Beautiful Polish autumn is a time for longer walks with your pet, especially in forest settings. However, the weather often surprises by changing day to day, and owners try to balance taking their pet on new adventures with staying indoors during rainy hours. Meanwhile, the number of hazards increases, which caregivers often don't think about daily: toxic mushrooms and plants, active ticks, moisture promoting skin and ear infections, plus poisoning from found "treasures" on the ground and a higher risk of accidents after dark. 

 

Autumn and dog health - why is it a challenging period?

 

Autumn is a weather rollercoaster: sudden temperature drops, prolonged dampness, gusty winds, and shorter days. For a dog's health, this means:

Worsening skin conditions: moisture and mud soften the skin, promoting bacterial and yeast infections.

Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections (especially in older dogs, brachycephalic breeds, and those recovering from illness).

Second peak of tick activity - risk of tick-borne diseases remains high until the first frosts.

Reduced visibility during walks - higher risk of accidents.

Less outdoor activity (shorter days, rain) → boredom, stress, and overweight. Here, indoor activities and smart nutrition can help

 

 

Toxic plants and mushrooms - hidden dangers in parks and forests

  

Autumn is a "bloom" of plants that look innocent but can be deadly dangerous for dogs. Owners may be surprised how their pet has already sniffed out so many mushrooms while they can't spot any. This is all thanks to their extraordinary sense of smell. Dogs sniff, lick out of curiosity, and sometimes eat the found specimens. Additionally, damp leaves easily harbor molds and mycotoxins.

Typical symptoms of poisoning include: excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, apathy, unsteady gait, seizures. Severe poisonings cause neurological disorders and liver/kidney failure.

  

Risk list: autumn plants and mushrooms best avoided

 

Mushrooms:

• Death cap mushroom - even small amounts can be dangerous
• Molds on carrion/compost - cause seizures

   

Plants and fruits:

• Autumn crocus, yew, ivy - toxins can damage the heart, nervous system, and digestive tract.
• Acorns and oak leaves - tannins irritate the digestive tract and liver; especially dangerous for puppies
• Chestnuts - risk of gastrointestinal obstruction
• Grapes/raisins - potentially highly toxic to dogs (acute kidney damage)  

 

Plant leftovers and “findings”: moldy fruit, carrion, compost – high risk of bacterial and mycotoxic poisonings.

Tip: teach your dog the commands “leave it” and “drop it”. This is one of the most effective \"insurance policies\" against autumn poisonings. Helpful: Dog training for problematic behaviors

     

First aid in case of suspected poisoning

 

1. Take suspicious material (mushroom, plant) – a photo or sample will help identification.
2. Do not induce vomiting on your own (exceptions only after consulting a doctor).
3. Go to the clinic – time matters: quick stomach flushing, activated charcoal, IV fluids can save a life.
4. Observe stool and urine – useful in diagnostics (see: What can you learn from dog poop?) 

 

 

Autumn ticks - why are they dangerous even after summer?

 

Ticks like moisture and moderate temperatures. That is why their second peak activity occurs in autumn. Consequences of a bite:

• Babesiosis - fever, apathy, jaundice, dark urine; requires immediate help.
• Lyme disease - chronic joint inflammation, recurring lameness.
• Anaplasmosis/erlichiosis - weakness, fever, blood problems

 

 

Take home the habit: Check your dog after every walk, especially around the ears, armpits, groin, head, and belly line. If bitten, remove the tick with tweezers/tick remover in one motion; disinfect the skin. Prevention is summarized in the guide: The most common ectoparasites found in dogs

 

Tick alert! How to protect your dog from tick-borne diseases?

 

Daily prevention against external parasites

 

• Spot-on preparation/collar/oral tablet – according to the doctor's recommendation (selection depends on lifestyle, body weight, and accompanying diseases).
• Area hygiene – home lawn: mowed short, leaves regularly removed.
• The habit of \"inspection\" – 30–60 seconds after a walk makes a big difference.

   

 

 

Moisture, mud, and skin and ear infections

  

In autumn, a dog's skin works in "constant soaking" mode: rain, wet grass, puddles, mud. These are ideal conditions for bacteria and yeasts (e.g., Malassezia).

 

Most common problems:

• Interdigital dermatitis – inflammation between the toes (redness, licking, limping).
• Hot spots – moist, painful skin superinfections that spread rapidly.
• Inflammatory ear problems – the ear canal is a "warm and moist tunnel"; in autumn the risk of infection increases (especially in breeds with long ears).

   

What to do practically?

• After every rainy walk: dry the paws (towel + gently separate the toes), if needed briefly rinse the paws from mud and dry.
• Regularly brush the coat – removes moisture and dirt, reduces the risk of mats and hot spots.
• Ears monitor and clean according to the vet's instructions.
• If your dog tends to irritation, consider

  appropriate dermatological shampoo (not too often; too frequent baths disrupt the skin's hydrolipid barrier).

  
  

  

 

Autumn colds and decreased immunity

  

Cold + moisture + drafts = higher risk of infection. Most often we see:

• "Cold"/kennel cough – dry, paroxysmal cough, often after exercise or at night.
• Rhinitis – sneezing, discharge, rubbing the muzzle.
• Loss of appetite, apathy, sometimes elevated temperature.

   

What helps?

• Shorter, more frequent walks instead of one very long walk in the rain.
• Thorough drying after returning.
• Immune supplements (after consultation) and smart diet
• When symptoms last >48 h or are accompanied by shortness of breath/fever –

  visit to the vet. 

   

   

Food poisoning in autumn - fruit, compost, "finds"

 

Autumn is the time of the "earth buffet." Dogs find and eat what smells strong:

• Carrion and food leftovers → bacterial and toxin poisoning (e.g., Clostridium).
• Moldy nuts and pet food → mycotoxins (tremors, ataxia, vomiting).
• Acorns/chestnuts → irritate the digestive tract; chestnuts threaten blockage.
• Grapes/raisins → risk of acute kidney failure.
• Compost → a breeding ground for toxins and bacteria.
• “Human treats” (baked goods without sugar but with the sweetener xylitol!) → in dogs, xylitol can cause severe hypoglycemia and liver damage.

   

Safety rules:

• On walks leash and control; in the city park – less freedom, more vigilance.
• In the garden fence off the compost, don’t leave trash bins accessible to the dog.
• Offer treats that are safe and dog-friendly: Dog treats – reward, health, and love in one 
• Fruits: yes, but wisely — see: Can dogs eat fruit? A complete guide

  
  

 

Safety for walks after dark

  

Autumn means short days. In practice, most walks happen at dawn or after dark.

 

Rules “visible = safe”:

• Reflective collar/harness + LED on the collar.
• Leash with reflector or a bright-colored leash.
• Reflective vest for you – drivers will see you from afar.
• Headlamp – your hands are free and you control the area.

 

Navigation and route:

• Choose well-lit sidewalks and paths.
• Avoid routes near busy roads; autumn reflections from drivers can be blinding.
• Train “stay”/“sit” before the curb – refreshing safety rules really works.

   

 

Autumn prevention: diet, supplements, grooming

 

Autumn is a great time for a "technical check-up for your dog"

• Energy: rain and cold = often less activity, so easy to gain weight (weaker immunity, strained joints). See: How to slim your dog without stress - 7 simple steps for the owner.

    

• Food quality: choose a well-balanced, complete diet. If you pick dry food - guide: Dry dog food - how to choose the best and why it’s such an important choice?

   

• "Autumn bowl": pumpkin, carrot, beet in reasonable amounts - fiber and micronutrients (check: Autumn bowl! How and what to feed dogs in autumn?, Season surprise - pumpkin is also good for dogs!)

   

• Low-calorie, quality treats - and smart treats here: Treats for dogs - reward, health, and love in one

  

Supplements (after consulting a doctor)

• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) – support for skin, immunity, and joints.
• Probiotics/prebiotics – intestines = an important part of immunity.
• Vitamins – cautiously; excess is harmful. Choose individually.

   

Care and comfort

• Coat: regular brushing, removing mats (moisture under mats = hot spot).
• Paws: drying, gentle protective preparations (especially for city dogs).
• Ears: routine check and hygiene;

• Mental activity: when it rains – "brainy" scent games save the day and logical

   

 

Additional autumn risks: snails, leptospirosis, rodent poisons

 

Autumn brings several less obvious dangers:

• Snails and frogs: they are abundant in damp gardens and parks. Eating a snail/frog can result in intestinal parasites; avoid, teach the "leave it" command.

   

• Leptospirosis: bacteria Leptospira like standing water and mud contaminated with rodent urine. Try to prevent drinking from puddles; ask your doctor about vaccination in risk areas.

   

• Rodenticides: in autumn people more often place them in garages, basements, garden sheds. Anticoagulants act insidiously (bleeding symptoms even several days after ingestion). Secure your home/garden, keep your dog close on walks.

   

If you suspect contact with poison, go to the veterinary clinic immediately – quick intervention determines the prognosis.

  

 

FAQ - Most common questions from caregivers

  

• Are ticks dangerous also in autumn?

Yes. The second activity peak occurs in autumn. Use prevention and check the fur after every walk.

 

• How to recognize that a dog ate a poisonous mushroom/plant?

Drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, unsteady gait, apathy, seizures. Go to the doctor; take a sample/photo of the "find".

 

• Is pumpkin safe for dogs?

Yes, cooked and without spices — great support for digestion. Inspirations: Season surprise – pumpkin is also good for dogs!

 

• The dog comes back wet after a walk — should it wear a coat?

JIf it cools down quickly, has short/short and sparse fur, is a senior or a sick dog — yes, a light cape limits chilling.

 

• My dog scratches its ears more often in autumn — what to do?

Regular check and cleaning, drying after rain. If there is discharge/unpleasant smell — veterinary clinic. Support: Dog ear hygiene

 

• Should a dog eat more in autumn?

It depends on activity. Often in autumn we move less, so gaining weight is easy. Monitor weight and dosage (see: How to slim your dog without stress) 

 

 

Summary - autumn with your dog can be safe and joyful

 

Autumn doesn’t have to mean giving up pleasures. Just smart prevention and a few new habits:

• Alertness on the route: leash, "leave it" command, fur check after returning.

   

• Visibility: reflectors and LED on the collar.

   

• Hygiene: drying paws and fur, checking ears and skin.

   

• Diet and immunity: complete nutrition, seasonal additions, sensible supplements.

   

• Health: immediate consultation when you see symptoms of poisoning or infection.

   

With such an "autumn roadmap," you gain peace of mind, and your dog — a safe season full of shared, beautiful walks.

 

 

Elżbieta Górnik – dog and cat nutrition specialist at BULT.
Co-creates expert articles and guides for caregivers, combining nutritional knowledge with the practice of daily care for dogs and cats.