Autumn Adventures for Dogs: A Seasonal Guide to Wagging Tails + Cosy Moments
As the leaves turn from vibrant green to rich shades of amber and gold, there’s a special kind of magic in the air. Autumn is a season of change, cooler days, crunchy walks, and cosy evenings by the fire.
For our four-legged friends, it’s also a time filled with exciting smells, new adventures, and a few hidden challenges. Whether you’re heading out on woodland walks or snuggling up at home with your pup, autumn brings a whole new set of joys and responsibilities.
Here’s our ultimate guide to keeping your dog safe, happy, and healthy this autumn.
🍂 Autumn Walks – Sniffing Out Adventure
There’s nothing quite like an autumn walk. The ground is covered in crunchy leaves, the air is crisp, and every stroll feels like a new adventure for your dog. With so many new sights and smells, this is the perfect season to explore different routes and woodland trails.
Autumn walk safety tips:
Be visible: As the evenings get darker, invest in a reflective lead, collar, or harness. A light-up clip for your dog’s collar is also a great way to keep track of them off-lead.
Beware of wet leaves: Fallen leaves may look beautiful, but they can hide broken glass, sharp sticks, or other debris that could injure your pup’s paws.
Watch for fungi: Autumn is peak mushroom season, and some types can be toxic to dogs. Keep a close eye out and encourage your dog to stay on the path.
Check their paws after walks: Mud, grit, and damp leaves can irritate paw pads and cause dryness or soreness. A quick wipe-down when you get home keeps their feet healthy and your floors clean!
💡 Top tip: Bring a small towel on walks to dry off muddy paws before the journey home.
🎃 Seasonal Foods – What’s Safe for Dogs & What to Avoid
Autumn is a time for hearty meals and indulgent treats, but not everything we enjoy is safe for our dogs.
Safe autumn treats:
Pumpkin: Not just for carving! Plain, cooked pumpkin is a fantastic source of fibre and can help with digestion.
Sweet potato: A great source of vitamins and a tasty, natural snack when cooked and unseasoned.
Carrots: Perfect for crunching on, and low in calories too.
Apples: A juicy snack (just be sure to remove the core and seeds).
Foods to avoid:
Chocolate: Commonly found around Halloween – toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Grapes & raisins: Found in fruit cakes, bakes, and autumnal desserts – extremely dangerous for dogs.
Onions, garlic, leeks: These often feature in autumn soups and stews and can cause serious illness in dogs.
Macadamia nuts & walnuts: Harmful and sometimes fatal to dogs.
💡 Did you know? At Kibble Bakery, we’ve created a range of seasonal dog-safe treats, including our new Pumpkin pupspressos and delicious handmade biscuits. So your dog can enjoy autumn flavours without the worry!
🐾 Autumn Grooming & Health Checks
Cooler weather means a different grooming routine for many dogs.
Brush regularly: Autumn brings mud, leaves, and tangles, especially for longer coats.
Keep up with flea and tick prevention: These pests are still active well into autumn, particularly in wooded areas.
Check skin and coat health: The change in weather can cause dryness or irritation. A spa day at Kibble Dog Spa is a great way to keep their coat in top condition.
Watch their weight: Less outdoor activity and more treats can lead to a little extra padding. Adjust portion sizes if needed.
🌟 Autumn Activities to Try With Your Dog
Looking for fun ways to make the most of this season together?
Here are some dog-friendly ideas:
Pumpkin patch visit: Many local farms allow dogs, perfect for seasonal photos.
Woodland scavenger hunt: Hide dog-safe treats or toys for your pup to find.
Autumn photo shoot: Capture those golden hour moments among the leaves.
