Hidden danger lurking in leaf piles that could make your dog sick

Hidden danger lurking in leaf piles that could make your dog sick Dog owners have been warned to take extra care this autumn Dog owners are being urged to stay vigilant this autumn, with experts warning that a handful of seasonal dangers can be easy to miss but crop up everywhere at this time of year. Pet health brand Pooch & Mutt says the combination of fallen leaves, potentially toxic nuts and shorter, darker days can catch owners and walkers by surprise. Even things that look harmless - like a tempting pile of leaves - could be masking hazards. The Met Office defines autumn as September, October and November, and Pooch & Mutt’s in-house vet is advising people to watch for the most common risks and make a few simple tweaks to routines to keep dogs safe, comfortable and content as conditions change. Dr Linda Simon, resident vet at Pooch & Mutt, explains: "Autumn is beautiful, but it’s also full of hidden hazards for dogs. Conkers and acorns can be toxic, leaf piles can harbour mould and darker evenings make visibility a real issue. Many owners don’t realise how quickly dogs can get into trouble at this time of year. “The good news is that with a few simple precautions, autumn can still be a brilliant season for dogs. Staying aware of what’s under their paws, and what they’re trying to put in their mouths, goes a long way." What autumn hazards should dog owners look for? - Blue‑green algae - Autumn rain can disturb ponds and lakes, increasing algae risk. Murky or green‑tinged water should be avoided entirely. - Acorns - Contain tannins that irritate the stomach and can be dangerous if eaten whole. - Mouldy leaf piles - Damp leaves can harbour mould spores that trigger coughing, sneezing or skin irritation, especially in dogs who love to dive nose‑first into piles. - Darker evenings - Reduced visibility increases road risk. Reflective gear is essential for early morning or evening walkies. - Conkers - Toxic if chewed or swallowed and can cause vomiting, drooling and gut upset. Larger conkers may also cause blockages. Another expert also cautions against a leaf pile - even if it looks like your dog can have fun. PetPlan's Dr Brian Faulkner said: "A pile of damp, decomposing leaves might not look dangerous, but it can harbour all kinds of mould and bacteria that are harmful to dogs if ingested. "Dogs who love rummaging in leaf piles or nosing around compost heaps could be at risk of a condition called ‘tremorgenic mycotoxicosis’, which causes shaking, panting and seizures." To avoid this, he suggests: "If your garden has a compost heap or your local park has thick piles of fallen leaves, it’s best to keep your dog away and on their lead, especially if they’re prone to foraging." What are the signs my dog may need to go to the vet? Dr Simon says dogs may show discomfort or irritation through: - Increased clinginess or pacing in unfamiliar low‑light conditions - Excessive sniffing or pawing at leaf piles - Vomiting or drooling after scavenging - Hesitation or anxiety on darker walks - Scratching or skin irritation after wet‑weather strolls She adds that many of these behaviours is your dog telling you 'Something doesn’t feel right'. Because of this, the vet expert adds: "A little extra caution, and some reflective kit, can make autumn walkies much safer." How can I keep my dog safe during autumn? Pooch and Mutt has shared its top autumn safety tips, urging dog owners to choose well-lit routes with streetlights or head out earlier in the day. It also advises keeping dogs that like to scavenge on a lead, as conkers and acorns can be hard for curious pups to resist. Owners are also urged to steer clear of leaf piles, which might look fun but can harbour mould that irritates skin and airways, and to wipe paws after walks to remove mould, mud and other irritants. To make this easier, it suggests carrying treats to redirect dogs away from fallen nuts and leaf piles. Owners are also advised to use reflective collars, harnesses and leads to keep pets visible. People should also avoid murky water - if a pond looks cloudy or green, steer clear of it completely.