Help Prepare Your Dog for Autumn 

As you head out on your usual walks with your dog, you might start to notice the slight chill in the air, the crunching beneath your feet and the daylight fading earlier each evening. Autumn is settling in — and like every seasonal shift, the fall brings its own changes to keep your four-legged friend safe and healthy.  

But remember it’s not only about muddy paw prints all over the carpet and that lingering wet dog smell — as autumn also means more cosy evenings curled up together, warm blankets and maybe even a pumpkin-flavoured treat or two. Explore our advice on how to best adjust to the changing season.

Older dogs and those with less undercoat are especially vulnerable to the cold and damp. It affects their joints and takes some of the fun out of an autumnal walk. In such cases, suitable clothing to protect against colder temperatures is recommended. This clothing should fit well and keep your pet warm, without hindering movement. The length of the walks you take will depend on your dog. For older four-legged friends, several short walks through the autumn woods may be better than one long walk. When you are out, your dog should keep moving and not sit or lie down for a long time. 

As summer draws to a close, the days start to get darker earlier. If you take your dog out for a walk later in the afternoon, make sure that your four-legged friend is visible in the dark. Reflective collars, harnesses and leashes are great for this and can help to prevent accidents (e.g. involving cyclists). Long-haired dogs may be better off with reflective vests – unlike collars and harnesses with reflective strips, they won’t be covered up by long hair. And it’s always worth thinking about your own clothing when you’re getting ready for an evening walk — you need to be visible in the dark too!

Ticks are mostly active from March to June and later in August to November but milder temperatures extend the tick activity.¹ Dogs that live in areas prone to ticks — such as around woods, water, and meadows — must be protected against these parasites. Tick preventatives are an effective way to protect your dog. However, if you prefer not to use these, you should thoroughly examine your dog after each walk and correctly remove any ticks. 

The harmful effects of harvest mites on dogs should also not be underestimated. The larvae of these tiny pests can infect a dog, puncturing its skin and injecting enzymes.² This leads to an allergic reaction that causes itchiness, meaning your dog will constantly scratch and lick the affected area, which often includes the paws (between the toes), armpits, legs, ears or belly.³ The constant biting and licking can cause wounds, skin irritation and inflammation. To avoid this, dog walkers should keep away from environments favoured by harvest mites, which include meadows, gardens, forest edges and fields. However, if you don’t want to be restricted during the autumn season, you should ask your vet about gentle but effective preventative measures for your dog.

Fungi flourish in the moist soils of early autumn, and eating mushrooms can be lethal for our four-legged friends.^4,5 To be on the safe side, don’t let your dog eat any mushrooms at all — not even those that are safe for humans. Take special care when playing fetch: if you throw a stick and it lands on the forest floor or in a pile of leaves, your dog could accidentally pick up a mushroom in its mouth. Always check what your dog is eating if it has picked up something while out on a walk.

As the days grow shorter, many of us start decorating our homes with autumnal touches. While these seasonal accents bring cosy autumnal charm, they can also pose hidden risks to curious dogs. Candles and tealights add a lovely glow on colder evenings, but they should always be placed well out of reach of wagging tails or inquisitive noses. Consider switching to flameless LED candles for a safer alternative. Twinkling fairy lights and trailing cords can also be tempting chew toys, so secure them carefully and check for any signs of nibbling. 

Small decorations such as pinecones, acorns, or small pumpkins might look like toys to your dog, but they can be choking hazards or cause digestive issues if swallowed, so keep them off low surfaces and out of reach.  If you’re bringing in seasonal plants or wreaths, double-check that they’re pet-safe as some dried botanicals may be toxic to your pet.

With the onset of the cold and wet season, a raincoat or rain jacket for your dog can be much more than a fashion statement. Both provide valuable protection against unpleasant and challenging weather conditions and are essential items of clothing for puppies, senior dogs, sick four-legged friends, dogs without an undercoat, and short-legged (ground-level) dogs, for example.

Disclaimer: All our guides are based on scientifically grounded research, current studies, and the expertise of FOUR PAWS experts. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with our experts, please contact us at research.info@four-paws.org.