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Autumn Safety Checklist for Dog Pawrents

Written by Dr Zoe Jacobs-Fohrman BVSc (Hons I) MANZCVS PgCert

07 March 2025

Australia’s autumn (March to May) brings cooler temperatures, unpredictable weather, and seasonal hazards that dog owners should be aware of. Here’s a detailed guide to keeping your pup safe and comfortable during this period:

Tick and Flea Prevention

Parasites, particularly paralysis ticks, remain active in Australia’s coastal and bushland areas throughout autumn. Fleas also prosper during the cooler months, leading to an increase in flea infestations. These pests thrive in the lower temperatures of autumn, making them more problematic than in spring and summer. This underscores the importance of taking preventive measures during this season.

It’s essential to maintain regular preventive treatments and to inspect your dog after walks, paying special attention to areas around the head, neck, and underbelly.

High-risk areas: Coastal New South Wales, Queensland, and bushy regions.
Prevention: Use veterinarian-recommended tick and flea treatments, such as Bravecto, NexGard, or Seresto collars.
What to Watch For: Signs of tick paralysis, which require urgent veterinary care, include weakness in the legs, drooling, or difficulty breathing.

Mushroom & Fungi Awareness

The cooler, damp conditions of Australian parks and gardens encourage wild mushroom growth. Some, like the Death Cap and Fly Agaric, are highly toxic to dogs.

Prevention: Keep your dog on a leash in high-risk areas. Assume all wild mushrooms are harmful until proven safe. Remove all mushrooms from your yard if your dog goes outside unsupervised, and check regularly since they can grow quickly. If you can't eliminate them all, consult an expert.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and seizures. Symptoms vary based on the mushroom species and the amount ingested. Please seek veterinary care immediately.
Tips: To assist with identification, bring a mushroom specimen to the emergency hospital. To preserve its integrity, wrap it in a damp paper towel instead of a plastic bag. You can also take a photo of the mushroom, ensuring you capture the gills, cap, and stem.

Shorter Days & Visibility

As summer winds down, the days are getting shorter, and it’s getting dark earlier. When you head out with your doggo in the afternoon, don’t forget to make sure they're visible in the dark! Keeping them safe and seen is a great way to enjoy those evening walks together.

Tips: Use reflective collars, harnesses, and LED lights on your dog’s leash. Stick to well-lit paths to avoid accidents.

Daylight saving time can affect your dog's internal clock. While we might love the extra hour of sleep, your pup might be confused about why breakfast is suddenly an hour later or why their evening walk feels off. Dogs, like most pets, go by routine rather than the clock. So, that one-hour change could really shake up their normal schedule.

Tips: To help them adjust to the new schedule, gradually modify their routine. In the week before the time change, start shifting their feeding, walks, and playtimes back by 10 to 15 minutes each day.

Rodenticides & Poisonous Baits

Autumn is a common time for Australians to use rodent bait, as cooler weather brings mice and rats indoors. These poisons can be deadly to dogs if ingested.

Prevention: Keep baits out of reach and use pet-safe alternatives.
Symptoms of poisoning: Weakness, bleeding gums, seizures. Seek vet care immediately.

Temperature Changes

As temperatures drop, provide your dog with a warm, draft-free sleeping area.

Small & short-haired breeds

Small dogs and short-haired breeds (e.g., Greyhounds, Chihuahuas) tend to have difficulty staying warm in cooler weather. They may require extra warmth, such as a jumper or a heated pet bed.

Elderly dogs or those with arthritis

Elderly dogs or dogs with arthritis may experience more joint stiffness in cooler weather. To better support their joint health and help manage arthritis, consider diets enriched with omega-3, such as green-lipped mussels and omega-3 supplements.

Protect Your Dog’s Paws

The damp and chilly ground during autumn can be tough on your dog's paws. Conditions like mud and fallen leaves (which may appear later in the season) can lead to dryness and irritation. Additionally, the wet environment can cause fungal or bacterial infections in the paw pads.

Tips: Apply a dog paw balm to moisturise and protect your dog’s paws after walks. Also, trim any long fur between the paw pads to prevent mud buildup. Keeping your dog's paws in good condition helps prevent discomfort and health issues, such as infections.

Seasonal Shedding & Grooming

Moulting, also referred to as shedding, is a normal biological process in dogs. However, the amount of shedding can vary between different breeds. Environmental factors, such as temperature and daylight, also influence the moulting process. During autumn, with its changing temperatures and shorter days, many dogs experience moulting as they shed their summer coat in preparation for winter.

Tips: Regular brushing helps prevent matting and removes loose fur. By eliminating dead hair, you promote healthier skin and keep your house cleaner. Consider adding omega-3 supplements to improve coat health.

Adjusting Food Portions

When it gets cooler, your dog might not be as active, so it’s important to watch their food intake to keep them from gaining weight. At the same time, some dogs might actually need more food because they are working harder to stay warm.

Monitor weight changes: Adjust portion sizes based on activity level to prevent obesity or undernourishment.
Cold-weather comfort: Add warm, dog-safe foods like plain pumpkin, sweet potato, or bone broth to meals.

Storm Preparation

Autumn can bring heavy rainfall and powerful winds. The sudden, loud sounds of thunder might trigger anxiety in some dogs, especially if they are sensitive to weather changes. For example, your dog may be detecting variations in air pressure, humidity, or wind, which could indicate to them that something is amiss.

Prepare an emergency kit: Pack dog food, medications, and a leash in case of emergencies.
Interactive toys: During the cold and rainy season, you may find yourself spending more time indoors. Engage your dog’s mind with interactive toys to prevent boredom-related behaviours.
Anxiety in storms: Use calming wraps (e.g., Thundershirts) or vet-recommended anxiety treatments.

Easter Chocolate & Hot Cross Buns Warning

Your family may be excited to celebrate Easter, but you should be aware of the many pet-related hazards that accompany the holiday. Easter festivities often include chocolate, hot cross buns, and lollies—many of which are toxic to dogs. Keep these treats out of reach and educate family members about their danger for doggos:

Chocolate: can cause seizures and heart problems.
Raisins/sultanas: can cause kidney failure.
Xylitol: can cause blood sugar levels to plummet and liver damage.

As the leaves change and the weather cools, autumn is a great time to enjoy cozy cuddles, scenic walks, and seasonal treats with your furry friend. By staying mindful of seasonal hazards like ticks, toxic foods, and colder nights, you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and safe all season long. Whether it’s a crisp morning walk or a lazy evening by the heater, embrace the season with your best mate! 🐕💛

Got any autumn dog care tips of your own? Share them with us!

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Author: Dr Zoe Jacobs-Fohrman BVSc (Hons I) MANZCVS PgCert

As Petzyo’s in-house veterinarian, Dr Zoë knows how crucial informed nutrition choices are for our pets' happiness, health, and longevity. She provides professional veterinary insights, training and support for our customer service team.

Zoë has completed additional training in anaesthesia and analgesia from the University of Edinburgh and has several years of experience working in small animal referral veterinary hospitals, general practice, as well as emergency and critical care.

At home, Springer Spaniel-oodle (Maggie) and Cocker Spaniel-oodle (Banksy) rule the roost. Zoë loves hearing about your pets at home and encourages anyone with questions to get in touch.