Autumn Wellness and Wet Weather: Keeping your Dog Healthy and Dry this Autumn.

As September rolls in, autumn brings crisp air, golden leaves and inevitable rain. While rainy walks can be energising, wet weather introduces specific seasonal health challenges for dogs – from damp-skin irritation to chilled joints.

Preparing for autumn walks require balancing safely outdoors with proper care when returning home.

3 Essential Autumn Health Checks for Dogs

1.       Watch out for Seasonal Toxins on Walks

Autumn walks mean sniffing through fallen leaves, but keep an eye out for hidden hazards:

·        Acorns and Conkers: Ingestion can cause severe stomach upset or intestinal blockages.

·        Wild Mushrooms: Autumn dampness sparks mushroom growth; many species are highly toxic to dogs.

·        Autumn Crocus: Highly poisonous if chewed or ingested during woodland rambles.

2.       Guard Against Damp Skin and Chills.

Leaving a dog with a wet undercoat in cool weather can lead to rapid body heat loss, stiff joints in older pets and skin conditions like hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)  caused by trapped moisture. Thoroughly drying your dog down to the skin – not just wiping the surface – is essential after rainy outings.

3.       Check Paws Post-Walk

Damp mud settles between paw pads, holding grit, micro-thorns or lingering seasonal allergens. Clean and dry paws thoroughly after every walk to prevent interdigital cysts and raw, itchy skin.

The Autumn Gear Upgrade: Ruff and Tumble Drying Coats and Mitts. 

To make wet-weather recovery seamless: we recommend incorporating Ruff and Tumble drying gear into your post-walk routine.

·        Ruff and Tumble Dog Drying Coat: Made with a dual layer of natural cotton towelling, these coats draw moisture directly away from your dog’s skin while trapping body heat. Simply slip it over your dog’s head, wrap the belly flap, and let the coat do the work on the car ride home or while relaxing at home after your walk.

·        Ruff & Tumble Drying Mitts: Perfect for muddy paws and damp underbellies. The mitts offer control and soft friction to clean between pads and wipe down legs before dirt enters your home.

Quick Autumn Walk Checklist

1.       Pre-Walk:  Apply a thin layer of paw balm to protect against damp grit.

2.       On the Walk: Keep a close eye on leaf piles to prevent foraging on acorns or fungi.

3.       Post-Walk: Pop on the Ruff and Tumble Drying Coat immediately and use the Drying Mitts to dry paws thoroughly.