The crisp chill of autumn is upon us, but not all of this season's gifts are safe for our nosey pups. From fallen conkers to piles of crunchy leaves, vets are warning owners to take extra care when out on an autumnal dog walk.
According to new findings from pet supply store Postman Pooch and vet Dr Joanna Woodnutt, some of the dangers which can be hazardous to curious canines include autumn crocus (colchicum) plants, mushrooms and toadstools, and festive poinsettias. The summertime is usually when you feel the need to be more vigilant with your pets, but autumn also brings its fair share of hazards.
"The most dangerous plant to look out for at this time of year is the Autumn Crocus (colchicum),"Joanna told TeamDogs. "This pretty flower, appearing in autumn, looks just like a spring crocus, except it tends not to show its leaves. When eaten, it's extremely toxic, causing stomach upset, liver and kidney failure, seizures, and sometimes death."
As well as the flowering plant, conkers contain a poison called aesculin which is toxic to dogs. "They are particularly hard and non-digestible," Joanna adds. "The chances are very high that a swallowed conker would cause a gut obstruction, requiring emergency surgery to treat.
"Even if your dog chews the conker, they still aren't safe – conkers are poisonous and cause gut pain, drooling, and vomiting."
Heading out on a walk with your pup? Take a look at the list of autumn hazards to look out for below...
8 autumn hazards to be careful of when walking your dog
- Conkers
- Acorns
- Luminous necklaces and glow sticks often found at firework displays
- Piles of leaves, as these can develop bacteria and mould
- Chocolate dropped on the ground, especially around Halloween
- Mushrooms and toadstools
- Autumn Crocus (colchicum), as this can be toxic to pups
- Poinsettias
Follow Country Living on Instagram.
Waterproof dog coats: 13 gorgeous styles to keep your pup cosy and dry
Keep your pups snug and dry with this bright red raincoat from Joules. A little rain never stopped the fun and games!
In sleek navy, this waterproof comfort coat has a standup collar and adjustable fastening to keep your pup secure. Simply pop your pup in the coat and head out for a refreshing walk.
In a mustard hue, this lovely raincoat has a striped lining, button trims and cord-and-leather toggles to stay secure on your pup. As well as being water-resistant, it's incredibly lightweight making it perfect for spring.
Keep your pup warm and cosy on a winter walk with this fleece-lined winter coat. Thanks to the hole behind the neck, you can easily attach a lead whilst still ensuring your dog is safe from the weather.
With a country-inspired print, this olive green waxed coat has adjustable straps and a back opening for securing a lead or harness.
Great for smaller breeds, this reversible plaid coat has a windproof outer layer and a soft inner layer to keep your furry friend warm all the time. We love the gorgeous red and white print!
Danish Design Blue 2-in-1 Ultimate Dog Coat
Superb for both the winter and warmer months, this breathable 2-in-1 coat has a removable fleece inner lining, waterproof outer shell and a light reflective beading and fastening strap, too.
We love this waxed cotton version of Barbour's best-selling classic dog coat — and we're certain your pup will love it too. Available in a range of sizes, it has an underbody strap and a riptape-fastening neck to ensure a comfortable fit.
Reflective and reversible, this cosy jacket is great for evening walks. It has an inner layer with down cotton, plus is lightweight, splashproof, windproof and snowproof.
READ MORE: Light-up dog collars: 11 styles to keep your pups safe and seen
Hugo & Hudson - Orange & Navy Puffer Jacket
Keep your furry friend cosy with this bright orange puffer jacket. As well as being incredibly warm, it has a high-quality stuffing, zip fastening and can be easily machine washed after a muddy walk.
Got a dachshund? This custom-fit waterproof coat will keep these tiny pups warm in cold, rainy or snowy weather. Plus, the added pop of yellow will help to keep them seen.
With a reflective trim for visibility in low light, this charcoal grey dog jacket is wonderfully both fleece lined and waterproof.
In a stylish hue, this water-repelling dog coat has been made with a reflective trim for nighttime walks and a warm fleece lining.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
