Autumn is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, walks become cooler, quieter and full of new sights and smells. Whether you're exploring woodlands, enjoying a local park or cuddling up at home after a walk, there are plenty of reasons to love this season with your four-legged friend.
Here are our favourite ways to make the most of autumn with your dog, along with a few helpful tips to keep them safe and comfortable.
1. Enjoy the Colours and Scents of the Season
Dogs love exploring piles of fallen leaves, sniffing out woodland scents and chasing the occasional conker. Autumn is full of natural enrichment, and it’s a great time to explore new walking routes or local trails.
Why not:
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Visit a nearby forest or nature reserve
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Take photos of your dog in the autumn leaves
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Enjoy a longer weekend walk followed by a cosy nap together
Just remember to check your dog’s coat and paws afterwards for burrs, seeds or anything they may have picked up along the way.
2. Watch Out for Seasonal Hazards
While autumn walks are lovely, there are a few things to be aware of:
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Conkers and acorns can be toxic if eaten, so keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing or chewing
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Mushrooms and toadstools start appearing in damp woodland areas and some can be harmful to dogs
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Darker evenings mean you might want to invest in a reflective lead, harness or light-up collar for extra visibility
Check your dog regularly for ticks, especially if you’ve been walking in long grass or wooded areas.
3. Keep Cosy and Dry
As the weather gets wetter and windier, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Not every dog needs a coat, but short-haired breeds or older dogs might benefit from an extra layer.
Make autumn walks easier by:
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Having a towel ready at the door
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Keeping a waterproof jacket for rainy days
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Using a mat or rug for drying off muddy paws before they reach the carpet
Some dogs love the rain, others less so. Either way, a little preparation helps keep things stress-free.
4. Autumn Enrichment at Home
With nights drawing in, you might spend more time indoors. Keep your dog mentally stimulated with:
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Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys
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Short training sessions or teaching new tricks
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Scent games like hiding treats around the house
A mentally tired dog is just as happy as a physically tired one, and these games are great for rainy days.
5. Celebrate the Season
Autumn brings plenty of chances to celebrate with your dog. From cosy film nights with blankets and treats to Halloween-themed toys and seasonal snacks, there’s fun to be had both inside and out.
If your dog enjoys dressing up, you could try a safe and simple costume for Halloween or take autumn-themed photos for your scrapbook.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a season of change, but it also brings some of the best walking weather and bonding opportunities of the year. With a little planning, you and your dog can enjoy all the colour, crunch and calm that autumn has to offer.
So wrap up warm, grab your lead, and head out into the leaves together. Your next great walk is waiting.
