrooms, or conkers. 

Adding to that, the physical risks: darker evenings reduce visibility, colder temperatures stiffen joints, and sudden loud noises may startle nervous pets. Autumn becomes a season where extra vigilance is essential.

Veterinary practices across the UK have reported seasonal spikes in poisoning cases. Dogs Today Magazine notes an annual rise in mushroom-related emergencies each October and November, often because owners don’t realise how dangerous wild fungi can be.

Similarly, incidents involving antifreeze and rodenticides tend to increase as households prepare for winter.

Let’s look at the main hazard categories and, more importantly, what you can do to protect your dog.

1. Acorns and Conkers

Think about the last time you walked through a park in autumn. Acorns everywhere. Conkers scattered across the path. To us, they’re simply part of the seasonal landscape, perhaps nostalgic reminders of childhood games.

To a dog, they’re curiosities worth investigating.

Acorns contain tannic acid that irritates the stomach lining and, in larger quantities, damages the kidneys and liver. Conkers, those glossy horse-chestnut seeds, contain a toxin called aesculin. 

This results in vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling. Their size and hardness also create choking risks and potential intestinal blockages.

Hence, keep your dog on a lead beneath oak or horse-chestnut trees. Not to restrict their freedom, but to guide their choices. Avoid letting them rummage through leaf piles. Invest time in reinforcing a reliable “leave it” command, because training isn’t about control, it’s about communication.

If your dog eats an acorn or a conker? Contact your vet immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms. Act on what you know, not what you hope.

2. Wild Mushrooms and Toadstools

Autumn’s damp conditions create perfect environments for fungi. Walk through the woodland one day, and the ground looks clear. Return the next morning, and mushrooms have appeared, as if by magic.

You cannot tell which mushrooms are safe and which are deadly. Hence, it’s suggested that you treat all wild fungi as potentially poisonous.

Mushroom poisoning reveals itself through symptoms that sometimes appear within minutes, sometimes hours later. This can be vomiting, tremors, and/or excessive drooling. 

To help prevent this try to keep your dog away from areas where mushrooms grow: woodland, tree stumps, and shaded lawns. If fungi appear in your garden, remove them promptly. 

If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, call your vet straight away. Bring a photo or carefully collect a sample on paper. 

3. Fallen Fruit and Plant Bulbs

Overripe fruits can slowly ferment, making them irresistible to a dog. But fermentation creates alcohol, and dogs are remarkably sensitive to alcohol poisoning. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, and/or respiratory problems. 

Autumn is also when we bury spring bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses, anticipating the colour they’ll bring when winter ends. 

Suggested Tips

• Clear fallen fruits regularly
• Supervise outdoor play
• Keep dogs away from areas where you’re planting bulbs

These are small acts of care that prevent larger problems.

4. Household Chemicals

Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in antifreeze, has a sweet flavour that attracts animals. Due to its sweet taste dogs drink it willingly. And even a teaspoon can cause fatal kidney failure.

As temperatures drop, we use more antifreeze. We top up car radiators, store bottles in garages and sheds, creating opportunities for tragedy without realising it.

Similarly, rodenticides become more common as mice and rats seek shelter indoors. These chemical pesticides are highly toxic to dogs and should be kept well out of the way.

5. Darker Evenings and Visibility

When the clocks go back, the comfort of visibility shifts. Those after-work dog walks now take place in darkness. The route hasn’t changed. Your routine hasn’t changed. But everything else has.

Visibility becomes the hidden variable that determines safety. A dog with dark fur, off the lead, and enthusiastic, becomes nearly invisible in dim light. You know they’re there but drivers approaching don’t.

Hence, it’s suggested to make your dog visible. Reflective collars, harnesses, and leads. Clip-on LED lights. These tools transform invisible dogs into obvious ones.

But visibility serves another purpose. Darker evenings coincide with fireworks season, and startled dogs sometimes bolt. If your dog becomes lost, being visible helps. So does having current microchip details and an updated ID tag.

6. Forest Walks and Mysterious Illnesses

Woodland walks in autumn offer something special. Yet these beautiful environments harbour conditions we need to understand.

Alabama rot, despite its American name, appears across the UK. It’s linked to muddy, damp environments. It causes skin lesions on legs or paws and can progress to harsher symptoms. Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI), documented by Dogs Today Magazine, emerges mainly between August and November after woodland walks. Dogs develop sudden vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.

Wash and dry your dog thoroughly after muddy walks. Not just a quick wipe, but genuine attention to legs, paws, and belly. Monitor for any skin changes or sickness in the days following woodland walks. 

7. Water Hazards and Parasites

After weeks of rain, puddles become part of the landscape. Stagnant water often harbours bacteria like Leptospira, which causes leptospirosis. Blue-green algae in ponds and lakes can prove deadly in small amounts. Decomposing leaves harbour fungi and bacteria that cause stomach upsets.

Stick to familiar paths, don’t let your dog drink from puddles or unknown water sources, and wipe paws after walks.

There’s a common assumption that autumn signals the end of parasite season. However, this is not true. Ticks remain active until temperatures drop below 4°C and harvest mites peak during autumn. Fleas resurge once household heating switches on.

Continue your dog’s parasite prevention through autumn and check their fur after countryside walks. These are rhythms of responsible care.

8. Halloween and Fireworks

For many dogs, late October through early November represents the most stressful period of the year. Halloween brings constant doorbells and unusual costumes. Constant fireworks can also cause additional stress for dogs.

Walk dogs earlier in the day during these periods. Create a calm, secure space at home with curtains closed and soft background music to distract from the constant noise of fireworks going off.

9. Joint Health and Training

Cool, damp weather affects ageing joints. Older dogs often become stiffer as autumn progresses. Provide warm, dry resting areas and opt for shorter, more frequent walks. 

Consider supplements or vet-recommended treatments. This is where understanding your individual dog matters more than following general rules.

Well-practised “leave it” and “drop it” commands can make the difference between safety and an emergency. Training is a form of communication more than being a form of control. It’s about building a shared language with your dog that allows you to guide them when their instincts might lead them into danger.

Practical Checklist for Pets’ Safety in Autumn

Keeping your dog safe through autumn doesn’t have to be complicated; it just requires awareness and a few small habits. Use this quick checklist as your seasonal guide to prevention and peace of mind.

On Walks

• Keep your dog on a lead near oak or horse-chestnut trees to avoid acorns and conkers.
• Stick to well-lit routes after dusk and use reflective collars, harnesses, or LED lights.
• Avoid stagnant puddles or unknown water where bacteria or blue-green algae may thrive.
• Wipe paws and legs after muddy walks to remove dirt, grit, and harmful residues.
• Check for ticks or mites after countryside or woodland walks, especially around the ears, belly, and paws.
• Carry treats and reinforce “leave it” or “drop it” commands for safety on the go.

At Home

• Store antifreeze, rodenticides, and cleaning products securely and wipe up spills immediately.
• Keep sweets, chocolate, and leftovers out of reach during festive periods.
• Provide a quiet, safe space for dogs during fireworks or loud celebrations.
• Maintain regular feeding and exercise routines to reduce stress.

In the Garden

• Inspect lawns and flowerbeds for fallen fruit or spring bulbs (daffodil, crocus, tulip) that may be toxic.
• Clear away leaf piles and compost where mould or sharp debris might be hidden.
• Check fences and gates after windy weather to ensure secure boundaries.
• Avoid fertilisers or pest treatments not labelled as pet-safe.

Indoors

• Provide warm bedding away from draughts for older dogs or puppies.
• Offer indoor enrichment, puzzle feeders, gentle tug games, or short training sessions to keep minds and bodies active when weather limits outdoor walks.
• Keep fleas under control as central heating can trigger new infestations.
• Monitor your dog for any signs of stiffness, upset stomach, or fatigue and arrange a vet check if something seems off.

How Hunters Lodge Can Help

At Hunters Lodge, we understand that autumn can be challenging for pet owners juggling shorter days, unpredictable weather, and safety concerns. Our team provides the perfect environment for dogs to stay active, social, and well cared for,  rain or shine.

Our dog kennels and day-care facilities combine spacious outdoor runs with cosy indoor areas, allowing dogs to play, exercise, and rest safely, whatever the season. Every pet enjoys individual attention, secure playtime, and constant supervision from our experienced staff.

Whether you need day-care while you’re at work or longer-term boarding, we make sure your dog’s physical and emotional needs are met in a warm, welcoming setting. We even offer enrichment activities to keep curious minds occupied when the weather turns.

For peace of mind and professional care this autumn, contact us or book a tour to see how Hunters Lodge can keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are acorns poisonous to dogs?

Yes. Acorns contain tannins that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and, in larger amounts, can lead to more serious problems. They also pose a choking and blockage risk. Keep dogs on a lead in areas with heavy acorn fall, and contact your vet if one is eaten.

2. What should I do if my dog eats a wild mushroom?

Treat it as an emergency. Call your vet straight away. If safe, take a photo of the mushroom or bring a sample in paper. Do not wait for symptoms; early treatment makes a big difference.

3. How can I keep my dog safe during fireworks?

Walk before dusk, create a calm den indoors, close curtains and use gentle background sound to mask bangs. Keep gates and doors secure and make sure ID details are up to date. Speak to your vet in advance if your dog shows noise sensitivity; there are training plans and products that can help.

4. Is antifreeze really that dangerous?

It is. Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is extremely toxic even in tiny amounts, and dogs may be attracted by the sweet taste. Store it securely, clean spills immediately and seek urgent veterinary care if you suspect exposure.

5. Do ticks and fleas go away in autumn?

No. Ticks remain active in cooler weather, and fleas can thrive indoors once heating is on. Continue parasite prevention and check your dog after countryside walks, especially around the ears, armpits and between the toes.