Getting Your Dog Ready for Autumn: 7 Practical Tips for Wet Walks and Dark Days
, by Michael van Wassem, 6 min reading time
Autumn tips for your dog: visibility after dark, coat care, wet walks and ticks.
The days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping, and the first autumn storms are on their way. For you, that means grabbing a coat and maybe an umbrella — for your dog, more changes than you might expect. Visibility after dark, a wet coat after every walk, the start of the autumn shed, and ticks that stay active right up until the first frost: autumn calls for a slightly different approach than summer.
The short answer: with a handful of targeted changes to your gear, grooming routine and alertness to certain risks, you and your dog will get through October just as comfortably as August. Read on for exactly what to watch out for, and why.
Why autumn needs a different approach
Three things change at once in autumn: it gets dark earlier, it gets wetter, and it gets colder — but not yet cold enough to stop parasites and a few natural hazards outdoors. That combination means some summer habits stop being enough. A dog you could easily walk without a light in July is barely visible to drivers and cyclists on a November morning. And, contrary to what many owners assume, ticks don't simply disappear once summer ends.
7 practical tips for autumn
1. Make sure your dog is visible after dark
From late September, many owners are already walking their dog in the dark or at dusk, morning and evening. A dark-coated dog is barely visible to traffic in those conditions. Reflective trim only works when it catches headlights or another light source; a light-up collar with its own power source stays visible on any street corner, even where there's no lighting at all. Look for gear that combines both, and keep an eye on how visible your usual walking route actually is once the clocks change.
💡 Tip: pair reflective gear with a small clip-on light on the lead or your own coat — that way you're visible from every angle, not just your dog.
2. Wet, muddy walks: dry your dog off properly
A dog who comes home soaked and muddy is easy enough to deal with with an old towel, but paws deserve extra attention. Moisture trapped between the toes can cause irritation or fungal infections in sensitive dogs. After every wet walk, briefly check the paws and the spaces between the pads, and dry them thoroughly. For dogs with longer feathering on the feet, trimming it slightly shorter helps stop mud (and later, ice) from building up there once winter sets in.
3. The autumn coat change: brush more often
Many breeds swap their summer coat for a thicker winter one in autumn. That means more loose hair around the house, but also a greater risk of matting if you don't brush more frequently. Brushing two to three times a week keeps the coat manageable and stops damp, matted patches from irritating the skin underneath — especially in dogs with a dense undercoat.
4. Ticks stay active until the first proper frost
A persistent misconception: tick and flea protection is a summer-only job. In reality, ticks stay active as long as daytime temperatures stay above roughly 7-8°C, which in the UK is often the case well into November. Keep checking your dog for ticks after woodland walks through autumn, and keep prevention up to date. Our in-depth guide covers exactly how to spot, prevent and treat them: Ticks and Fleas in Dogs: The Complete Guide.
5. Mushrooms, acorns and conkers on woodland walks
Autumn is peak season for mushrooms, and not every variety is harmless if your dog decides to sample one. Large quantities of acorns or conkers can also cause stomach upset. On walks through woods and parks, keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing and trying to pick up off the ground, and step in when needed. If you're ever unsure about symptoms after your dog has eaten something on a walk, read our guide: Poisonous mushrooms and your dog.
⚠️ Noticing excessive drooling, vomiting, tremors or lethargy after a woodland walk? Always contact your vet, even if you're not sure exactly what your dog has eaten.
6. Keep an eye on weight and activity timing
With less daylight and more rain, many dogs unconsciously cover fewer miles than they did in summer. Keep an eye on portion sizes and adjust slightly if you notice your dog is less active — that way winter doesn't start with a few extra kilos already on board. A short, brisk walk in daylight is often more valuable than a long, sluggish one at dusk.
7. Extra mental stimulation on rainy days
On days when a long walk simply isn't happening, scentwork or interactive toys keep your dog engaged and content anyway. A treat dispenser or snuffle mat indoors makes up for some of the missing outdoor stimulation and helps prevent boredom — often the real cause of unwanted behaviour on rainy days.
Checklist: autumn-ready in 7 steps
- 🐶 Reflective or light-up gear sorted for dark hours
- 🐶 Towel and paw-drying cloth kept by the door
- 🐶 Brushing frequency increased to 2-3 times a week
- 🐶 Flea and tick prevention still up to date after summer
- 🐶 Extra alertness for mushrooms, acorns and conkers on woodland walks
- 🐶 Food portions matched to your dog's current activity level
- 🐶 A backup plan for rainy days: scentwork or puzzle toys indoors
Frequently asked questions
Does every dog need a coat in autumn?
No, it depends on coat type, size and health. Short-haired, small or older dogs tend to benefit from a coat sooner than large, double-coated breeds. A waterproof option like the Gor Pets Outdoor Worcester Coat or the wax-finish Gor Pets Edinburgh Wax Coat covers most rainy-walk scenarios.
Why is my dog shedding so much right now?
That's the natural switch from summer to winter coat, triggered by decreasing daylight hours. Regular brushing speeds up this process and keeps it manageable.
Can my dog still pick up a tick once it's gotten colder?
Yes. Ticks only really become inactive once frost sets in consistently. As long as daytime temperatures stay above roughly 7-8°C, checks and prevention are still needed.
Is a light-up collar enough, or do I need reflective trim too?
They complement each other. Reflective trim only works in the glare of headlights or another light source, while a light-up collar with its own power source stays visible even in unlit spots.
Summary
Autumn is mostly about staying visible after dark, a slightly more intensive grooming routine to deal with mud and shedding, and staying alert to ticks and natural hazards on woodland walks. With a few small changes to your gear and habits, your dog will get through the whole season comfortably and safely.
Looking for the right gear for wet, dark days? Take a look at the Gor Pets Wrapid Jacket for a quick-to-fit waterproof layer, or browse our full range of coats for every type of weather.
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