Autumn Hazards on Walks: What Every Dog Owner Should Watch For

There is something rather special about walking a dog in autumn.

The temperature becomes more comfortable, woodland paths change colour, parks become quieter after the summer holidays and those early morning walks begin to have a definite freshness about them.

For many dogs, it is one of the best times of the year to be outdoors.

But autumn also changes the environment in ways that aren't always immediately obvious. Fallen leaves can hide hazards, daylight disappears surprisingly quickly, fungi appear almost overnight and wet weather can turn familiar paths into slippery ground.

None of this means we should enjoy our autumn walks any less.

It simply means making a few seasonal adjustments.

Here are some of the things worth watching for as summer gives way to autumn.

1. Fallen Leaves Can Hide More Than the Path

Running through piles of leaves can be great fun for dogs – and there is certainly no reason to prevent it automatically.

The problem is what might be underneath them.

Broken glass, sharp stones, discarded rubbish, holes and other objects can disappear beneath a thick covering of fallen leaves.

Wet leaves introduce another problem. On pavements, wooden bridges, steps and slopes they can become extremely slippery.

That matters to us, of course, but it can matter to dogs too, particularly older dogs or those with mobility difficulties.

There is no need to avoid fallen leaves altogether. Just be a little more aware of where your dog is putting their feet, particularly somewhere you don't know well.

2. Mushrooms and Fungi

Autumn provides ideal conditions for many types of fungi, and seemingly empty patches of grass or woodland can suddenly be covered with mushrooms.

Some are harmless.

Others aren't.

The difficulty is that identifying wild fungi reliably can be extremely challenging. Even experienced people can have difficulty distinguishing between species.

The safest approach is therefore simple:

Don't allow your dog to eat wild mushrooms or fungi.

Dogs that investigate everything with their mouths deserve particular attention when walking through woodland or damp grassy areas.

If you think your dog may have eaten a wild mushroom, contact your veterinary practice promptly for advice. If it can be done safely, a photograph of the mushroom and the area where it was growing may be useful, but don't delay seeking veterinary advice while trying to identify it yourself.

3. Acorns and Conkers

To us, acorns and conkers are simply part of autumn.

To some dogs, they look remarkably like toys.

Neither should be encouraged as something to pick up, chew or eat.

Apart from potential toxicity and digestive upset, their size and shape can present a choking hazard or cause a gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed.

This is particularly worth remembering with dogs that love carrying balls and other objects.

A woodland floor covered with conkers can look like an enormous collection of free toys.

Practising a reliable "leave" and "drop" cue can be extremely useful.

We'll look at acorns, conkers and other seasonal items in more detail in a separate Dog Sports UK article.

4. Fallen Fruit

If your regular walk passes through an orchard, garden, park or area containing fruit trees, autumn can mean large quantities of fallen fruit on the ground.

Dogs may be attracted to apples, plums and other fruit – particularly when it has become soft and sweet.

The flesh of some fruits may be safe in appropriate circumstances, but fallen fruit brings additional considerations.

It may be mouldy or fermenting. Stones, pips and cores can also present hazards depending on the fruit involved.

Rather than allowing your dog to help themselves to whatever they find underneath a tree, move them away and provide something you know is safe.

5. Darker Mornings and Earlier Evenings

Perhaps the biggest change during autumn isn't on the ground at all.

It's the light.

Daylight hours shorten rapidly, and a walk that was comfortably completed in daylight a few weeks earlier can suddenly finish in near darkness.

Visibility becomes important for both dog and owner.

If you regularly walk beside roads or on shared paths, consider reflective or high-visibility clothing for yourself and suitable reflective equipment for your dog.

A small light attached appropriately to a dog's walking equipment can also make them easier to see, although it shouldn't replace suitable identification or safe handling.

And don't forget your phone or a torch.

Even if you expect to be home before dark, autumn has a habit of getting there first.

6. Mud, Water and Slippery Ground

After a dry summer, the return of regular rain changes familiar walking routes surprisingly quickly.

Paths become muddy. Riverbanks become slippery. Fields develop areas of standing water.

Dogs usually cope extremely well with varied terrain, but enthusiasm sometimes exceeds judgement – particularly when chasing a ball or running with another dog.

Take additional care around steep slopes, riverbanks and wet wooden surfaces.

Repeatedly throwing a ball across slippery ground can also encourage sudden stops and sharp turns when footing isn't ideal.

Sometimes simply changing the game or choosing a better patch of ground is the sensible option.

7. Standing Water Isn't Always Safe Water

A muddy puddle can be irresistible to a thirsty dog.

Unfortunately, we can't assume that standing water is safe simply because it looks clean.

Puddles and stagnant water can contain contaminants, microorganisms or substances washed from surrounding land and roads.

Where possible, carry fresh water for your dog rather than relying on whatever happens to be available along the route.

This is particularly sensible on longer countryside walks.

8. Seasonal Chemicals

Autumn is a busy time in gardens, on farms and around properties.

Various chemicals and treatments may be in use, while antifreeze becomes an increasing concern as temperatures begin to fall.

Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is particularly dangerous if ingested and requires urgent veterinary attention.

Be cautious around unexplained spills, liquids around parked vehicles and areas where chemicals may have been used.

If you suspect your dog has swallowed or come into contact with a potentially poisonous substance, contact a veterinary professional promptly. Don't attempt to make your dog vomit unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.

9. Wildlife Becomes More Active – and Sometimes Less Predictable

Autumn is a busy season for wildlife.

Squirrels become particularly interesting to many dogs, while deer and other animals may be encountered more frequently depending on where you walk.

For dogs with a strong chase instinct, this can suddenly make an otherwise reliable recall much more challenging.

Know your dog.

If wildlife is likely to be present and you aren't confident that your dog will return when called, keeping them appropriately controlled is the responsible choice.

A long line may sometimes provide additional freedom while retaining control, provided it is used appropriately and safely.

Autumn is also an excellent time to refresh recall training rather than waiting until the first squirrel disappears over the horizon with your dog in pursuit.

10. Livestock and Countryside Walks

Autumn walks often take us through farmland and countryside where livestock may be present.

Dogs should always be kept under appropriate control around farm animals.

Follow local signage, respect landowners and never assume that a dog that normally ignores livestock will necessarily do so in every situation.

Circumstances change.

Young animals, moving livestock or an unexpectedly close encounter can produce a very different reaction.

Responsible countryside walking protects your dog, livestock and the continued enjoyment of access for everyone.

11. Ticks Don't Necessarily Disappear With Summer

It is easy to associate ticks with warm summer walks, but they can remain active during autumn when conditions are suitable.

Continue checking your dog after walks, particularly if you've been through woodland, long grass, heathland or other areas where ticks may be present.

Run your hands over the dog's body and pay particular attention around the head, ears, neck, feet and other less obvious areas.

If you find a tick, it should be removed correctly using an appropriate tick-removal tool. If you're uncertain how to do this, ask your veterinary practice to show you.

12. Autumn Weather Can Change Quickly

One of the pleasures – and frustrations – of a British autumn is how quickly conditions can change.

A mild, sunny afternoon can become cold, wet and windy surprisingly quickly.

For most healthy dogs on an ordinary local walk this isn't a major problem, but longer countryside walks require a little more thought.

Older dogs, very young dogs, smaller dogs and those with thin coats may feel the cold sooner than a fit, thick-coated adult.

Equally, don't assume that because the calendar says autumn your dog cannot become too warm. Early autumn can still produce surprisingly warm days.

Watch the dog in front of you rather than the date on the calendar.

Turn Autumn Hazards Into Training Opportunities

There is another way to look at many of these seasonal hazards.

They are opportunities to practise useful everyday training.

Acorns on the path?

Practise leave.

Something interesting has appeared in the hedge?

Practise recall.

Your dog has picked up something they shouldn't have?

A well-trained drop becomes invaluable.

You need to examine a paw after walking through rough ground?

Co-operative handling training makes the process easier.

Good training isn't only about preparing for Obedience, Agility, Working Trials or another dog sport.

Some of the most valuable behaviours we teach our dogs are the ones that help keep them safe during ordinary life.

The Five-Minute Autumn Check

Before setting off on a longer autumn walk, take a moment to think about five things:

Weather – What are conditions likely to be when we return?

Daylight – Will it still be light?

Route – Is recent rain likely to have changed the ground conditions?

Water – Have I brought fresh water if we're going any distance?

Dog – Is today's route appropriate for this particular dog?

It takes very little time, but it can prevent small problems becoming bigger ones.

Enjoy the Season

Autumn shouldn't become a list of things to worry about.

Quite the opposite.

Cooler temperatures can make longer walks more enjoyable. Woodland and countryside change almost daily. There are new smells everywhere, making autumn particularly interesting from a dog's point of view.

The objective isn't to remove every possible risk from a dog's life.

That's neither practical nor particularly enjoyable.

Instead, good dog ownership is about recognising reasonable risks, preparing for them and making sensible decisions.

So put on the walking shoes, take the dog and enjoy everything autumn has to offer.

Just keep an eye on what's underneath those leaves.

A little awareness can make the difference between an autumn hazard and simply another great walk together.

This article provides general information about autumn walking safety. If you believe your dog has eaten something potentially toxic, has been injured or is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinary practice promptly for professional advice.