Autumn Pet Care Guide: How to Keep Dogs & Cats Safe, Warm and Happy

Autumn brings cooler air, colourful walks and cosy evenings at home—but it also introduces several seasonal changes that can affect dogs and cats.

Shorter days reduce visibility during walks, damp weather can make floors slippery, and fallen conkers, acorns and wild mushrooms may tempt curious pets. Senior animals may also feel colder or stiffer, while Halloween brings unfamiliar visitors, decorations and treats into the home.

A few thoughtful changes can help your companion enjoy autumn safely and comfortably.

Quick Answer

How should you care for your pet during autumn?

Keep pets warm and dry, make them visible during darker walks, provide a comfortable draught-free bed, continue appropriate parasite protection and supervise them around fallen nuts, mushrooms, antifreeze, Halloween treats and seasonal decorations. Senior pets may need extra warmth, secure footing and gentler exercise as the weather becomes colder.

Autumn Pet Care at a Glance

Autumn change	What pet owners can do
Darker mornings and evenings	Use reflective walking equipment and choose well-lit routes
Cooler temperatures	Provide a warm, dry and draught-free resting space
Wet, muddy walks	Dry paws and coats thoroughly after returning home
Fallen conkers and acorns	Prevent dogs from chewing or swallowing them
Wild mushrooms	Do not allow pets to eat any unidentified mushroom
Fleas and ticks	Continue the prevention routine recommended by your vet
Halloween visitors	Create a quiet retreat away from the front door
Costumes and decorations	Supervise closely and remove anything causing discomfort
Senior-pet stiffness	Offer supportive bedding, secure footing and suitable exercise

1. Prepare for Darker Dog Walks

As autumn progresses, familiar walking routes can look completely different after dark. Uneven pavements, cyclists, traffic and other animals may be harder to spot, while dark-coated dogs can become particularly difficult for drivers and other walkers to see.

Before leaving home:

• Choose a familiar, well-lit route where possible.

• Use a secure, correctly fitted lead and harness.

• Add reflective or high-visibility details to your dog’s walking equipment.

• Carry a torch or wear a head torch so your hands remain free.

• Keep your phone charged.

• Make sure your pet’s identification details are current.

• Avoid distractions and remain alert near roads.

• Check the weather before setting out.

Reflective material does not create its own light; it reflects light from vehicles, torches and streetlights. It therefore works best as one part of a wider safety routine rather than as a guarantee that everyone will see your dog.

A correctly fitted Reflective Padded Dog Harness can add visibility while distributing pressure more comfortably across the body. For an additional layer on cool evening outings, our Night Safety Jumpsuit combines seasonal warmth with visibility-focused details.

Always check that clothing and walking equipment allow unrestricted movement and do not rub beneath the legs, around the neck or across the chest.

After-dark walking checklist

Before each walk, check:

• Harness or collar fit

• Lead and fastening points

• Reflective panels

• Identification tag

• Torch or headlamp

• Weather conditions

• Your planned route

2. Create a Warm, Comfortable Resting Space

Most healthy adult dogs and cats grow an appropriate seasonal coat, but individual comfort varies considerably. Age, breed, coat type, body condition, health and activity level all affect how an animal responds to cooler weather.

Provide a sleeping area that is:

• Indoors and protected from damp

• Away from strong draughts

• Raised slightly from very cold flooring where practical

• Easy to enter and leave

• Large enough for the pet’s natural sleeping position

• Made from materials that can be kept clean and dry

Cats often seek small, enclosed resting places because they provide warmth and separation from household activity. Some small dogs enjoy the same sheltered feeling.

Our Pumpkin Orange Cosy Cave Bed offers a soft, semi-enclosed retreat for cats and appropriately sized small dogs. Its warm seasonal colour also fits naturally into an autumn home. Always compare your pet’s resting measurements with the bed’s internal space before ordering.

Explore our Autumn Pet Essentials for more beds, clothing and practical accessories selected for cooler, darker days.

3. Give Senior Pets Extra Autumn Support

Cooler mornings can make existing stiffness more noticeable, particularly in older pets or animals living with arthritis and mobility problems.

A senior pet may benefit from:

• A warm bed with supportive padding

• Non-slip rugs across smooth flooring

• Food, water and sleeping areas positioned within easy reach

• Shorter, more frequent walks instead of one demanding outing

• Extra time to stand up and settle down

• A towel kept near the door for wet paws and coats

• Ramps or steps where jumping has become difficult

• Regular nail care to support secure footing

Watch for changes such as hesitation on stairs, difficulty rising, reluctance to jump, slowing down on walks or repeatedly changing sleeping position.

These signs should not automatically be dismissed as normal ageing. Speak with your veterinarian if your pet develops new stiffness, pain, weakness or difficulty moving. Early advice can help identify the cause and create a more suitable care plan.

4. Watch for Conkers, Acorns and Wild Mushrooms

Autumn paths and gardens may be covered with natural objects that look like toys to an inquisitive dog.

Conkers and acorns

Conkers and acorns can make dogs seriously unwell if chewed or swallowed. They may also create choking risks or intestinal blockages, particularly for smaller dogs. Dogs Trust advises contacting a veterinarian immediately if you believe a dog has eaten either one. Read the Dogs Trust guidance.

Keep dogs close in areas where large numbers have fallen, and practise reliable “leave it” and “drop it” cues using safe rewards.

Wild mushrooms

It can be extremely difficult to identify a dangerous mushroom by appearance alone. The safest approach is to prevent pets from eating any wild fungus.

If your pet eats an unknown mushroom:

1. Move them away from the area.

2. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

3. Photograph the mushroom and its surroundings if it is safe to do so.

4. Take a sample only if your veterinarian advises it.

5. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

6. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional instructs you to do so.

Potential poisoning symptoms vary but may include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness, unusual behaviour, loss of coordination or collapse. Treat suspected poisoning as urgent.

5. Keep Antifreeze and Seasonal Chemicals Secure

Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is extremely dangerous to pets and can cause severe kidney damage. Even a small spill on a driveway, garage floor or around a vehicle should be treated seriously.

To reduce the risk:

• Store antifreeze in a sealed container inside a secure cupboard.

• Clean spills immediately.

• Check beneath vehicles for leaks.

• Keep pets out of garages and work areas when products are being used.

• Never add antifreeze to an outdoor water feature accessible to animals.

• Dispose of containers according to local safety guidance.

Contact a veterinarian immediately if you think your pet may have licked or swallowed antifreeze. Do not wait for visible symptoms.

Also keep slug pellets, rodent control products, fertilisers and garden chemicals secured away from pets. “Natural” does not automatically mean pet-safe, so check labels and ask your veterinarian when uncertain.

6. Continue Flea and Tick Checks

Parasites do not necessarily disappear when summer ends. Fleas can thrive inside centrally heated homes, while ticks may remain active during mild autumn weather.

CVS Vets recommends maintaining regular flea prevention throughout the year and cleaning pet bedding and soft furnishings as part of household control. Read the CVS Vets autumn parasite guidance.

Helpful habits include:

• Follow the parasite plan recommended by your veterinarian.

• Groom pets regularly.

• Check the coat after walks through grass or woodland.

• Look around the ears, neck, legs, paws and between the toes.

• Wash suitable bedding according to its care instructions.

• Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture regularly.

• Ask your veterinarian how to remove a tick correctly.

Never use a dog flea or tick treatment on a cat unless a veterinarian confirms that it is safe. Some ingredients used in canine products can be highly dangerous to cats.

7. Dry Wet Paws and Coats Properly

Rain, mud and wet leaves are part of autumn life. Remaining damp for long periods can leave pets uncomfortable, while mud may hide small cuts, grass seeds or irritation.

After a wet walk:

1. Dry the coat with a clean towel.

2. Wipe each paw gently.

3. Check between the toes and around the pads.

4. Remove visible mud and outdoor debris.

5. Examine the skin for redness or soreness.

6. Allow collars, harnesses and coats to dry fully before reuse.

Take extra care with pets that have long coats, skin folds or thick fur around their paws. Seek veterinary advice if you notice persistent licking, swelling, a strong smell, discharge or limping.

Autumn does not always mean cold weather, particularly in warmer parts of Europe. Avoid dressing pets based on the calendar alone; consider the actual temperature, rain, wind and your individual pet’s needs.

8. Make Halloween Calm and Pet-Friendly

Halloween can be enjoyable for people but confusing for animals. Doorbells, costumes, unfamiliar voices and repeated visitors may make even a normally confident pet anxious.

Create a quiet retreat before visitors arrive. Include:

• A familiar bed or blanket

• Fresh water

• A favourite safe toy

• Closed curtains where outside activity causes barking

• Gentle background sound

• Enough distance from the front door

Keep dogs and cats securely indoors while trick-or-treaters are visiting. Check doors, windows and garden gates before the evening begins, and ensure identification information is current in case a pet escapes.

Keep Halloween treats away from pets

Chocolate contains theobromine and can be poisonous to pets. Some sugar-free sweets may contain xylitol, also called birch sugar, which is particularly dangerous to dogs. Sweet wrappers may create additional choking or blockage risks.

PDSA recommends keeping chocolate, sweets and wrappers safely out of reach. Read the PDSA Halloween safety guide.

If your pet eats chocolate, sweets or an unknown Halloween treat, contact your veterinarian immediately and keep the packaging available.

Use decorations carefully

Keep these away from curious paws:

• Lit candles

• Electrical cables

• Batteries

• Glow sticks

• Small hanging decorations

• Artificial cobwebs

• Fragile ornaments

• Loose ribbons and elastic

• Decorations with sharp edges

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping candles, jack-o’-lanterns, glow sticks and costume pieces out of pets’ reach. See the AVMA Halloween guidance.

Our Solar Halloween Black Cat & Pumpkin Garden Stake Light provides seasonal outdoor decoration without requiring an outdoor electrical socket. Position it securely in suitable soil and place it somewhere pets cannot chew, pull or become tangled in the decoration. It is decorative rather than a pet toy.

Discover more seasonal outfits, beds and accessories in our Halloween Pet Collection.

9. Dress Pets Only When They Are Comfortable

Some pets are relaxed wearing clothing or a simple costume; others find it stressful. Your pet’s comfort should always matter more than the photograph.

A suitable pet costume should:

• Allow normal breathing and movement

• Leave the eyes, nose and mouth unobstructed

• Avoid restricting hearing

• Fit without rubbing or squeezing

• Contain no loose pieces the pet could chew

• Be worn only for brief, supervised periods

• Be removed immediately if the pet appears uncomfortable

Watch for stress signals such as freezing, hiding, repeatedly trying to remove the outfit, flattening the ears, lip licking, panting when not hot or refusing to move normally.

Never leave a costumed pet unattended or allow them to sleep while wearing decorative accessories. A festive bow tie or seasonal photograph beside the decoration may be a kinder choice for an animal that dislikes dressing up.

10. Keep Autumn Exercise Suitable for the Individual Pet

Cooler weather can make longer walks more comfortable, but activity should still match the pet’s age, health and fitness.

For dogs:

• Increase exercise gradually after a less active summer.

• Allow time to sniff and explore safely.

• Avoid forcing a stiff or tired dog to continue.

• Carry water on longer walks.

• Use a lead near livestock, roads and wildlife.

• Check paws and coat when you return.

Indoor cats may enjoy extra play as daylight changes. Rotate safe toys, provide scratching areas and use short interactive play sessions that allow stalking, chasing and catching behaviours.

Outdoor cats should always have access to a warm, dry and secure indoor space. As evenings darken, consider encouraging them indoors earlier, especially near busy roads or during Halloween activity and fireworks.

Signs Your Pet May Be Uncomfortable in Colder Weather

Look for:

• Shivering

• Curling tightly and struggling to settle

• Seeking unusually warm places

• Reluctance to go outdoors

• Lifting paws from cold or wet ground

• Slowing down noticeably

• Stiffness after resting

• Whining or unusual clinginess

Move your pet somewhere warm and dry, and contact your veterinarian if symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by weakness, pain, breathing changes or unusual behaviour.

Your Autumn Pet-Care Checklist

At home

• Provide a warm, dry sleeping space.

• Add non-slip surfaces for older or less mobile pets.

• Store chocolate, medicines and chemicals securely.

• Check heating appliances and cables.

• Keep decorations beyond pets’ reach.

• Prepare a quiet retreat before Halloween visitors arrive.

In the garden

• Remove suspicious mushrooms where practical.

• Collect fallen fruit, conkers and acorns.

• Check fences and gates.

• Clear slippery leaves from frequently used paths.

• Secure seasonal decorations.

• Check sheds and garages before closing doors.

• Clean solar panels and position lights in direct sunlight.

On walks

• Use secure walking equipment.

• Add reflective visibility for darker conditions.

• Carry a torch.

• Prevent scavenging.

• Check paws and coats afterwards.

• Dry wet pets thoroughly.

• Continue appropriate parasite checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs need coats during autumn?

Not every dog needs a coat. Dogs with very short coats, low body fat, small bodies, advanced age or certain health conditions may appreciate additional warmth. Choose clothing according to the weather and the individual dog, ensure a comfortable fit and remove it indoors if the dog becomes too warm.

Should cats stay indoors more during autumn?

This depends on the cat and local environment. Darker evenings, traffic, Halloween visitors and severe weather may make earlier indoor time sensible. Ensure outdoor cats always have access to a warm, secure and dry place.

Are conkers poisonous to dogs?

Yes. Conkers can cause illness if chewed or swallowed and may also cause choking or an intestinal blockage. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has eaten one.

Are acorns dangerous to pets?

Acorns can make dogs unwell and may also present choking or blockage risks. Prevent pets from chewing or swallowing them and seek veterinary advice following suspected ingestion.

Can pets eat wild mushrooms?

Pets should not be allowed to eat unidentified wild mushrooms. Some are highly toxic and visual identification can be unreliable. Contact your veterinarian immediately following suspected ingestion.

Do fleas and ticks disappear when summer ends?

No. Fleas can remain active inside warm homes, and ticks may remain active outdoors during mild weather. Follow the parasite-prevention plan recommended by your veterinarian.

How can I keep my dog visible on autumn walks?

Use a secure lead and correctly fitted reflective equipment, carry a light and choose familiar, well-lit routes. Reflective items require an external light source, so combine them with responsible route planning and attentive handling.

How do I know whether my pet is cold?

Shivering, seeking warmth, reluctance to go outside, lifting the paws and difficulty settling may indicate discomfort. Age, breed, coat, health and weather conditions all affect cold tolerance.

Are Halloween costumes safe for pets?

They can be suitable for some pets when correctly fitted, lightweight and worn briefly under supervision. Remove the costume immediately if it restricts movement, breathing, sight or hearing—or if the pet shows any sign of stress.

What should I do if my pet eats something potentially poisonous?

Contact a veterinarian immediately. Tell them what was eaten, the estimated amount and when it happened. Keep packaging or take a photograph where possible. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional instructs you to do so.

Enjoy Autumn Together

Autumn can be one of the loveliest seasons to share with a pet. Cooler walks, colourful gardens and cosy evenings all become more enjoyable when seasonal risks have been considered in advance.

Focus on the essentials: warmth, visibility, secure footing, supervised outdoor time and a calm home environment. Small preparations can make a meaningful difference—particularly for senior pets, animals with mobility difficulties and companions who find Halloween unsettling.

Browse our Autumn Pet Essentials for thoughtfully selected products to support comfortable beds, safer evening walks and cosy seasonal routines.

This guide provides general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Contact a veterinary professional promptly if your pet is unwell or may have swallowed something harmful.