The leaves are changing colour and the air is starting to feel crisp – autumn has arrived and we are very excited for it here at Pawfit HQ.
The cooler temperatures are also a welcome relief for our dogs especially after a long, hot summer which is why autumn is a great time of year to get outdoors for some longer walks.
Before you head out though, check out our top tips for walking your dog this autumn and keeping you both safe.
Watch out for toxic autumnal staples
A childhood favourite, conkers are potential choking hazards for our four-legged friends if swallowed and also contain aesculin which is highly toxic. Their size also means they can cause internal blockages that may result in needing surgery to remove them.
Acorns are also toxic for dogs as they contain tannic acid which causes upset tummies and diarrhoea, and in server cases, internal damage and kidney failure.
Big piles of wet leaves should also be avoided as they are breeding grounds for mould and bacteria which could make your dog seriously ill.
If you think your dog has swallowed any of these autumn toxins, or if they’re showing any signs of illness, contact your vet immediately for medical advice.
Stay visible
The days are getting shorter which means more of us will be going for walks in the dark before and after work. It’s important that both you and your dog are visible to oncoming traffic so we recommend investing in torches, reflective jackets, harnesses, collars and leads so you stay seen and safe.
Our Pawfit trackers feature bright lights to help keep your dog visible on their walks and should they wander too far, you’ll be able to find them fast with live tracking.
Alter your walking routine
Even better, switch up your walking routine so that you’re heading out whilst it’s still light outside. If work commitments mean you’re not able to get our with your dog in the day light, see if any friends can walk them on their lunch breaks or use a dog walking service.
Stay warm
Dropping temperatures, rainy days and windy weather all mean our dog walks are about to start getting a lot colder. Most dogs are perfectly fine in the cooler autumn weather but dogs that are young, old or have thin fur will be a lot more comfortable with some extra layers. Look out for waterproof fleeces and jackets that will keep them dry and warm on their walks over the next few months.
Post walkies
If you have a soggy doggy when you return from your walks, make sure you dry them off and warm them up so they don’t catch a chill and become ill.
If they’re muddy, it’s also important to spend a few minutes giving them a good rinse off to minimise the risk of Alabama Rot (also known as CRGV), which can be picked up on muddy, wet walks. Here in the UK, 281 dogs were affected by Alabama Rot between November 2021 and February 2022.
Little is known about this disease and what exactly causes it but dogs with the condition are known to develop skin ulcers and it can ultimately lead to kidney failure, so it’s important to clean up your dog after a wet or muddy walk.
Ticks are still active this time of year so you’ll also want to have a quick feel over your dog’s body for any, especially after a walk in tall grassy areas.
