Autumn Hazards for Pets: A UK Safety Guide
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The main autumn hazards for pets in the UK are harvest mites, poisonous plants and nuts such as acorns and conkers, darker evenings, and fleas that can flare up once the heating goes on. Keep pets supervised on walks, make them visible after dark, keep flea treatment up to date, and contact your vet straight away if you think your pet has eaten something harmful.
Harvest mites: July to November
Harvest mites are most active between July and November. They cause intensely itchy, red, inflamed skin, often with stained fur from constant licking and tiny red or orange dots on the skin or coat. They are usually found between the toes, on the feet and legs, in the armpits and on the tummy, and occasionally on the ears.
PDSA advises that regular flea treatment makes it unlikely that a dog will catch harvest mites, and that you should avoid known problem areas. If you think your dog has harvest mites, contact your vet. Seek veterinary advice straight away if your dog seems unwell after a woodland walk, as seasonal canine illness is a serious condition.
Acorns, conkers and other poisonous autumn plants
Autumn walks bring pets into contact with plants and nuts that can harm them:
- Acorns: PDSA warns that acorns are highly toxic to pets because of tannic acid, which affects the liver and kidneys. RSPCA lists vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness among the signs.
- Conkers (horse chestnuts): harmful in large quantities, and they can also block a pet's intestines.
- Yew trees: every part of the tree is poisonous.
- Autumn crocuses: all parts of the plant are potentially toxic.
Signs of poisoning can include sickness, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, shaking and breathing problems. Supervise your pet outdoors, choose walking routes away from oak trees where you can, and use toys as a distraction for dogs that scavenge. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet immediately.
Dark evenings and road safety
As the clocks change and the evenings draw in, visibility drops. RSPCA recommends fitting dogs and cats with a reflective collar. For cats, use a quick-release collar only, so it can come off if it gets caught. Wildlife on the roads is also a concern at this time of year, so keep dogs on a lead near roads.
Fleas when the heating goes on
Heating your home to 21 to 25 degrees can trigger dormant flea pupae to hatch. RSPCA recommends regular year-round flea treatment for your pet, plus a household flea spray where needed.
Bonfire Night and Halloween
Autumn is also firework season. Read our guides to keeping your dog or cat calm during fireworks, and our Halloween and Bonfire Night pet safety guide.
Autumn hazards for pets: common questions
When are harvest mites most active?
Between July and November, so they overlap with the start of autumn walks.
Are conkers poisonous to dogs?
Conkers can cause harm if eaten in large quantities and can block the intestines. Keep dogs away from them and contact your vet if you are worried.
Should my cat wear a reflective collar?
It can help with visibility on dark evenings. Always choose a quick-release design for cats.
Looking after your pet through the seasons
For more on adapting your pet's care through the year, read our seasonal pet care guide, or explore our natural wellbeing range for pets.
Sources and further reading
This article is general advice and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
