Dog owners warned over ‘silent killers’ found on autumn walks

Your pup can easily come across these hazards when out and about in the autumn months.

Scots have been experiencing increasingly wet autumnal weather in recent weeks, especially with the chaos brought by Storm Amy last weekend. But dog owners are being warned of five ‘silent killers’ that pups are likely to come across on their daily walks now that the weather is colder and wetter.

Although autumn walks through colourful Scottish landscapes can be beautiful, new research from insurance providers Protectivity has revealed that a whopping 39 per cent of pet insurance claims are linked to dog walking. With this in mind, the experts have paired up with dog trainers and canine professionals to share five hidden dangers to dogs that autumn-time walks can present.

From lungworm to ingesting acorns or plum stones, these dangers are worth keeping in mind when out and about with your pooch this autumn. Here’s everything you need to know.

Five ‘silent killers’ to watch out for when walking your dog this autumn

1. Ingesting slugs or snails

Damp autumnal weather can lead to an increase in slugs and snails that can carry lungworm larvae, a potentially fatal issue if left untreated.

Sadie Geoghegan-Dann, Canine Welfare Expert at Nervous Rex warns: “Having personally lost one of my own dogs to lungworm, I can’t emphasise enough how dangerous it is to let your dog play around with slugs and risk eating one.

“Lungworm can take hold incredibly quickly and, if you don’t realise what’s happening, it can be fatal in no time at all. Not all flea and worming treatments cover lungworm, so I always advise people to read up on the signs and symptoms, act fast and, where possible, don’t let your dog anywhere near slugs and snails in the first place.”

2. Fallen fruits

As autumn rolls around, fruit trees start to shed their sweet-smelling fruit, and while this may seem enticing to dogs, eating fallen fruit can cause severe stomach upsets and present a choking hazard.

Four-year-old cocker spaniel, Autumn, recently had to receive medical treatment after ingesting a fallen plum on a walk with her owner, Shakira Sacks, from Leeds.

Shakira explains: “Being a cocker spaniel, Autumn is forever eating things she shouldn’t. Over the years, we’ve implemented lots of training commands but on a recent walk in our local park, she ate a fallen plum, including the stone.

“After speaking to our vet, they asked us to bring her in immediately and two hours of induced vomiting and a £350 bill later, Autumn was her happy self again. It was, however, a very scary experience and has made me even more hyper-vigilant of hazards that I wasn’t aware of previously.

“I had no idea that although plums are usually safe for dogs to eat, the stones can be toxic, as can the flesh when it’s mouldy.”

3. Acorns on the ground

Terry Cuyler, Certified Dog Trainer and owner of Pawsitive Results Dog Training warns: “In my experience, one of autumn’s most underappreciated perils is the abundance of acorns. I have worked with dogs who have come to significant injury from eating them.

“Acorns contain tannins, and these can cause stomach problems and, in worst cases, lead to kidney damage. Other than being toxigenic, they also present an extensive choking and obstructive risk, especially in smaller breeds.

“I recommend practicing the “leave it” command diligently on walks, especially in parks or forests where there are plenty of oak trees.”

4. Fallen conkers

Conkers are another highly toxic risk for dogs on autumnal walks, with severe cases costing up to £2,000 in veterinary treatment.

Terry adds: “I recommend watching for certain warning indicators: over-sniffing at ground level, sudden stops during walks, and that familiar head-down posture showing keen interest in something to eat.

“More than anything, watch out for the “freeze and stare” posture just before their strike and correct immediately with a high-reward treat and a ‘leave it’ command.”

5. Antifreeze risk

Antifreeze for cars tastes sweet to dogs, but just one teaspoon can be life-threatening.

Terry comments: “I’ve trained dogs for more than 20 years, and I’ve learned that even the best-trained dogs will sniff and taste things that smell and taste good when their owners aren’t around.

“Most car supply stores stock pet-safe antifreeze products at comparable rates these days. Using this makes it safer not just for your own pets but also for neighbourhood pets, and even wildlife, in case they do encounter spills at home.”

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