Autumn is well under way and is arguably one of the most beautiful times of the year to head out for an adventure with your dog. From the gorgeous array of golden colours to the sound of crunching leaves beneath your feet, it can be a magical time for both you and your furry friends. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to enjoy some of the wildlife spectacles that we are so fortunate to be able to witness. From echoing roars of deer rutting to the incredible migratory birds and spectacular murmuration’s there is plenty to see and hear providing we give them the space and respect to thrive. It is also a tail-wagging good time for dogs to be out and about snuffling through the leaves and splashing in muddy puddles. Make the most out of this spooky season whilst enjoying all of the treats it has to offer but be aware there are a few tricks to look out for too.
Conkers, Acorns and Mushrooms
These autumnal attributes can be a lot of fun to find; however they do pose a risk to your dog, and it is important to know what to do if ingested. Acorns (especially green ones) and conkers contain high levels of toxins that if consumed in large quantities can be very dangerous to dogs. Mushrooms and fungi come in all shapes and sizes and although some are edible, many of them are not and can make yourself and your dog very unwell. This isn’t always instant and can take days or even weeks for symptoms to show, therefore it is very important if your dog has eaten an unknown wild mushroom do not wait to see if your dog becomes unwell. Instead, you should:
- Seek veterinary advice immediately
- If possible, bring a photo or a sample of the fungi but handle with care. A plastic dog poo bag is not ideal as this can cause the sample to breakdown, so a tissue or piece of paper is best.
- Take note of where you were and where the sample was found e.g. at the base of a tree as this can help with identification.
Walking in the Dark
As the crisp cold nights begin to draw in, many of us find ourselves walking our dogs in the dark. It is very important that you and your dog remain visible for multiple reasons particularly to be noticeable by traffic and to ensure your dog is close by and safe. There are many options available in pet shops including reflective collars/harnesses/leads, dog safety lights, LED collars and reflective clothing.
Sometimes during the darker months we see more dog poo left behind. The change of season presents new challenges for dog owners and the autumn treasure hunt of trying to find your dog’s poo amongst an abundance of fallen leaves begins. As part of our Four Paws Code we ask that you “bag it and bin it” wherever you are. This prevents the spread of disease to other dogs, wildlife and grazing animals and keeps our stunning countryside clean.
TOP TIP: Always bring a torch. You can even buy dog waste bag holders with a built-in torch to find even the most camouflaged of poops!
Fireworks
Firework season is almost upon us! This is naturally a very distressing time for many dogs as they have incredibly sensitive hearing making them more susceptible to loud noises. In some severe cases it is important to seek behavioural or veterinary advice during the run up to these events and to begin positive training methods early. There are also plenty of actions you can take during this period to help:
- Be sure to walk your dog before it gets dark so that they can be home and safe before the firework displays begin.
- Turn up the TV or play calming music.
- Provide your dog with plenty of long-lasting enrichment to distract them.
- If you are planning to release fireworks from home then always respect your neighbours and notify them of this, especially those with dogs and other pets.
- Dispose of any spent fireworks or sparklers as these contain harmful chemicals.
TOP TIP: You can slowly introduce quiet firework sounds to your dog at home and gradually increase the volume at a rate they are comfortable with (days or weeks). Be sure to make this a positive experience and to have plenty of treats at hand. For more information on how to use sound therapy for your dog follow the Dogs Trust “Sounds Scary” guide.
Halloween
Some of us love a spooky scare during Halloween however this can be a very frightening time for dogs, especially if they are already quite anxious. Strangers knocking on the door dressed in costumes and unfamiliar spooky decorations can all be distressing for your dog. Keep them safe indoors in a cosy space where they can feel calm and relaxed and away from any scares. If your dog is anxious then it may help to have a sign on your door politely asking trick or treaters not to knock. It is also an important time to remember to keep sweets and chocolate out of reach of your pets!
Autumn Strolls
This magical time of year can also bring with it ever-changing weather conditions from glowing warm days to high rain and winds which can make some areas incredibly muddy and promote bacterial growth. Always make sure to wash your muddy dogs after their walks to avoid contracting disease and look out for any sign of illness after a walk. If you have any concerns, always seek veterinary advice!
There’s no shortage of stunning Autumnal walks to enjoy across Devon, with Core Copse near Sidmouth standing out as one of our favourite woodland wonders! Check out our “Out and About” page for more inspiration and don’t forget to tag us on social media @devonlovesdogs We Love to see your pups embracing the beauty of Autumn!
