♥ A happier autumn outdoors
Fresher air, colourful paths and practical advice for darker evenings, fallen leaves, conkers, acorns, fungi, ticks and fireworks season.
Cooler air can make autumn one of the loveliest walking seasons. Carry water, give older or stiff dogs time to warm up and choose a route that suits the daylight and ground conditions.
Coast paths can become slippery and exposed after rain, so keep a gentler alternative in mind.Compare Torbay walks↗Reflective or light-up dog gear, bright clothing and a torch help everyone stay visible as mornings and evenings darken. Use a standard lead near roads and check that tag and microchip details are current.
A light should make a dog visible, but never dazzle other walkers, drivers or wildlife.Blue Cross dark-walk advice↗Fallen leaves are fun to sniff through, but can hide glass, holes and uneven ground. Wet leaves, wooden bridges, harbour edges and slopes may also be slippery.
Slow down where footing or visibility is poor and keep dogs close near roads, cliffs and water.Choose a suitable route↗Do not use conkers or acorns as toys and prevent dogs eating unknown mushrooms, berries or plants. If something is swallowed, photograph it if safe and call your vet for advice.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically tells you to.Blue Cross acorn guidance↗Use the water you carry rather than puddles, ponds or stagnant pools. Avoid water that looks discoloured, foamy or scummy, rinse muddy paws after the walk and follow every local warning.
Suspected antifreeze exposure needs immediate veterinary advice, even if a dog appears well.PDSA antifreeze guidance↗Check paws, ears, armpits and the neck for cuts, seeds and ticks, which can remain active in mild weather. Dry wet coats and paws, then settle somewhere cosy.
As fireworks season approaches, an earlier walk and a calm home routine can help noise-sensitive dogs.Blue Cross fireworks advice↗Useful next steps
Use current official information for rules and opening details, then return to the directory to compare places across the Bay.
Good to know
They can cause illness if eaten and may also create a blockage. Keep them out of games and contact your vet if your dog swallows one.
No, but safe identification is difficult. Prevent your dog eating unknown fungi and call your vet if any is swallowed.
No. Ticks can remain active in mild weather, so continue checking your dog after walks.
Checked guide