Top Tips For Walking Your Dog In Autumn

Walking your dog in Autumn can be a strange time of year. The sunshine sneaks away and the wet weather creeps in, the next thing you know the clocks are going back making our days of brightness shorter.

This can bring some challenges for pets and their parents. The changes in the weather will find people going on fewer walks with their four-legged friends, especially when they come back soaking and covered in mud, this is something that people would rather not have to deal with after a walk. We have a few tips to make your autumn walks easier, especially for pups that love nothing more than exploring and coming back unrecognisable because they may have found a wonderful mud bath. 

Pack A Bag With All The Essentials For Walking Your Dog In Autumn

This might include some of the following:

• A towel is great for giving your dog a good rub removing wetness and any clumps of mud that have found themselves embedded in their fur reducing any risk of infection, especially if they have any small cuts from their walk. The Henry Wag Drying Bag is great for removing dirt whilst drying your dog at the same time using its absorbent microfibre material. This easy-to-pack towel would be a great addition to any pup’s travel bag and is available in five different sizes covering most dogs.  George Barclay has also designed a stylish premium drying robe, available in three different colours to complement every dog when on their walks. The MuttMop will have your four-legged friend dry in no time.

• Dog-friendly booties are an excellent preventive measure from paws getting cut or injured when out on their walks. With an increase in rainfall, paths can become loose meaning small stones become dislodged and can cut your dog’s paws. Overgrown brambles can also contribute to damage to a dog’s paws, especially if they go wandering off the path. For hikers, dog booties are great when walking along sharp rocks as well as slippery rocks. As the frost creeps in, dog booties can also create a barrier between the icy ground and their paws which can become dry and chapped. 

• Dog-friendly wipes are a quick, easy and effective way to remove any dirt or grime from their paws and hard-to-get areas. Not to be used as a replacement for bathing your dog, wipes should only be used as a surface cleaner when out and about on walks, especially if they have trod in mud or anything unpleasant that you would prefer not to enter your vehicle or home. We have a large range of wipes both on our website and in our stores.

• Pet Remedy has created eco-friendly calming wipes which are individually wrapped which means little waste compared to a packet of wipes where often they can become dry if not sealed correctly. These are perfect for this time of the year if your dogs become anxious in the darker evenings or perhaps are puppies and therefore not used to the damp environment we get in the UK. 

• Adios is another brand whose focus is to be as eco-friendly as possible whilst creating the perfect product for your pooches. With that in mind, their wipes are one hundred percent compostable, using natural ingredients which are perfectly safe for your dogs. Colourful and fun packaging will make finding them in a hurry easy.

• Pet first aid kit, is something every pet parent should have when going for walks with their dogs, especially on hikes in the wilderness. We stock a full first aid kit in our stores and on our website but if you would prefer to create your own then don’t forget to include some of the key items, for example, tweezers which can be great for removing thorns, plastic covers to keep dirt from entering any fresh wounds your pup may have gotten on their walk, including tape and bandages to protect cuts. 

• Reflective and high visibility accessories to keep your dogs seen, especially when daylight has a way of disappearing quickly this time of the year. Orbiloc has a great selection of safety lights which can be attached to both you and your dog making sure you are both visible to any road users and fellow walkers. These bright lights are waterproof which means if there is a heavy downpour, which is likely in the UK,  you and your dog will still be seen. Ancol has also designed a selection of USB colourful bands which can be attached alongside your dog’s collar. With three different settings to choose from, your four-legged friend is sure to be seen. To add to your dog’s reflective selection, Trespaws Buster Dog Lead is also great for highlighting your dog on walks and if you include a hand torch then there is no fear you and your dog will be seen when walking on an autumn night. 

What to pack into your car for an Autumnal walk with your dog? 

• After a walk in the wet and muddy weather, the last thing you want to do is have muddy paws all over your vehicle. The Henry Wag Noodle Mat will prevent cars from being covered in mud, absorbing any moisture. The mat can be placed in the car or your pet’s bed keeping them dry. For dogs that take up the back seat of a car. Kurgo Wander Bench Seat Cover is an excellent way to avoid dirty car seats after wet walks. This waterproof car seat cover is a resilient protector ensuring your car seats are kept clean and in good condition. 

• Pack a dog coat into the car. Especially if you are planning on spending a lot of time outside on walks. Cold temperatures can have different effects on different breeds of dogs. Retaining heat can be difficult for shorter-haired dogs. As well as those with bodies that are quite close to the ground will feel the cold more.

• Like humans in their older age, senior dogs also have difficulties retaining the heat in their bodies. Therefore a dog coat is the perfect accessory. Ancol Extreme Blizzard Dog Coat is designed to keep your dog warm and dry. Available in a range of colours including a brightly coloured yellow Hi-Vis. Perfect for the darker nights and mornings. This jacket will keep low bellies protected from the cold grounds with an underbody harness and mud protector. Kurgo Loft Jacket is another excellent dog coat. This stylish coat will protect your dog from the rain. As well as that bright Autumn sun, keeping them safe and fully protected when out on their walks. Well insulated, a dog wearing this coat will be warm and comfortable.

• If you and your best friend enjoy going off the beaten track it can be difficult to locate bins. Kurgo has created a neat Tailgate Dumpster which can be attached to the back of your car. This is the perfect accessory for explorers. 

Other Things To Consider When Walking Your Dog In Autumn

• Dogs and parasites. When the colder months phase in, routines are altered which include your dog’s tick and flea treatments. Just because it is cold outside does not mean it’s time to stop treating them. Ticks can still be active at temperatures as low as seven degrees. This is still a time to be cautious, especially if living in an area where ticks are found. Fleas like warmer temperatures and can often hide in little crevices in the home. They could still be feeding off your pets which is why continuing with flea treatments is important. 

• Poisonous plants, fungi and other natural toxins are out on walks. Mushrooms are highly dangerous for dogs. If walking in an overgrown forest try to avoid having them off lead. Especially if you are unable to monitor what they are coming into contact with. Avoid throwing balls into sections that may have a fungal growth. If your dog attempts to pick up the ball there is a chance they could ingest mushrooms as well. 

• Conkers and acorns can be incredibly dangerous for dogs if swallowed. Like mushrooms, they can be covered by fallen leaves which make it difficult for them to be seen. Keep a close eye on your dogs and keep a lookout for chestnut and oak trees. Use these as indicators for fallen conkers or acorns. 

• Cuckoo print is a lovely small flower that resembles red berries. This plant is extremely dangerous for dogs and is often found on the mossy grounds of woodlands. 

• Food consumption, if your dog isn’t getting as much exercise as they were in the summer months. But is still being fed the same diet then this could be an issue. Dogs often put on weight during the cooler months. Which can result in their bones being under pressure due to the weight of their bodies. The opposite issues may arise for dogs that are still as active as they were in the summer and on the same diet. Their bodies need more fuel to keep them energised as they use more energy in the colder temperature.

If you have any questions regarding products that will help you with walking your dog in Autumn.  Call in to one of our stores and speak to a member of our team. Or contact us via one of our websites or any of our social media channels.