There’s a lot to love about walking your dog in autumn here in Ireland. The air turns crisp, the parks fill with crunchy leaves that dogs seem to find endlessly thrilling, and the sticky heat of summer is a memory. But the season brings its own challenges too, chief among them the evenings drawing in fast, so that the after-work walk that was sunlit in August is suddenly happening in the dark by October.
A little preparation keeps those autumn walks safe and enjoyable for you both. Here’s what to keep in mind as the clocks wind down towards winter.
Be seen in the dark
The biggest change autumn brings is reduced daylight. Morning and evening walks increasingly happen in poor light or full darkness, and that raises the stakes around traffic. Make yourself and your dog visible: a reflective or light-up collar, a hi-vis lead or harness, and something reflective on yourself too. A small clip-on LED light on the dog’s collar is inexpensive and makes a real difference on unlit paths and rural roads, of which we’ve plenty around Meath and Louth.
Stick to routes you know well in the dark, keep to paths and footpaths where you can, and be extra mindful near roads, as drivers simply can’t see a dark-coated dog the way they can in daylight.
Watch the weather and the ground
Irish autumn weather does as it pleases, often several times in one walk. Rain, wind, and the first proper cold snaps arrive. Most dogs cope grand, but short-coated breeds, older dogs, and small dogs may appreciate a coat once it turns cold and wet. After wet walks, dry your dog off properly, particularly their paws and belly, to keep them comfortable and avoid the damp chill setting in.
Fallen leaves are great fun but can hide hazards underneath, broken glass, sharp sticks, or slippery mud, so keep half an eye on where paws are landing.
Seasonal hazards to know about
Autumn carries a few specific dangers worth knowing. Conkers and acorns are toxic to dogs if eaten, and they’re everywhere this time of year, so discourage your dog from picking them up. Certain wild mushrooms that spring up in damp autumn weather can be very poisonous, and it’s near impossible to tell safe from dangerous at a glance, so the safe rule is to prevent your dog eating any of them. As Halloween approaches, be mindful too of the extra hazards it brings, something we’ve covered in our guide to keeping pets calm during fireworks.
This is also the tail end of tick season, so keep up with tick checks after walks through long grass or wooded areas, and stay on top of your dog’s parasite prevention.
Keep the routine going
It’s tempting, when it’s dark and drizzly, to cut walks short or skip them. But dogs need their exercise and mental stimulation year-round, and a well-walked dog is a happy, settled dog whatever the season. If the shorter days and busier autumn schedule make it hard to get out as much as you’d like, that’s exactly where a bit of help comes in handy, a midday walk while you’re at work means your dog still gets a proper outing in daylight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to walk my dog in the dark?
Yes, with sensible precautions. Use reflective or light-up gear on both you and your dog, stick to familiar well-lit routes where possible, and take extra care near roads. A collar light makes a big difference on darker paths.
Are acorns and conkers really dangerous to dogs?
They can be. Both are toxic to dogs if chewed or swallowed, and conkers also pose a choking and blockage risk. Discourage your dog from picking them up, and contact your vet if you think they’ve eaten one.
Should my dog wear a coat in autumn?
Many dogs don’t need one, but short-coated breeds, small dogs, older dogs, and those who feel the cold will be more comfortable in a coat once it turns cold and wet. Dry them off well after damp walks either way.
How do I keep my dog exercised when it’s dark after work?
A daytime walk is the ideal solution, whether that’s you nipping out at lunch or a dog walker calling round so your dog gets a proper outing in daylight while you’re at work.
Let us help
When the dark evenings and packed autumn schedule make dog walking a struggle, we’re here to keep your dog exercised, happy, and safe. Our dog walking service across Dublin, Meath and Louth means a proper daytime walk whatever your working hours. See our services or get in touch to arrange a walk.
