Autumn is such a nice season and if, like me, you’ve spent the whole summer out in the sunshine with your dog, you’ll be grateful for the cooler days and emptier parks!
While there’s many benefits to the chillier temperatures, for example you can take your dog out at lunchtime again, there’s also a few hazards to be aware of.
Here’s my BiG roundup of what to look out for while walking your dog in Autumn.
#1. Fungus
Damp, cold, autumnal conditions are the perfect breeding ground for fungus. As with humans, fungi can be incredibly poisonous to dogs. Fungi can be hard to spot, especially when disguised in grass, leaves or bark.
It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog, especially if you’re walking in wooded or marshy areas. Keep them away from large piles of leaves and call them away if they’re snuffling or eating something off the ground.
Signs of poisoning in dogs include:
· Pain or discomfort in their belly
· Sickness or diarrhoea
· Weakness or lack of responsiveness
· Yellowing of the eyes or skin
· Excessive salivation
· Lack of coordination or trouble walking
If you suspect your dog has eaten something poisonous take them to a vet immediately, even if they’re not showing signs of poisoning. If you’re able to get a sample of the mushroom they ate without touching it yourself (perhaps pick it up using a poo bag?) take this to the vets with you.
#2. Conkers & Acorns
Conkers and acorns are also poisonous to dogs. If you have trees in your garden which drop these in the autumn, make sure you regularly collect them from the lawn so your dog is not likely to eat them while outside.
Similarly, if you're walking close to trees with acorns or conkers lying around them keep a close eye on your dog.
As with fungi, if you see or suspect your dog has eaten something poisonous, take them straight to the vets.
#3. Slippery ground
Your dog’s not the only one you should be looking out for over the next couple of months. With fallen leaves, rainwater and mud coagulating on the paths and grass, you should be extra careful of your own safety while out walking.
This is especially true if you walk your dog on a lead or they’re likely to pull you while you’re standing on treacherous ground.
Keep safe guys!
#4. Dangerous objects hidden in fallen leaves
From dog poo and sharp sticks to broken glass and discarded needles, there can be all sorts hidden among piles of leaves.
Again, this is one for your safety as well as your dog’s. My main advice here is, however fun and nostalgic it seems to run through fallen leaves, it’s not always a sensible thing to do, especially for your pup’s bare paws!
As always, keep an eye on your dog and if they do get cut or injured, try to identify what they have injured themselves on and dispose of it sensibly if you can (never handle hypodermic needles with bare hands or put them in litter bins without first putting them in a sturdy disposable container such as a plastic bottle with a lid) and take them to the vets.
#5. Weather
This time of year is often accompanied by periods of strong wind, storms and heavy rainfall. With these come the chances of falling branches, floods and the opportunity for you or your dog to get stuck in some sticky, and dangerous, situations.
My advice is always, if there’s strong weather forecast, stick to open spaces or walk your dog on the pavements rather than the park. Avoid woods and places that are likely to flood. If you do decide to walk in these conditions, it is best to let someone know where you’re going and what time you expect to be back so they can check in with you and make sure you’re safe.
#6. Animals and small rodents
The squirrels, rats and mice are all making their final preparations for winter – collecting the last of the summer’s nuts and bedding down. This can often make them less likely to run away from dogs as they don’t want to miss any food.
While this isn’t dangerous as such, I’m guessing you don’t want a half-devoured rat dragged in from your garden just as you’re sitting down to dinner!
Make sure your bins are covered and out of reach so as not to attract rats and keep your eye out for squirrels as much as you can while you’re at the park.
#7. Fireworks
Last but not least, it’s firework season! A lot of dogs get anxious around this time but there’s a lot you can do to help keep them calm.
The number one rule for dealing with an anxious dog is to make sure they get enough exercise. People often avoid taking their dog out during Diwali, bonfire night or other times there may be fireworks but not walking your dog will not help. As well as throwing off their routine, they’ll have all that pent-up energy with nowhere to go. Even without the fireworks this can often result in compulsive behaviours such as spinning, chewing and whining.
Take your dog out before it gets dark and give them a really good walk with lots of running, socialising and stimulation if you can. This will tire them out and help guard against anxiety. Once home, create a safe, cosy space for them somewhere enclosed – under a table or in a cupboard is ideal. Add some blankets and cushions for sound proofing, keep it nice and dark and give them some treats or a favourite toy to stimulate relaxation.
There are also many forms of pet calming medicines available, from plugins to pills to specially designed jackets and swaddles. If you feel this would help your dog, talk to your vet for advice and recommendations.
I hope this has given you some good ideas to help empower you to stay safe and calm as we fly through Autumn. If you’ve got any questions or queries don’t hesitate to get in touch on facebook or email bigpetservices@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading!
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