Seasonal Dog Health Checklist: Autumn

Crisp leaves, cooler walks and the return of muddy paws can make autumn one of the best times of year to explore with your dog. It also brings a few seasonal health risks that are easy to miss when everyone is busy admiring the trees.

Ticks have another active period, conkers and acorns cover the ground, daylight disappears earlier and fireworks season seems to arrive overnight. Wet weather can also expose sore paws, tangled coats and changes in mobility that were less obvious during summer.

The good news is that most autumn problems are easier to manage when you prepare early. Use this checklist to review your dog's routine, refresh your walking kit and know which symptoms need veterinary advice.

Parasites do not pack up for the year when summer ends.

Ticks are active during autumn, particularly in woodland, long grass, scrub and areas with deer or livestock. Check your dog after walks, paying attention to the face, ears, neck, armpits, tummy, groin, between the toes and underneath the tail.

If you find a tick, remove it promptly with a suitable tick-removal tool. Avoid squeezing, burning or covering it with substances, as this may increase the chance of the tick releasing infected material. If you are unsure how to remove one, ask your vet or veterinary nurse to show you.

Our guide to ticks on dogs explains what they look like, where to find them and how to remove them safely.

Fleas can also remain active, particularly once central heating warms our homes. Your dog's parasite plan should be based on their age, weight, health, travel and lifestyle, so ask your vet which products and schedule are appropriate. Never use a dog flea product on a cat unless a vet has specifically confirmed it is safe for cats.

Autumn ground can hide sharp stones, thorns, broken glass and other debris beneath wet leaves. Mud may also work its way between the toes, while repeated exposure to damp conditions can irritate sensitive skin.

After walks:

• Rinse or wipe away mud

• Dry carefully between the toes

• Check for cuts, swelling, redness and trapped debris

• Look for damaged or overgrown nails

• Remove grass seeds or burrs caught in the coat

• Watch for persistent licking or chewing

A small towel by the door makes the routine easier. If your dog suddenly limps, will not bear weight, has a deep cut or seems very painful, contact your vet.

Long, curly and double coats can hold onto an impressive amount of rain, mud and woodland debris. Damp tangles can tighten into painful mats, and problems close to the skin may go unnoticed beneath a thick coat.

Brush your dog often enough for their coat type, reaching gently down to the skin rather than skimming the surface. Pay particular attention to friction areas such as behind the ears, under the collar or harness, the armpits, legs and tail.

Dry your dog after wet walks and remove soaked coats or jumpers once you are home. Dogs with very short coats, low body fat, health conditions or advanced age may appreciate extra warmth, but clothing should fit properly and never remain wet against the skin.

Grooming is also a useful health check. Look for lumps, sore patches, parasites and changes in the skin. Ask your vet about anything new or unusual rather than trying to diagnose it from appearance alone.

Dogs with floppy or hairy ears can be particularly prone to ear trouble, and moisture after rainy walks or swimming may create an uncomfortable environment inside the ear.

Gently dry the outer ear when it gets wet, but do not push cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. Only use an ear cleaner recommended for your dog by a vet.

Book a veterinary appointment if you notice:

• Repeated head shaking

• Scratching at the ears

• Redness or swelling

• An unusual smell

• Discharge

• Pain when the ear is touched

• A head tilt or loss of balance

Ear infections can become more painful and difficult to treat when left, and recurrent problems may have an underlying cause such as allergies.

Autumn turns ordinary walks into a floor-level buffet of things your dog should not eat.

Conkers and acorns can cause vomiting and stomach problems. Their size and shape also create a risk of choking or an intestinal blockage, particularly in smaller dogs. Do not use conkers as makeshift balls, however enthusiastically your dog offers to fetch one.

Wild mushrooms are another concern. Some are harmless, while others can cause serious poisoning, and identifying them accurately is difficult. The safest approach is to prevent your dog from eating any wild mushroom.

Other seasonal plants and berries can also be harmful. PDSA's autumn pet guidance highlights autumn crocus, yew, horse chestnut, ivy and several other plants as potential hazards.

If you think your dog has eaten something harmful:

• Move them away from the source.

• Note what they ate, how much and when.

• Take a photograph or safe sample if identification may help.

• Contact your vet immediately for advice.

• Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to.

Do not wait for symptoms if the substance could be toxic. Early advice can make treatment safer and more effective.

That muddy pond may look like excellent spaniel territory, but stagnant water can contain bacteria and other contaminants that cause illness.

Blue-green algae can also persist into early autumn during suitable weather. It may appear as green, blue-green or brown scum, streaks or clumps, although it is not always easy to see. Exposure can be rapidly fatal.

Keep your dog away from water if blue-green algae is suspected or warning signs are displayed. Do not let them drink from, paddle in or swim in it. If exposure may have happened, contact a vet immediately and do not allow your dog to lick contaminated fur.

Carry fresh water on longer walks so puddles and ponds are less tempting.

Shorter days can turn a familiar evening route into a low-visibility walk surprisingly quickly.

Before heading out:

• Attach a light to your dog's collar or harness

• Choose reflective or high-visibility gear for both of you

• Carry a torch and charged phone

• Use a secure lead near roads, livestock and poorly lit areas

• Check that the collar, harness and lead are in good condition

• Choose familiar routes with safe surfaces

• Tell someone where you are going on longer walks

Lights and reflective accessories help other pedestrians, cyclists and drivers see you, but they do not replace a lead where one is needed.

Autumn is also a good time to check your dog's collar tag and microchip information. In the UK, dogs must be microchipped and wear an identification tag in public, subject to limited exceptions. Current contact details give you the best chance of being reunited if your dog becomes frightened and runs away.

Fireworks can be distressing for dogs because the bangs, flashes and vibrations are unpredictable. Preparation works best when it begins before the first noisy evening.

Set up a quiet, comfortable hiding place where your dog can choose to settle. Close curtains, keep windows and doors secure and use familiar background sound to soften outside noise. Walk earlier in daylight on dates when fireworks are likely and take your dog out to toilet on a lead, even in a secure garden, if there is a risk they may panic.

Allow your dog to hide if they want to. Stay calm and offer comfort if they seek it; you will not reinforce fear by reassuring a frightened dog. Never punish fear or force them to face the noise.

If your dog has struggled previously, speak to your vet well in advance. Medication may help some dogs, but it must be individually prescribed and is often most effective as part of a wider behaviour plan. Do not give human medication or use a sedative left over from another pet.

Read our full guide to keeping pets safe and calm on Bonfire Night.

Chocolate and sweets are not for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, while some sugar-free products contain xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Wrappers can also cause choking or obstruction.

Store treats in closed cupboards rather than bowls within nose range. Ask visitors and children not to feed your dog, and clear dropped sweets promptly.

Pumpkins deserve a little care too. Plain cooked pumpkin may be suitable for some dogs in small amounts, but mouldy pumpkin can make them ill. Candles inside carved pumpkins create a burn and fire risk, so battery-operated alternatives are safer around pets.

Keep small decorations, glow sticks, batteries and electrical cables away from curious mouths. Our Halloween pet safety guide covers the celebrations in more detail.

Antifreeze can be extremely dangerous to pets, even in small amounts. Leaks and spills may become more common as people prepare cars for colder weather.

Keep antifreeze and other garden or car products in sealed containers inside secure cupboards. Clean up spills immediately and prevent pets from entering the area. Check vehicles for leaks and dispose of products responsibly.

If your dog may have licked antifreeze, contact a vet immediately. Do not wait for them to become unwell; rapid treatment is essential.

Slug pellets, rodenticides and other garden chemicals can also cause serious poisoning. Use pet-safe approaches where possible and always follow the product instructions.

Cooler weather can be a relief after summer, but rain and darkness often shorten walks without us noticing.

Most dogs still benefit from regular physical activity, sniffing, play and training throughout autumn. Adapt the routine rather than abandoning it:

• Walk during daylight where possible

• Use shorter, more frequent outings during severe weather

• Add indoor scent games and food puzzles

• Practise useful skills such as recall, “leave it” and settling

• Choose secure enclosed spaces when visibility is poor

• Adjust exercise to your dog's age, health and fitness

Older dogs and those with arthritis may seem stiffer in cold, damp weather. Gentle regular movement is usually preferable to long periods of inactivity, but your vet can advise on an appropriate plan. Seek advice if you notice difficulty rising, reluctance to use stairs, slowing down, limping or changes in posture.

If walks become shorter while treats increase, weight can creep up.

Check your dog's body condition regularly rather than relying only on the number on the scales. You should usually be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard and see a waist from above, although healthy shape varies between breeds.

Measure meals, include training treats in the daily allowance and avoid compensating for wet weather with extra snacks. If your dog's weight changes unexpectedly or you are unsure what is healthy, ask your veterinary team.

Our guide to pet weight management contains more advice on keeping dogs in a healthy range.

Autumn often brings a household reset. Children return to school, people spend more time at work and a dog who enjoyed a busy summer may suddenly face a much quieter day.

Build up alone time gradually rather than changing the routine overnight. Keep walks, meals and rest periods reasonably consistent, and leave safe activities your dog already knows how to use.

Watch for signs of distress such as barking, howling, pacing, destructive behaviour, toileting or refusing food when left. A camera can help you see what happens after you go out, but it does not replace professional advice.

If your dog struggles, speak to your vet to rule out medical causes and ask for support from a suitably qualified behaviour professional. Our guide to separation anxiety in dogs explains the signs and first steps.

An autumn reset is a good reminder to check the supplies you rely on.

Make sure you have:

• Your vet's daytime and out-of-hours numbers

• A pet first-aid kit

• Any regular medication with enough supply

• A tick-removal tool

• Clean towels for wet walks

• A torch and reflective walking gear

• A secure carrier or suitable car restraint

• Up-to-date insurance details

Check expiry dates and replace anything already used. A first-aid kit is there to help until veterinary care is available, not to replace it.

Call your vet promptly if your dog:

• May have swallowed something poisonous

• Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea

• Is unusually weak, sleepy, confused or unsteady

• Has difficulty breathing

• Collapses or has a seizure

• Develops sudden or severe lameness

• Has a deep wound or uncontrolled bleeding

• Shows eye pain or sudden vision changes

• Has a swollen or painful abdomen

• Cannot pass urine

This is not a complete list. If your dog seems seriously unwell or you are worried, contact a veterinary professional rather than waiting for the checklist to match perfectly.

Waggel members have access to unlimited video calls with an online vet, which can help owners decide what to do next. Emergencies still need immediate in-person veterinary care.

Pet insurance may help with eligible veterinary treatment following an unexpected accident, injury or illness. It does not usually cover routine or preventative care such as parasite treatment, grooming or standard check-ups.

Cover depends on the policy terms, limits, exclusions, waiting period and whether the condition was pre-existing. Read the policy wording rather than assuming a particular autumn incident will be covered.

Waggel provides Lifetime pet insurance with a choice of annual vet-fee limits, subject to the policy terms. You can read more about what Waggel covers or get a pet insurance quote.

Autumn dog care is mostly about small checks made consistently: drying paws, inspecting the coat, keeping seasonal hazards out of reach and making sure both ends of the lead can be seen after dark.

Prepare for fireworks before they begin, keep parasite protection under review and adapt exercise to your dog's individual needs. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, early veterinary advice is always safer than waiting for symptoms to become more obvious.

With a little preparation, you and your dog can get back to the important work of crunching through leaves, finding the muddiest path and claiming the warmest spot on the sofa.

Are conkers poisonous to dogs?

Conkers can cause vomiting and stomach problems, and they may also cause choking or an intestinal blockage. Prevent your dog from carrying or eating them and contact your vet if ingestion is suspected.

Are acorns dangerous for dogs?

Yes. Acorns can cause gastrointestinal upset and may create a blockage, particularly if several are swallowed. Keep dogs from eating them and ask your vet for advice if they do.

Are ticks still active in autumn?

Yes. Ticks commonly have a period of increased activity during autumn. Check your dog after walks and speak to your vet about suitable parasite protection.

Should dogs wear coats in autumn?

Some dogs benefit from a well-fitting coat, particularly small, short-haired, elderly, very lean or unwell dogs. Many healthy dogs with thick coats will not need one. Remove wet clothing at home and watch for overheating.

How can I keep my dog visible on dark walks?

Use reflective or high-visibility accessories, attach a suitable light to the collar or harness, carry a torch and keep your dog on a secure lead near roads and other hazards.

What should I do if my dog is scared of fireworks?

Provide a safe hiding place, close curtains, use familiar background sound and let your dog seek comfort. Walk before fireworks begin and speak to your vet early if your dog has a history of severe fear.

Can dogs eat wild mushrooms?

Dogs should not be allowed to eat wild mushrooms because toxic and harmless species can be difficult to distinguish. Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats one, taking a photograph or sample when it is safe to do so.

Does pet insurance cover flea and tick treatment?

Routine preventative treatment is not normally covered by pet insurance. Insurance may cover eligible illness arising from parasites, depending on the policy, but exclusions and preventive-care requirements can apply.