There’s something lovely about autumn in Yorkshire. Crisp morning walks, colourful leaves, muddy paws and the occasional excuse to curl up on the sofa with your pet when the weather turns miserable.
But alongside all those beautiful autumn colours come a few seasonal hazards that are surprisingly easy to overlook.
From conkers and acorns scattered across footpaths to mushrooms appearing overnight in the garden, autumn brings some additional risks for our dogs and cats. And with Halloween, Bonfire Night and darker evenings approaching, there’s plenty for pet owners to think about.
The good news? A little awareness goes a long way.
At Beehive Vets in Rothwell, we want you and your pets to enjoy everything autumn has to offer – safely. Here’s what to watch out for and when to give us a call.
Conkers and Acorns
For many dogs, autumn walks are one enormous treasure hunt. Unfortunately, some of those treasures are best left on the ground.
Conkers and acorns can both be harmful to dogs if eaten. Conkers contain toxic compounds including aesculin and other saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and in more serious cases, additional symptoms. Acorns contain tannins and related compounds that can also cause digestive upset when ingested.
The other concern is their size and shape. Both can become lodged in the digestive tract and cause an intestinal obstruction, particularly in smaller dogs.
Signs to watch for:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Straining or difficulty passing faeces
Symptoms may develop within hours, although signs of an obstruction can take longer to appear. Cats are generally less likely to eat conkers or acorns but they’re not completely immune to the risks.
If you think your pet has swallowed a conker or acorn, contact your vet straight away. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop, particularly if your dog is small or may have swallowed several.
Mushrooms and Wild Fungi
Autumn’s damp conditions create the perfect environment for mushrooms and other fungi to flourish. You’ll find them appearing in gardens, parks, woodland and grassy areas – sometimes seemingly overnight.
Many wild mushrooms are harmless, but some are extremely poisonous. The difficulty is that identifying which are dangerous isn’t always straightforward, even for people who know their fungi. Certain poisonous mushrooms can cause severe liver or kidney damage, while others affect the nervous system.
Signs of mushroom poisoning:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Excessive salivation
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness or lethargy
- Tremors or seizures
- Severe liver or kidney injury in serious cases
Some of the most dangerous mushrooms cause delayed symptoms, meaning a pet may appear completely normal initially. The safest rule is simple: don’t allow your dog to eat any wild mushrooms.
If you suspect your pet has eaten one, contact us immediately. If it’s safe to do so, take a photograph of the mushroom or collect a sample without handling it unnecessarily – this may help with identification. But don’t delay seeking veterinary advice while trying to identify the species.
Slug Pellets and Metaldehyde Poisoning
Autumn is a busy time for gardeners, particularly when slugs and snails are making the most of the damp weather. Unfortunately, some slug control products can pose a serious risk to pets.
Metaldehyde slug pellets have been banned for outdoor use in Great Britain since 2022, but older products may still be lurking in sheds, garages or gardens. Metaldehyde is extremely toxic to dogs and cats, and symptoms can develop rapidly.
Signs of metaldehyde poisoning:
- Muscle tremors or twitching
- Severe agitation
- Excessive salivation
- Seizures
- Raised body temperature
- Difficulty breathing
Severe poisoning can be fatal without prompt treatment. If you suspect your pet has ingested slug pellets, this is a genuine veterinary emergency – contact a vet immediately.
Remember that pets can encounter garden chemicals beyond their own gardens, including in neighbouring properties or on visits elsewhere. If you use slug control products, choose pet-safe alternatives where possible. Physical barriers, hand removal and encouraging natural predators are all worth considering. Even products marketed as pet-friendly should be stored securely and used according to their instructions.
Rat Poison (Rodenticide)
As temperatures fall, rats and mice often seek shelter in warmer buildings, leading to increased use of rodent control products. Unfortunately, rodenticides can be extremely dangerous to pets.
Many commonly used rat poisons contain anticoagulant chemicals that interfere with the body’s ability to clot blood. If a dog or cat consumes enough of one of these products, potentially life-threatening internal bleeding can develop.
One of the most concerning aspects of anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning is that symptoms may not appear for several days after ingestion. By the time an animal becomes visibly unwell, significant bleeding may already have occurred.
Signs of rodenticide poisoning:
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Pale gums
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained bruising
- Bleeding from the nose or mouth
- Blood in urine or faeces
- Collapse in severe cases
Cats may also be exposed by catching and eating rodents that have consumed poison, although the risk depends on the product and circumstances. Not all rodenticides work in the same way – some cause neurological or other serious problems rather than bleeding.
If you suspect your pet has eaten rat poison, contact a vet immediately – even if they seem perfectly well. Early treatment can be extremely effective, so acting quickly really does matter.
Keeping Autumn Walks Safe
You don’t need to avoid your favourite walks just because the leaves are falling. A few simple precautions can help keep your dog safe while you both still enjoy the season.
- Keep dogs on leads in areas where large numbers of conkers, acorns or mushrooms are present
- Practise a reliable “leave it” command – it can be invaluable when your dog discovers something interesting on the ground
- Keep an eye on enthusiastic scavengers – some dogs seem determined to sample everything they encounter
- Check paws after walks and remove any trapped debris, mud or anything that might cause irritation
- Be cautious around unfamiliar gardens or fields where chemicals or pest control products may have been used
For dogs who are particularly determined to eat things they shouldn’t, a properly fitted basket muzzle can provide additional protection during walks – provided they’ve been gradually and positively trained to wear one.
Fireworks and Bonfire Night
For many pets, autumn marks the beginning of firework season. And although Bonfire Night falls on 5th November, fireworks often begin weeks beforehand and continue well beyond the date itself.
Dogs and cats can find the unpredictable bangs, flashes and vibrations genuinely frightening. The best approach is to start preparing before the fireworks begin – create a quiet comfortable space where your pet can retreat, keep curtains closed during displays and consider whether pheromone products might help.
For animals with significant noise fears, prescription medication can make a real difference. It’s much better to discuss this with us in advance rather than waiting until your pet is already distressed.
It’s also worth checking that your pet’s microchip details are up to date, particularly if they’re prone to bolting when frightened.
We’ve put together a full guide covering everything you need to know about helping your pet through firework season.
Read our full guide to helping your pet through firework season
Halloween Hazards
Halloween can be great fun for families – but it introduces a few extra risks for our four-legged companions.
Chocolate and sweets
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and cocoa products generally contain higher concentrations of these compounds, making them particularly dangerous.
Some sugar-free sweets and chewing gums contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause a rapid and potentially life-threatening drop in blood sugar in dogs, as well as liver damage in some cases.
Grapes, raisins and sultanas are another important hazard, particularly for dogs, where they can cause acute kidney injury. They should be kept well away from cats too.
Even sweet wrappers can cause problems if swallowed. Keep Halloween treats well out of reach and never assume a small amount is automatically safe.
Costumes and decorations
Some pets look rather adorable in Halloween costumes – but not every animal enjoys dressing up. If your pet seems uncomfortable, stressed or restricted, it’s kinder to skip the outfit. Small accessories can also become choking hazards if chewed or swallowed.
Decorations deserve attention too. Candles can cause burns or fires if knocked over, while artificial cobwebs, string and ribbons can be dangerous if swallowed. Glow sticks contain irritating liquid that can cause marked drooling and mouth discomfort if chewed, particularly in cats. Although serious poisoning from glow sticks is uncommon, it’s still worth seeking veterinary advice following exposure.
Trick-or-treaters
A constant stream of visitors can be unsettling for pets, especially those who are naturally nervous. With the front door opening repeatedly, there’s also an increased risk of an anxious dog or cat slipping out. Consider keeping pets in a comfortable, quiet room away from the front door during busy periods.
Seasonal Allergies
We often associate allergies with spring and summer – but autumn can be a troublesome time for itchy dogs and cats too.
Environmental allergens such as mould spores, house dust mites and certain pollens can all contribute to allergic skin disease. Damp leaves and changing indoor conditions may also increase exposure to some allergens.
Signs of allergies in pets:
- Excessive scratching
- Licking or chewing the paws
- Red, inflamed or irritated skin
- Recurrent ear infections
- Rubbing the face against furniture
- Watery eyes in some cases
- Overgrooming or hair loss, particularly in cats
Environmental allergies can sometimes be seasonal, whereas food allergies tend to cause symptoms throughout the year – though there can be considerable overlap. It’s also important to remember that not every itchy pet has an allergy. Fleas, mites, skin infections and other conditions can produce very similar symptoms.
That’s why we focus on identifying the underlying cause rather than simply treating the itch. Depending on your pet’s symptoms, this may involve skin examinations, microscopic tests, treatment trials or further investigations. Allergy testing can be useful in selected cases, particularly when planning allergen-specific immunotherapy, but it isn’t a reliable standalone test for diagnosing food allergies.
If your pet seems noticeably itchier every autumn, it’s worth a conversation with us.
Find out more about testing and diagnosis at Beehive Vets
Darker Evenings and Walk Safety
When the clocks go back at the end of October, those lovely light evening walks suddenly become considerably darker. Reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents, particularly around roads, cycle paths and poorly lit areas.
A few straightforward changes can make walks much safer:
- Use reflective collars, leads or harnesses
- Consider an LED collar light so your dog is easier to see
- Wear reflective or high-visibility clothing yourself
- Keep dogs on leads near roads, particularly in poorly lit areas
- Carry a torch when walking in unlit areas
- Make sure your dog’s ID tag and microchip details are up to date
Don’t Forget Harvest Mites
Another autumn nuisance worth knowing about is the harvest mite.
These tiny mites are particularly active in late summer and early autumn and can cause intense itching in affected dogs and cats. They commonly gather around the paws, between the toes, on the ears and around the belly. You might notice your pet licking or scratching excessively, sometimes with tiny orange specks visible on the skin.
If you suspect harvest mites, give us a call. Appropriate treatment can help relieve discomfort and prevent secondary skin infections.
Cold Weather and Your Senior Pet
Autumn can be a particularly noticeable season for older pets, especially those living with arthritis. As temperatures fall, some dogs and cats become stiffer, slower to get moving or less enthusiastic about their usual activities.
Cold weather doesn’t necessarily make the underlying arthritis worse, but it can contribute to increased stiffness and discomfort in some animals. A few simple adjustments can help:
- Provide warm, draught-free sleeping areas
- Consider shorter, more frequent walks for older dogs on cold days
- Use a well-fitting coat for dogs who feel the cold, particularly elderly or short-coated breeds
- Provide ramps or steps to help arthritic pets reach favourite spots
- Keep pets at a healthy weight to reduce unnecessary strain on their joints
If your older pet is struggling more than usual, don’t put it down to old age without getting it checked. Modern pain management can make an enormous difference to comfort and mobility, and we’re passionate about helping senior pets maintain the best possible quality of life.
Read our guide to senior dog health
Read our guide to senior cat health
What to Do in an Emergency
If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, act quickly. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop – some toxins can cause serious damage before there are any obvious signs that something is wrong.
- Contact your vet immediately. Explain what your pet may have eaten, approximately how much and when it happened
- Don’t try to make your pet vomit unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional. Home remedies can be dangerous
- Keep any packaging or samples. Bring the product packaging, ingredient list or a photograph of the suspected substance if possible
- Follow veterinary advice promptly. Some cases require immediate treatment even when the animal appears well
During our normal opening hours, contact Beehive Vets on 0113 824 2700.
For emergencies outside our opening hours, contact Swift Referrals on 01937 374888.
You can also contact the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 – a specialist telephone service providing poisoning advice to pet owners in the UK. A charge applies.
If your pet is seriously unwell, collapsing, trembling or having seizures, seek emergency veterinary care immediately rather than calling the poison line first.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog ate a conker – what should I do?
Contact your vet promptly, even if your dog appears completely normal. Conkers contain toxic compounds that can cause digestive upset and may also cause intestinal obstruction, particularly in smaller dogs. The level of risk depends on your dog’s size, how many were eaten and whether they were chewed or swallowed whole. Don’t attempt to induce vomiting unless your vet specifically advises it.
Are all mushrooms dangerous to dogs?
No – many mushrooms are harmless, but some wild species can cause severe or even fatal poisoning. Unfortunately, distinguishing safe mushrooms from poisonous ones can be extremely difficult. The safest approach is to prevent your dog from eating any wild mushrooms. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary advice immediately rather than waiting for symptoms.
How quickly does rat poison affect dogs?
It depends on the type of rodenticide. Anticoagulant rat poisons often take several days to produce visible symptoms, with signs of bleeding commonly appearing around three to seven days after ingestion. Other types may cause problems much sooner. This delay can give owners a false sense of security – if you know or suspect your dog has eaten rat poison, contact your vet straight away even if they seem perfectly healthy.
Can cats be affected by fireworks too?
Absolutely. Cats can experience significant fear and anxiety during fireworks, although they tend to show it differently from dogs. Rather than barking or pacing, frightened cats may hide, stop eating, avoid their litter tray or become unusually withdrawn. Providing a quiet, secure environment and keeping cats safely indoors during displays can help. If your cat becomes particularly distressed, speak to us about additional support.
My pet has been scratching more this autumn – could it be allergies?
Possibly. Environmental allergens such as mould spores and dust mites can contribute to itching, particularly in pets already prone to allergic skin disease. However, parasites, infections and other skin conditions can produce similar symptoms. If your pet is scratching excessively, licking their paws or developing recurrent ear problems, we’d recommend an examination to identify the cause and discuss the right treatment.
Worried About Your Pet This Autumn?
Autumn should be a time for crisp walks, colourful countryside and cosy evenings with our pets – not worrying about what might be lurking beneath the leaves.
Most seasonal hazards are easily avoided with a little awareness and preparation. But accidents do happen, even to the most careful owners.
At Beehive Vets in Rothwell, we’d always rather you gave us a call about something that turns out to be harmless than waited when your pet genuinely needed help. Whether you’re concerned about something your dog has eaten, your cat seems unusually itchy or your older pet is struggling with the colder weather, our team is here.
Call: 0113 824 2700
Email: hello@beehivevets.co.uk
Pop in: 103 Commercial Street, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0QD
Book an appointment online today.
We’re an independent practice in Rothwell and we’re always happy to support local media with honest, practical pet health advice. If you’re working on a story and need a vet’s perspective, drop us a line at hello@beehivevets.co.uk
