Hi Boox Popular Magazine 2024
Autumn rolls in like a cozy, flannel-clad friend, bringing crisp air, golden leaves, and the perfect weather for long walks with your four-legged mate. But while the season comes with pumpkin-scented everything and a fresh excuse to rug up, it also carries a few sneaky hazards for dogs.
From hidden toxins sprouting in damp corners to chilly weather sneaking into their joints, autumn presents risks that can catch pet owners off guard. The good news? A little know-how and some extra care will keep tails wagging through the season.
Common Fall Dangers for Dogs
Toxic Mushrooms – A Deadly Snack
After a bit of rain, mushrooms start popping up in gardens, parks, and along bush trails like tiny umbrellas. While some are harmless, others pack enough poison to cause serious damage—or worse. Dogs are naturally curious and might mistake a toxic mushroom for a snack, leading to vomiting, seizures, or even organ failure.
What to do ─ Check your backyard and usual walking routes for unwanted fungal invaders. If your dog eats one, don’t wait for symptoms—get straight to the vet.
Mouldy Leaves & Piles of Debris – More Than Just a Playground
Jumping into a pile of freshly raked leaves might seem like a picture-perfect autumn moment, but under that crunchy layer could be a damp, rotting mess teeming with bacteria, mould, and fungi. If your dog sniffs, licks, or chews on decomposing leaves, they could end up with stomach troubles or respiratory irritation.
What to do ─ Let them sniff and explore, but steer them clear of leaf piles that have been sitting for a while. Regularly rake up wet leaves in your yard to keep it safe.
Rodenticides & Poisonous Baits – A Hidden Threat
As the temperatures drop, rodents start searching for a warm spot to crash—usually inside homes and garages. To keep them out, many people set out rat bait, which often contains highly toxic chemicals. The problem? Dogs can sniff out those pellets just as easily as the rats can, and even a small dose can lead to life-threatening poisoning.
What to do ─ Keep all rodent bait and poison far out of reach, and if you suspect your dog has ingested something, call your vet immediately.
Cold Weather Risks – More Than Just a Chill
Autumn can be sneaky with its temperature swings—warm in the sun, freezing in the shade, and downright frosty at night. Smaller breeds, senior dogs, and those with short coats can feel the drop more than others, leading to shivering, stiffness, and in extreme cases, hypothermia.
What to do ─ If it’s too cold for you to comfortably stand outside without a jumper, it’s probably too cold for your dog. Consider a warm, well-fitted jacket for chilly days, and provide a comfy, insulated spot for them to sleep.
Halloween Hazards – A Night of Tricks and (Dangerous) Treats
Halloween is full of sweets, decorations, and fun, but it can also spell trouble for dogs. Chocolate is a well-known toxin, but artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) found in sugar-free lollies and gum can be just as dangerous. Plus, the crinkly, shiny wrappers might be too tempting for some dogs to resist, leading to choking or digestive blockages.
What to do ─ Keep all lollies, chocolates, and decorations well out of reach. If you’re handing out treats at the door, make sure your pup stays safely inside to avoid any escape attempts.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Fall
Knowing the risks is half the battle—now let’s talk about what you can do to keep your furry mate safe and happy as the leaves start falling.
Check Your Yard and Walking Routes for Mushrooms or Other Hazards
Mushrooms aren’t the only problem lurking in damp autumn soil. Fallen fruit, garden chemicals, and even certain plants can pose a danger. Before you let your dog out for their morning sniff-around, do a quick scan of the area and remove anything suspicious.
On walks, keep an eye on what they’re sniffing—dogs are lightning-fast when they decide to sample something off the ground. If you spot mushrooms in public spaces, steer them away and don’t take chances.
Keep Dogs Away from Piles of Wet Leaves to Prevent Respiratory Issues
A fresh heap of dry, crunchy leaves? That’s a playground. A damp, decomposing pile that’s been sitting there for weeks? That’s a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
If your dog has allergies, asthma, or a sensitive stomach, steer them clear of leaf piles that have turned into a soggy mess. Even a quick roll-around can stir up spores that cause coughing, sneezing, or worse.
Store Rodenticides, Antifreeze, and Other Toxic Substances Well Out of Reach
Autumn brings a wave of home maintenance—sealing up gaps, preparing the garden for winter, and in some cases, dealing with unwanted critters looking for shelter. Unfortunately, a lot of the solutions humans use for these problems are deadly to dogs.
Rat baits, snail pellets, and antifreeze (which has a sweet taste that attracts animals) are some of the biggest dangers. If your dog even licks a small amount, it can lead to poisoning. Keep all chemicals locked away and, if you suspect your pup has gotten into something, don’t wait for symptoms—call your vet immediately.
Ensure Your Dog Has a Warm, Comfortable Space as Temperatures Drop
Just like humans, dogs feel the chill. While some breeds—like Huskies and Malamutes—thrive in the cold, others will start shivering as soon as the temperature dips.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure they have a warm, dry shelter with plenty of blankets or bedding. Inside, consider moving their bed to a draft-free spot and swapping lightweight mats for something thicker and more insulating.
For smaller breeds, seniors, or dogs with thin coats such as Jack Russell puppies, a snug jumper or jacket can make a huge difference on those brisk morning walks. And if you’re heading out in the early hours or after dark, consider a reflective collar or light-up harness so they stay visible.
Supervise Pets During Halloween Festivities and Keep Treats Out of Reach
Halloween might not be as big in Australia as it is elsewhere, but plenty of people still get into the spirit—decorations, costumes, and of course, loads of treats.
The problem? A lot of those treats are dangerous for dogs. Chocolate is a well-known toxin, but lollies containing xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some baked goods) can be just as lethal. Even the wrappers—especially foil and plastic—can cause choking or blockages.
If you’re handing out treats, set up a “dog-free zone” where they won’t be tempted to steal a bite. And if your pup isn’t a fan of loud noises or strangers, make sure they have a quiet, comfortable space to retreat to while the festivities unfold.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a brilliant time of year for dogs—cooler weather means longer walks, crunchy leaves provide endless entertainment, and there’s something undeniably cosy about watching them curl up as the nights get longer. But with seasonal changes come hidden hazards, and being aware of them is the best way to keep your pup safe.
A quick check of your yard, a little extra care with storage, and a watchful eye on what they’re sniffing can go a long way in preventing trouble. With a bit of preparation, you and your furry mate can enjoy everything this season has to offer—safely and stress-free.
