5 Autumn Dog Walk Hazards (and How to Look After Their Tummy)

Autumn walks are some of the best of the year. They're also when dogs find the most things to pick up and eat. Conkers, acorns, fungi and puddle water can all cause a tummy upset, or something more serious.

Here are five things to watch for on autumn walks, and what to do about them.

1. Conkers

Conkers are toxic to dogs. If chewed or swallowed they can cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea, and a whole conker can block the gut.

What to do: Keep scavengers on the lead near horse chestnut trees, and practise a solid "leave it".

2. Acorns

Acorns contain tannins, which irritate the stomach. Swallowed whole, or eaten in bulk, they can also cause a blockage.

What to do: Same approach as conkers. Lead on, and swap the acorn for a treat.

3. Mushrooms and fungi

Autumn is peak mushroom season, and you can't always tell a harmless one from a poisonous one just by looking.

What to do: Don't let them eat any. If they do, call your vet straight away and take a photo of the mushroom if you can.

4. Puddles and stagnant water

Standing water can carry bacteria and parasites that cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Blue-green algae in ponds and lakes is more dangerous still.

What to do: Carry fresh water and skip murky or green-tinged water. If your dog has swallowed pond water and seems unwell, call your vet at once.

5. Mouldy leaf piles

Damp leaf piles can hide rotting food, and mouldy food can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in serious cases, tremors.

What to do: Steer round leaf piles and bins, and wipe paws after wet walks.

Wipe paws after every walk

Dogs lick their paws, so mud, mould and puddle water can end up in their mouth. A quick clean when you get in takes care of it.

Oatmeal No-Rinse Paw Cleaner (dogs and cats, £10.99): no rinsing needed, so it's quick after a muddy walk.

Fragrance Free Pet Wipes (110 wipes, £10.99): for paws and body, handy to keep by the door or in the car.

When to call the vet

If your dog keeps vomiting, has blood in their vomit or stools, seems very tired, or shows tremors, call your vet. The same goes if you know they've eaten a conker, mushroom or pond water. Probiotics don't treat poisoning.

Looking after their tummy this autumn

Sometimes it's just a one-off loose stool after a scavenging session, a change of routine or a stressful week. A little digestive support can help.

Pre & Probiotic Digestive Paste (dogs and cats, from £13.99): made for sudden loose stools. Given by syringe, so it's easy to keep in the cupboard or walk bag.