Autumn is one of the best times of year to be a dog. Cooler mornings, crunchy leaves, muddy woodland paths and a hundred new smells on every walk. For many working dogs it is also the busiest part of the year, with the shooting season in full swing.
But the same walks that make autumn so much fun also bring a few seasonal hazards that are easy to miss. Some are lying on the ground under trees, some are hiding in the grass, and a couple are sitting in garages and driveways. Here is what every UK dog owner should keep an eye out for this autumn, what the warning signs look like, and what to do if you are worried.
Are Conkers Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes. Conkers, the shiny brown seeds of the horse chestnut tree, are toxic to dogs. They contain a compound called aesculin, which can cause an upset stomach if chewed or swallowed. Because they are hard and round, whole conkers can also cause a blockage in the gut, which is a serious problem in its own right.
Signs to watch for include:
Vomiting or retching
Diarrhoea
Drooling
Tummy pain, restlessness or a hunched posture
Loss of appetite or unusual quietness
Symptoms often show within a few hours, but they can take a day or two to appear. If you think your dog has eaten a conker, call your vet straight away rather than waiting to see what happens.
Top tip: dogs who love a game of fetch can easily mistake a conker for a ball. Take a favourite toy on autumn walks and steer well clear of horse chestnut trees if your dog is a scavenger.
Are Acorns Bad for Dogs?
Acorns contain tannins, which can irritate a dog's stomach and gut. Eating a few can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and discomfort, and eating a lot of them can be more serious. Green, unripe acorns tend to be the biggest concern, and oak leaves contain tannins too.
Like conkers, acorns are also a choking and blockage risk, especially for smaller dogs and puppies who hoover up everything in their path. Autumn storms can bring down huge numbers at once, so a path that was clear last week might be covered today.
Wild Mushrooms and Fungi: Which Are Dangerous for Dogs?
Damp autumn weather is perfect for fungi, and they pop up everywhere from woodland floors to garden lawns, sometimes overnight. Many wild mushrooms in the UK are harmless, but a small number are extremely toxic, and even experts can struggle to tell some species apart without a close look.
The safest approach is simple: treat every wild mushroom as poisonous. Some of the most dangerous species do not cause symptoms straight away. A dog may seem completely fine for several hours, or seem to recover, while serious damage is happening inside.
If you think your dog has eaten a mushroom:
Call your vet immediately, even if your dog seems well
If it is safe to do so, take a photo of the mushroom and pop a sample in a bag to show your vet
Do not try to make your dog sick unless your vet tells you to
It is also worth doing a quick sweep of your garden on autumn mornings, especially if you have a puppy.
What Is Seasonal Canine Illness?
Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is a condition that tends to appear between late summer and the end of autumn, usually in dogs that have recently walked in woodland. Its exact cause is still not fully understood, and research is ongoing.
Signs usually appear within a few days of a woodland walk and can come on quickly. They include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, trembling and tummy pain. Most dogs recover well with prompt veterinary treatment, which is why acting fast matters. If your dog becomes suddenly unwell after a woodland walk at this time of year, let your vet know where you have been.
Harvest Mites: Why Is My Dog Itching After Walks?
If your dog is suddenly licking and nibbling at their paws after autumn walks, harvest mites could be the reason. These tiny orange mites live in long grass and undergrowth, and they tend to gather between the toes, around the ears and on the belly. You might spot them as little clusters of orange dots.
They are more of a nuisance than a danger, but the itching can be intense. Wiping paws and legs after walks and checking between the toes helps you catch them early, and your vet can recommend a suitable treatment.
Other Autumn Hazards for Dogs
Antifreeze
As the weather turns colder, more antifreeze gets used on cars. It often contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet to dogs and is extremely poisonous even in small amounts. Store it securely, wipe up any spills, and keep dogs away from puddles on driveways and garage floors. If you suspect your dog has licked any, this is an emergency: get to a vet straight away.
Rat and Mouse Poison
Rodents look for somewhere warm as temperatures drop, so rat and mouse poisons are used more in autumn. Many of these products have delayed effects, so a dog can seem fine for days. If you use them at home, choose dog-safe methods and keep bait well out of reach. If you think your dog has eaten any, take the packaging with you to the vet.
Fallen Fruit and Halloween Treats
Windfall apples and plums can ferment on the ground, and fruit stones and pips are a choking risk. Then there is Halloween. Chocolate, raisins and sweets containing the sweetener xylitol are all toxic to dogs, so keep treat bowls well out of reach of curious noses.
Darker Evenings
Once the clocks go back, many of us end up walking our dogs in the dark. A reflective collar or harness, a clip-on light and a hi-vis jacket for you make a real difference to how visible you both are to drivers and cyclists.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Autumn Walks
None of this means you need to avoid the woods. A few simple habits go a long way:
Keep scavengers on a lead near oak and horse chestnut trees, or where fungi are growing
Practise a strong "leave it" command, and reward it generously
Carry a toy or treats to keep your dog focused on you rather than the ground
Wipe paws, legs and bellies after muddy walks and check between the toes
Clear fallen conkers, acorns and mushrooms from your garden regularly
Save your vet's number and nearest out-of-hours clinic in your phone
Trust your instincts: if your dog seems off after a walk, call your vet
A Good Dinner After a Muddy Walk
There is nothing quite like a tired, happy dog curled up after a long autumn walk. A good dinner is a big part of that routine.
At Just for Friends, we are a family-run business from Yorkshire and we have been making natural pet food since 2013. Every recipe in our Just For Friends range is gluten-free and includes aloe vera, and we make both dry and wet food for dogs of every age, size and energy level, from lap dogs to hard-working gundogs.
If you are feeding a working dog through the shooting season, our guide to [Working Dog Food: How to Feed a Gundog Through the Season] is a great next read. And if you have a new puppy discovering autumn for the first time, our [Puppy Feeding Guide: The First Year] covers everything you need to know.
Try Just For Friends with our trial box
Not sure which recipe is right for your dog? Our trial box is the easiest way to find out. Give your dog a taste of Just For Friends and see how they get on, with no big commitment.
Order your trial box today at justforfriends.uk
Autumn Dangers for Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my dog eats a conker?
Call your vet straight away, even if your dog seems fine. Symptoms can take time to appear, and conkers can cause a blockage as well as an upset stomach.
How many acorns are dangerous for a dog?
There is no safe number. Even a few acorns can upset some dogs' stomachs, and small dogs and puppies are at greater risk of a blockage. Speak to your vet if your dog has eaten any.
Are all wild mushrooms poisonous to dogs?
Not all of them, but some UK species are extremely toxic and many are hard to identify. It is safest to treat every wild mushroom as poisonous and contact your vet if your dog eats one.
When is Seasonal Canine Illness most common?
Cases are usually reported between late summer and the end of autumn, often after woodland walks. Contact your vet quickly if your dog becomes suddenly unwell after being in the woods.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you are ever worried about your dog's health, contact your vet.