Autumn is, for many dogs and their owners, the best season for going out on walks. The temperatures are no longer exhausting, the landscapes are spectacular and the smells of the forest are a delight for any canine nose. But rain, mud, slippery leaves and the cold beginning to set in call for a little more preparation than in summer.
Why autumn is a great season for walking with your dog
Many dogs particularly enjoy autumn: the cool temperatures allow them to maintain more energy during the walk without the risk of overheating. The smells of the forest in autumn — decomposing leaves, damp soil, mushrooms — are an extraordinary sensory stimulation for the canine nose.
Moreover, the shorter days give a perfect reason to make the most of the daylight hours. A morning walk in the autumnal woodland can be one of the best activities you share with your dog throughout the year.
Essential equipment for autumn walks
Collar, harness and lead
With mud and rain, your dog's lead and harness will take more wear. This is the ideal time to check the condition of the equipment and replace it if necessary. A good harness distributes force better and gives more control on uneven or slippery terrain. Choose water-resistant materials that are easy to clean. Browse our selection of collars, harnesses and leads for walks.
Does your dog need a coat in autumn?
Not all dogs need clothing, but there are cases where a good coat makes a real difference:
- Short-coated breeds with little subcutaneous fat: Greyhound, Whippet, Chihuahua, Pinscher, Doberman.
- Older dogs with a reduced ability to thermoregulate.
- Dogs that are ill or recovering from surgery.
- Puppies in their first cold season.
- Days of heavy rain with wind: any dog can benefit.
A good waterproof or coat keeps the dog dry and warm, which also reduces cleaning time when you return home. Discover our selection of clothing and waterproofs for pets.
Rain and mud: how to prepare and what to do when you return
During the walk
- If it is raining heavily, shorten the walk: your dog does not need to get unnecessarily cold.
- Avoid the banks of rivers or streams with sudden flooding.
- Make sure your dog does not drink from puddles: these can contain bacteria, parasites or toxic residues.
- On ground covered with wet leaves, go slowly: the surface can be as slippery as ice.
The post-walk cleaning routine: essential in autumn
Coming home with a mud-covered dog is part of autumn, but a good routine makes it manageable:
- Paws: clean between the toes and under the pads with a towel or damp cloth. Accumulated mud can macerate the skin and cause irritation.
- Coat: if it is wet and muddy, dry it well with a towel before letting your dog come inside.
- Ears: particularly in floppy-eared breeds, moisture encourages ear infections. Dry them carefully.
- Eyes: gently clean away any accumulation of dirt.
For the post-walk hygiene routine, pet wet wipes, frequent-use shampoo and specific care products are your best allies. Find everything you need in our grooming and body care section.
Paw care in autumn
Pads work harder in autumn: uneven terrain, mud, wet gravel and the first frosts are a challenge for paw skin. Some recommendations:
- Check pads regularly: look for cracks, cuts, redness or excessive softness.
- Moisturise pads with a protective wax or balm, especially if you notice dryness or cracking.
- If your dog starts limping or persistently licking their paws, there may be an irritation or wound to check.
- In areas where salt is used for ice, wash paws well on entering: salt is irritating and toxic if the dog licks it.
Safety on autumn walks: reduced visibility
The days are getting shorter and many morning or evening walks now take place in twilight or low light. Some essential safety measures:
- Use a reflective or LED lead on night walks.
- Put a jacket or collar with reflective details on your dog so they are visible to vehicles.
- Avoid unlit areas in the dark if you do not know the terrain.
- Keep your dog close in areas with traffic or in fields where there may be active hunters (hunting season).
Energy and nutrition for an active autumn
With the arrival of cold weather, dogs' metabolism changes slightly: the body needs more calories to maintain body temperature, especially in small and short-haired breeds. If your dog goes on longer or more active walks in autumn, make sure their diet is up to the task. A diet with high animal protein and a good proportion of healthy fats is the foundation for a dog with energy and endurance throughout the season.
At OnlyFresh you will find nutrition options from brands such as Harper and Bone, Amanova and TrovetPlus designed to support active dogs in all seasons.
