Autumn always feels like a turning point. The air is crisp, the ground is full of colour, and there’s a freshness to walks that makes both us and our dogs perk up. But while it is beautiful, it also brings a few challenges. This is the season to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but also to be a little more watchful and deliberate about how you feed and protect them.
Spot the unseen risks
Mushrooms are one of the biggest hazards at this time of year. Some are harmless, but others, such as the death cap or fly agaric, can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Since it is almost impossible to tell them apart, the best policy is to keep your dog away from all mushrooms, whether you’re walking in the woods, across damp grass, or even in the park down the road.
Autumn also stirs up allergens. Mould spores and piles of leaves can irritate, and lingering pollen might cause sneezes or itchy skin. Add to that the first sharp chills of the season, and you may notice older dogs or those with joint problems becoming a little stiffer. Spotting these signs early means you can step in before they develop into something more serious.
(If you’d like extra detail, seasonal advice is available from the Guide Dogs site).
Nourish for strength and calm
What your dog eats matters even more as the seasons shift. A wholesome, gentle diet helps keep digestion smooth and supports the immune system, both of which can be tested by the colder months. Meals such as Nature’s Harvest, made with balanced proteins and easy-to-digest grains like brown rice, provide steady nourishment without putting strain on the stomach.
Think of it as a layer of comfort from within, a way to keep your dog’s energy and resilience topped up as the weather turns.
Make autumn walks mindful
There’s a simple exercise that can help sharpen your awareness. On your next walk, take a quick photo of the ground just ahead of you. Look closely: do you spot any hazards? Perhaps a mushroom half-hidden under leaves, a shiny conker, or a patch of mouldy debris. Noticing these small details helps you anticipate risks, and sharing your photos with other dog owners can spread awareness too.
It’s tempting to focus only on the beauty of turning leaves, but scanning the ground now and then helps you keep both the magic and the safety in balance.
A gentle reminder
Autumn is a season of change. It brings its fair share of risks, but with mindful feeding, careful walking, and a little extra attention, it can be one of the most rewarding times of the year for you and your dog.