Just like humans, no two dogs are the same. But one thing they have in common is that they all love their walks. Taking your dog for a walk is an essential part of their routine, whatever the weather.
As autumn arrives, familiar routes may begin to change, with fallen leaves, nuts, and fungi appearing along the way that could pose serious health hazards. While you cannot stop your furry companions from their sniffing quests, Helen Webb, spokesperson for pet supplement brand YuMOVE, shares a simple checklist to run through before planning autumn walks to make them safer and more enjoyable for your pets.
Three seasonal dangers to avoid
“Wild mushrooms can appear in countryside areas, especially woodlands, parks, and damp grassy areas, particularly after rain. While there are different types of fungi, some toxic and some harmless, I’d suggest avoiding them altogether.”
“Conkers and acorns may seem harmless, but they both contain toxins that could have an adverse effect on your pet’s health, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and discomfort if accidentally ingested. They can also pose a risk of causing a blockage if swallowed whole,” says Webb.
Veterinary sources confirm that wild mushrooms should be treated as potentially toxic because identification can be difficult, and some species can cause severe illness. Acorns contain tannins that may cause digestive upset or more serious problems when eaten in larger quantities, while also posing a risk of obstruction. Conkers from horse chestnut trees contain aesculin and can cause stomach problems or blockages if swallowed.
Assess your route in advance
“One of the simplest ways to prepare for a safer autumn walk is to look around and understand your environment. If you’re walking around woodlands, pay particular attention to wild mushrooms and fungi among the foliage, alongside acorns, and conkers.”
“If the route is more of a city walk, keep an eye beneath trees. Horse chestnuts and oak trees mean conkers and acorns can quickly cover familiar paths and grassy areas,” says Webb.
“If your pet plays around in your house garden or backyard, I’d still recommend assessing the area every day. Mushrooms can unexpectedly appear on lawns after wet weather, while nuts from neighbouring trees can also make their way into gardens,” Webb adds.
A quick daily check of familiar paths helps owners spot clusters of fallen nuts or new fungal growth early, especially after rain, when conditions favour the rapid appearance of mushrooms in grass and under trees.
Watch for symptoms and call the vet early
“Diarrhoea and discomfort after a walk can all be important signs that something might not be right. If you think that your dog has eaten something, don’t wait for the signs to show up first. Contact your vet for advice as soon as possible,” Webb recommends.
Prompt veterinary contact remains the safest response whenever ingestion is suspected, as early advice can help prevent complications from toxins or physical blockages.
Keeping scavengers distracted
“Some dogs will happily sniff something and move on. Others might seem determined to taste-test everything the outdoors has to offer. If your dog is a heavy scavenger, you can bring a toy or tasty treat so your pet can be easily distracted and recalled when needed,” Webb says.
“Practising cues such as ‘leave it’ and ‘drop it’ can also be useful for dogs that regularly pick things up on walks,” Webb adds.
Webb also goes on to say, “shorter or darker days make outdoor walks less than ideal. I recommend mixing your dog’s routine with engaging at-home or backyard activities that can provide valuable mental stimulation.”
Shorter daylight hours in autumn and winter often mean less time outside. Indoor games, puzzle toys, or supervised garden play can maintain mental engagement and reduce the temptation to scavenge when outdoor time is limited.
Webb concludes: “Overall, reassessing your routes before you set off can help you spot seasonal risks earlier. Whether you’re heading towards the woods, around the local park, or simply towards the garden, a quick check makes it much safer for your furry friend to explore.”