Autumn pet safety guide

Autumn can be a tail-wagging delight for our pets with its crisp air, colourful leaves and cosy vibes, but unfortunately, it also brings with it hidden dangers pet pawrents should be mindful of. That’s why we’ve created this safety guide, to lend a paw to help keep your furry friends safe this fall.

When taking a woodland walk, be sure to keep a close eye on your dogs when they’re snuffling through the leaves. You never know, they might pick up an acorn or a conker, and while, yes, that makes for a fab Instagram pic, these forest pickings can spell harm for your pets.

Acorns are certainly not the perfect snack, they contain tannins, which are toxic to dogs. If eaten, they may trigger symptoms such as diarrhoea or sickness, and in rare cases where your pooch feasted on too many it could lead to liver and/or renal failure.

Like acorns, conkers contain a substance toxic to dogs. Devoured in large amounts, the aesculin within them can lead to harmful side effects and, in the worst-case scenario, may even be fatal.

Aside from these ‘ruff’ symptoms, these pesky seeds are also choking hazards and could cause intestinal blockages, especially if swallowed by smaller dogs.

Supermarket mushrooms are generally safe for our beloved dogs to consume raw, but when it comes to wild mushrooms there’s a different tale. While some types can be harmless, it’s extremely hard to identify which ones those are and by accident your dog could end up consuming an incredibly poisonous fungus. To be the top dog in your pet's safety game, it's best to steer clear of any wild mushrooms and while on your leafy autumn walks, keep your dog on the leash or at heel and always have a keen eye on what they're sniffing at or nibbling on.

NOTE: While supermarket mushrooms are generally safe, it's also probably best not to voluntarily feed any mushrooms to your dog because if they get a taste for them, it could make them more inclined to seek them out in the wild, and we would not want them consuming anything harmful.

Fireworks can be petrifying for our pets, with their incredible sense of hearing the whizzes and bangs can be deafening. Laced with the anxiety of not knowing when to expect the next explosion, or what’s happening can trigger frightful reactions. To help keep your pet relaxed, give them lots of positive attention to help distract them from the situation. Along with this make sure to close the curtains and turn on the lights to shield them from the constant flashing and try and drown out the noise of the fireworks with music or a fun TV show.

As the evenings grow darker, it becomes ever more crucial to ensure that both you and your four-legged friend remain safe during your twilight strolls. To make sure that you and your dog are visible, don reflective clothing and why not use an LED collar, harness or lead to help your pet pal light up the night, like the shining star they are.

Halloween or as we prefer Howl-o-ween can be a tricky time for pets.

If you’re going out trick or treating, there are many things to consider. From the dangers of your dog consuming chocolate to making sure their microchip is up to date, in case they become spooked and run away. If you’re keen for your pet to have a treat of their own, why not try our delicious home-made pumpkin dog treat recipe or purchase a snack from our treats range.

If you are planning a pawty it’s a good idea to create a cosy space for your pet. Somewhere safe they can retreat to if the festivities become overwhelming.

So hoomans, it’s time for frolicking and fun on those, crisp autumn walks and pumpkin spiced lattes (puppuccinos for your dog… of course) with your furry friend but remember to keep in mind this safety guide.