Autumn warning: Experts caution pet owners to stay clear of these toxic hidden dangers!

ets warn to look out for fallen fruit and piles of leaves during walks

·       5 expert tips for a safe autumn walk

With the summer nights drawing to a close and the weather shifting, autumn is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature with your furry companion. However, what may seem like a peaceful autumn stroll can quickly escalate into an emergency due to unexpected seasonal hazards that can pose risks to our four-legged friends.

To protect pets from potential hazards that could be lurking during their autumn walks, Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, the leading pet-sitting platform, has teamed up with qualified vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan (BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS). From avoiding fallen fruit and acorns to adjusting your walking times, they have shared expert advice on how to keep your pet safe.

Avoid acorns and conkers 

Rebecca warns that some dogs have a fascination for conkers, but you should avoid encouraging this. If your dog swallows a conker on their walk, it could cause an obstruction in their bowels. Conkers also contain a toxin called aesculin, which can cause stomach upsets. Similarly, acorns are not good for your dog, as they contain tannins, which can cause stomach upsets and, in rare cases, liver and kidney problems.

Be wary of leaf piles

While leaf piles may seem like fun play zones, they can conceal sharp objects like glass shards or metal pieces, as well as hedgehog nests and ticks. Angela advises sticking to clear, well-kept paths. If you venture into rougher terrain, consider dog boots for extra paw protection.

Make sure your pet is microchipped

If your pet goes missing during a walk, microchipping is an effective way to identify them. Dogs can easily get lost when exercising in the dark and may even run away if spooked by fireworks or Halloween celebrations. Rebecca advises ensuring your contact details are up to date on the microchip so you can be easily contacted when your dog is found.

Avoid fallen fruit

While fallen fruit might seem harmless, it can be quite dangerous for curious pets that naturally want to investigate. Fruits like apples and plums contain stones, which can cause breathing difficulties, sickness, and diarrhoea if ingested, warns Angela.

Keep your dog warm

It’s important to avoid dangers on the path, but it’s equally important to keep your dog warm during this time of year, especially if you have an elderly dog or a breed that has very thin fur. Angela’s top tip is to invest in a dog jacket or coat to keep them cosy. After a wet and muddy walk, ensure your dog is thoroughly towel-dried and warmed up, just like humans!

Always chat with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s health as the seasons change.

For more information on the dangers of conkers during autumn, visit the TrustedHousesitters blog. Or, to learn more about the TrustedHousesitters platform, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/