Expert advice for autumnal dog walks…

From darker evenings to everyday hazards like conkers, mushrooms, and slippery wet leaves, a little extra preparation goes a long way in keeping your dog healthy and happy during the autumn months.

Walk earlier and be on the look out for dangers

Ahead of the clocks changing on Sunday 27 October, you should start walking your dog earlier in the day. Don’t wait until winter to adjust your schedule, dogs thrive on routine and respond best to gradual changes, so make changes in small increments for long term success. 

As the daylight hours shrink, walking your dog in the morning or afternoon gives them plenty of time outside in natural light to sniff and play. Walking during the day also makes it easier for you to spot any seasonal hazards like slippery leaves or toxic mushrooms and conkers. 

Avoid unexpected vet visits and emergency bills this autumn by taking care when walking on wet leaves. As the trees drop their leaves, they can become a hidden danger for dogs running through them, who can easily slip, resulting in sprains. Additionally, piles of leaves can conceal sharp sticks, broken glass, or discarded debris, posing a risk to your dog’s paws.

And it’s not just your dog at risk of injury! Research suggests that hand and wrist injuries caused by dog walking costs the NHS an estimated £23 million each year. You can prevent injuring yourself by continuing to work with your dog, training commands like 'heel' throughout the year to reinforce their understanding.

Our durable leather leads are designed for dog trainers, with the perfect length of lead allowing your dog to explore their surroundings, while still under your control. Before your walk, check the lead for damage to help keep your dog safe and secure. 

Layer up for the weather

This time of year is a great time to invest in reflective walking gear, for you and your dog to be safe and seen when walking on dark nights.

You can find reflective collars, leads and harnesses online and in local pet shops, and if you’re looking to add to your existing walking set instead of replace it, consider attaching a reflective ID tag to your dog’s collar or suit up in a reflective, waterproof dog jacket that will also keep them warm on colder nights. Don't forget your own reflective or bright clothing to ensure you are visible as well!

Dogs with short hair and seniors are more likely to feel cold as we head into winter, so be prepared to layer up. If your dog shows signs of feeling the cold, put them in a lightweight, comfortable jumper to keep them warm and cosy on their walk.

Cold, damp weather can worsen stiffness and discomfort in dogs with arthritis or joint issues. If you notice your dog is limping or reluctant to go on their daily walk, it may be time to visit your vet. You can manage your pet’s pain through medication, supplements, and even hydrotherapy. 

Promote rest and recovery with memory foam dog beds

The best way to prevent your dog’s joints becoming stiff is by investing in an orthopaedic memory foam dog bed early, to appropriately support your dog’s body while they rest. Ensuring good quality support while your dog sleeps is crucial to preventing health conditions later in life. 

Our orthopaedic collection features premium memory foam for long term support, with a luxury calming nest bed walls and a zippable, removable outer cover to help keep your dog’s bed looking and smelling fresh for years to come!

Be prepared for anything

Finally, on the off chance your dog runs off and gets lost during the darker evenings, you can give them the best chance of being reunited with you by keeping their microchip information accurate.

So before you go out on your next walk, double check their ID tag and microchip details are up to date. You can check your pet’s microchip details at CheckAChip or Petlog.

Whether you’ll be walking through the forest or your local dog park, we hope you have a wonderful time this autumn!