As those longer nights draw in, the air becomes crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there is plenty of fun to be had in autumn with our dogs. However, there are a few things we should consider to keep them safe. Whilst autumnal walks can be refreshing and picturesque, seemingly harmless things such as acorns and conkers can be dangerous to our dogs. These are often collected by children and used in autumn crafts, so it is important that everyone in your household is educated on keeping your pets safe this season.
Portion Control
We suggest keeping up with your dog’s exercise requirements, however sometimes this may be challenging due to poor weather conditions. Lower activity levels but the same daily food allowance may result in subsequent weight gain. Whilst there are differences between feeding amounts for smaller and larger dogs, typically we suggest a daily ration of 2-3% of the dog’s target bodyweight in raw food. A dog with an ideal body condition should have a natural waist and abdominal tuck when viewed from above and sideways. You should also be able to feel their ribs when applying gentle pressure over their chest. We suggest monitoring your dog’s body condition and reducing their daily quota if required.
Visibility
Reduced daylight hours mean that many owners end up taking their evening walks in the dark when visibility is considerably poorer. We suggest reflective clothing or accessories for yourself and your dog, making you more visible to other road and pavement users. Some owners opt to purchase a reflective collar or harness for their dog. Alternatively, an LED collar tag is a good option, particularly during rural walks where your dog may be exploring off lead. What may be a fun game for your dog may not be so enjoyable for you trying to locate them in the dark! Some owners may even choose to use a long line for extra security.
What to Watch Out For On Walks
Mushrooms
During the damp autumn months, mushroom growth accelerates, particularly in darker areas such as forests. Although some wild mushrooms are in fact edible and hold nutritional value, others are extremely toxic. Thus, it is worth being wary of all mushrooms and not allowing your dog to consume them. If you notice your dog has eaten a mushroom out on a walk, make a note of its physical appearance, or take a photo if there are others. You can then take this to your vet if you are concerned or your dog begins exhibiting gastrointestinal distress.
Acorns
Acorns, particularly green ones, contain high levels of tannins which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested by dogs. Although serious poisoning is rare, if consumed at high quantities, acorns have the potential to cause kidney and liver damage. Additionally, particularly in smaller dogs, acorns have the potential to cause gastrointestinal blockages.
Conkers
Similarly to acorns, conkers may also be accidentally ingested by a curious dog, again with the potential to cause gastrointestinal upset and blockages. This can result in illness and discomfort for the dog, as well as an unexpected vet bill for an owner. Conkers contain aesculin, which can be toxic if eaten. They have a bitter taste, which often deters dogs, and although serious poisoning is rare, they are best avoided altogether.
Stagnant Ponds
Some dogs love to splash around in any puddle or pond they find out on their walks, others not so much. At this time of year, it is important to watch out for blue-green algae in stagnant bodies of water (usually a layer on the water’s surface), as it is be highly toxic to dogs and has the potential to be fatal through causing liver failure. We suggest rinsing or towelling dogs off who get wet and muddy on these walks, to prevent them licking and ingesting any harmful material off of their fur. For dogs who love to swim, we suggest taking them to a shallow stream, where the faster moving water provides less opportunity for a blue-green algae bloom. It is also a good idea to take some water out for your dog on a walk to deter them from drinking from puddles.
Lucy James, BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science