As we get settled into Autumn, now is a good time to prepare our favourite little (and not so little) companions for the challenges of the changing seasons.

From the drastic change of weather we have seen in past years, to Halloween and Bonfire Night festivities, autumn can affect our furry friends in many ways.

We want to ensure you and your beloved pups stay safe and happy in the weeks to come, so here are a few top tips and things to be mindful of…

🍂 When out and about…
Autumn in the UK is notorious for bringing wet and chilly weather, making some walks more hazardous. Mud can hide sharp objects that can injure paws, tails and damage fur, so always remember to check and clean your pet’s paws thoroughly after walks to prevent any infections.

Keep a towel handy in your car if you are taking them out for the day so you can dry them off properly, and give their paws a good check over.

🍁 Enjoying nature…
Did you know that some plants and flowers that thrive in autumn are toxic to pets?

Keep an eye out for harmful flora like yew – all parts of the yew plant are poisonous, including the needles, bark, cones, and berries. Acorns and conkers, which are abundant at this time, can also be harmful to dogs.

Blue-green algae in ponds and lakes is another hazard – it’s toxic and can cause severe illness if ingested, so if you have an avid swimmer keep them clear of stagnant water and avoid letting your pups drink out of or swim in anything you are unsure of.

🌠 Into darkness…
With shorter days, it’s crucial to ensure your pets are visible during evening and early morning walks.
Reflective collars, leads and even vests are a great idea to help drivers, cyclists, and other walkers see you and your dogs when out on late or early walks.

For added safety, consider LED collars or attachable lights. This extra visibility not only prevents accidents but also ensures that your dog can be easily spotted if they do walk off lead or when crossing roads.

🎃 Autumn fun…
We love dressing our pups up at Halloween, but please be mindful that costumes should be comfy and safe, avoiding small parts that pets might swallow.

Keep those lit pumpkins, that you have spent hours carving, and any decorations out of reach to prevent fire hazards and from them chewing something they shouldn’t.

Fireworks is a big cause for concern at this time of year and Bonfire Night can be a very scary night for a lot of pets. Experiment with creating a quiet retreat for them, you can play calming music, or use pet-friendly anxiety remedies to help soothe them too. Check out some more top tips on how to prepare your pooch for firework season here. 

🧡 Loneliness and seasonal depression…
Did you know pets can also experience seasonal affective disorder?

If your dog isn’t partial to the cold or rain, ensure they have plenty of indoor stimulation with toys and interactive play instead. Just because you may not fancy braving the elements, remember your dog still needs their daily dose of exercise and stimulation! If your pet is left alone during the day, consider arranging a dog walker to give them the companionship, stimulation and exercise they need.

A shocking 1 in 20 people in the UK are diagnosed with SAD, and an estimated 1 in 15 people experience some form of SAD each year. As the days grow shorter, greyer, darker, wetter and colder it becomes increasing difficult to find the energy to get yourself up and outdoors.

If you know you can’t commit to full-time dog ownership, but feel as though you would benefit from an occasional furry house guest to keep you warm at night, get you out during the day and give your day some routine, consider hosting with Digs for Dogs. You can find out much more on how our flexible service works here.

By being mindful of these autumn-specific challenges you can ensure that your pets remain healthy, safe and content throughout the season. Just a little extra care and preparation can make this vibrant, transitional period enjoyable for both you and your well-loved companions.