6 Tips to prepare your pet for autumn

Autumn changes more for dogs than most owners account for. Shorter days shift walk timing into the dark, wet terrain affects paws and coat, and woodland environments in October and November carry specific hazards that summer didn't. Here are six things worth doing before and during the season to keep your dog in good shape.

1. Sort visibility for dark walks

By late October in northern Europe, sunrise is after 7am and sunset before 5pm. If you walk before work and after, both trips are likely in the dark. Drivers and cyclists may not see a dog on the path ahead of them.

A light-up collar or clip-on LED, a reflective lead, and reflective clothing for yourself solve this cheaply and quickly. Flashing LED options are often more visible than static reflectors in low light. A dog that's off-lead near roads in the dark is the highest-risk scenario; consider using a long line in unlit areas until the light improves.

2. Update parasite protection

The common assumption is that fleas and ticks are a summer problem. That's not accurate. Ixodes ricinus, the most common tick species in northern Europe, remains active host-seeking down to temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius and continues well into November in many regions. [1] Leaf litter and dense undergrowth are prime tick habitat, and autumn walks often go through exactly those environments. Fleas thrive indoors year-round once central heating is on.

Check with your vet whether your dog's current parasite protocol covers the full year and whether it needs updating before the season starts.

3. Watch for toxic mushrooms

Autumn is when most wild mushroom species fruit. Some of the most toxic to dogs are also among the most common: Amanita phalloides (death cap), Inocybe species, and Clitocybe species. [2] Dogs investigate fungi by smell; many toxic species have an attractive odour and are easily ingested on a woodland walk. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases organ failure, sometimes with a delayed onset of 6 to 24 hours.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, call your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

4. Dry the dog after wet walks

Wet, cold walks followed by sitting in an unheated hallway can leave smaller or older dogs genuinely cold. Keep a dedicated towel near the door. Dry the paws, underbelly, and ears as a minimum; moisture trapped in those areas increases the risk of skin irritation and ear infections. If your dog's bed is on a cold floor, raising it slightly makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

5. Consider a grooming appointment

A thorough brush and wash in September or October removes dead undercoat before the new winter coat comes in. Matted fur traps moisture against the skin, which can cause hot spots and fungal irritation. Most groomers recommend a wash, brush, and nail trim once per season. For double-coated breeds like Huskies, Collies, and Golden Retrievers, this is especially relevant given the volume of coat they carry.

6. Adjust portions as activity changes

Active dogs that spend summer running off-lead in parks may cover considerably more ground than they will in November when walks get shorter and conditions are worse. Daily calorie needs can drop by 10 to 20% for a dog that moves from regular active play to leashed wet-weather walks. [3] Check your dog's weight every few weeks as the season changes, and reduce portions slightly if the number is creeping up.

On days when you do get out for a proper autumn adventure, a low-calorie snack is a good reward and provides a small energy boost. IMBY's Daytime Dog Snacks are designed for daily use without adding significant calories to the diet.