Autumn dog walks: things dogs shouldn’t eat

Whether it’s crunchy leaves or fallen conkers, autumn walks can be the greatest sensory playground for dogs. But while the season offers plenty of enrichment, it also comes with a few hidden risks, especially when it comes to things your dog might sniff out or chew on.

Below, you’ll learn all about the common things dogs shouldn’t eat on autumn dog walks, how to spot potential hazards, and what to do if you’re worried they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t.

Autumn is one of the best times to take a walk. The leaves have burst into colour, the air smells crisp, and you can wrap up warm. But for our dogs, these seasonal shifts can also pose new risks.

From mouldy leaves to mushrooms, autumn dangers for dogs often start with what's under their nose – and many of them can be found right on your regular walking route.

Many pet owners are surprised to learn just how many plants and fungi are unsafe for dogs during this time of year. That’s why it’s important to stay aware and keep a close eye on

Fallen conkers and acorns are among the most common seasonal hazards. While they may seem like harmless forest floor debris, they can be dangerous if eaten.

This is because acorns contain tannins – a natural substance which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in large quantities, kidney damage. Conkers can also upset your dog’s stomach and pose a serious choking risk to smaller breeds.

Beechnuts, which also fall in autumn, can cause bad stomach upsets. If swallowed whole, any of these nuts could also cause throat blockages.

Also, be mindful of yew trees – evergreens often found in churchyards. In extreme cases, yew needles, bark and red berries can be deadly – not just to dogs, but to humans too.

How to avoid: Keep your dog on a lead when walking through areas thick with oak or horse chestnut trees, and discourage any scavenging or chewing.

Wild fungi pop up almost overnight in autumn, and while many you see growing in forests and fields are harmless, some species are highly toxic to dogs. They can lead to serious illness and, in some cases, death. Signs your dog may have eaten fungi include vomiting, tremors, seizures or confusion.

How to avoid: The safest rule is to treat all mushrooms as potentially harmful and keep your distance.

Both elderberries and holly berries can cause stomach upsets in dogs. But the most dangerous berry-bearing plants include:

• Deadly nightshade, bearing shiny black berries
• Cuckoo pint, also known as lords-and-ladies, which produce spikes of orange-red berries
• Mistletoe

How to avoid: All are typically found in woodland areas, so it’s best to keep your dog on their lead or within your eyesight at all times to stop them ingesting anything they shouldn’t.

Ferns are common in shady woodland areas and can look like fun foliage to sniff, shred or chew. Some types, including bracken, contain carcinogenic compounds and can cause digestive issues over time if regularly eaten by your dog.

How to avoid: If you’re exploring areas thick with wild undergrowth, try to keep your dog on marked trails and out of dense vegetation.

Even the most vigilant owners can’t watch their dog every second. If you think your dog may have eaten something harmful, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your vet immediately for the best course of treatment.

By staying informed and taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy safe, enriching autumn dog walks together all season long.