Keeping Pets Happy & Healthy This Season

As the leaves change colour and temperatures begin to drop, autumn in the UK brings a crisp charm to the air, but it also introduces a few seasonal hazards for our furry friends. Whether you’re a veterinary professional offering advice or a pet owner preparing for colder days, it’s important to keep pets safe, warm, and comfortable as the seasons shift.

Here are some practical and vet-approved autumn pet care tips to keep animals healthy this season.

🐾 1. Watch Out for Toxic Autumn Plants

Many beautiful autumn plants and fungi can pose serious health risks to pets. Conkers (horse chestnuts) and acorns are commonly found on the ground in parks and woodland areas, and while they might seem like fun chew toys, they can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even obstruction or poisoning in dogs.

Top tip for owners: Keep dogs on a lead in high-risk areas and discourage them from picking up objects on walks.

☁️ 2. Prepare for Darker Walks

With shorter days, evening walks often take place in low-light conditions. This poses a risk for both pets and their owners.

Safety tips:

• Use reflective collars, leads, or coats for dogs
• Consider LED clip-on lights for better visibility
• Walk familiar routes to avoid hazards like uneven pavements or hidden puddles

For cats: If your cat goes outdoors, a reflective collar and microchip are essential during these darker months.

🌧️ 3. Keep Paws Dry & Clean

Wet leaves, mud, and road grit can irritate a pet’s paws. After every walk, it’s a good idea to:

• Wipe paws clean
• Check for cuts, redness, or signs of irritation
• Dry thoroughly to prevent fungal infections

Bonus tip: Some pets benefit from protective booties or paw balm during wetter weather.

🐕 4. Monitor Body Temperature

Autumn in the UK can bring sudden drops in temperature. While some pets relish the cool weather, others, particularly short-haired breeds, older animals, or those with arthritis, may struggle.

Keep them comfortable by:

• Using pet-safe heating pads or blankets
• Keeping beds off cold floors
• Investing in a warm coat for small or short-haired dogs

🎆 5. Firework Season Is Coming…

October often means early fireworks due to Halloween and Bonfire Night preparations. Many pets suffer from noise phobia and anxiety during this period.

Get ahead with preparation:

• Create a cosy, safe den in the home
• Play background noise (TV, music) to muffle fireworks
• Ask your vet about calming aids or supplements if needed

🐱 6. Watch Their Weight

With colder weather and less time outside, some pets get less exercise, but their appetite might stay the same (or increase!). This can lead to weight gain.

Pet owners should:

• Stick to measured portions
• Use puzzle feeders to keep pets mentally stimulated
• Stay active with indoor games if outdoor play is limited

🧴 7. Check Your Home for Hidden Hazards

Autumn is often when we start using antifreeze, rodenticides, and candles more frequently. These can be extremely dangerous if ingested or chewed.

Pet-proof your home:

• Store antifreeze and chemicals out of reach
• Avoid leaving lit candles unattended
• Use pet-safe options whenever possible

🩺 8. Book a Seasonal Health Check

Autumn is the perfect time to schedule a vet check-up, especially for senior pets or those with chronic conditions. Cooler weather can exacerbate symptoms like joint stiffness or skin issues.

Regular checks help catch any problems early, and allow you to update flea, tick, and worming treatments before winter sets in.

Final Thoughts 🍁

Autumn in the UK is beautiful… but it’s also a time when pets need a little extra TLC. By staying aware of seasonal hazards and making a few simple changes to your routine, you can ensure your pets stay safe, happy, and healthy right through to winter.

Whether you’re a veterinary professional advising clients, or a pet parent wanting the best for your furry friend, these tips are a great starting point for a safe and enjoyable season.

If you are looking for a new role, feel free to contact our Veterinary team today. Arrange an informal chat about roles in your area, here.