Play safe: keeping safe and sound this autumn

Six tips on keeping your dog safe this autumn

As the cool, crisp air drifts in – announcing autumn – it's important to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe. Here are six tips to keep your dog safe during the autumn months.

1. Colder weather means more trips to your local café for warm drinks. And if you bring your dog along, it means they will likely be waiting outside. Don't leave your dog unattended outside, especially during the cold winter months. Cold is cold.
2.  Colder weather also means more comfort food. Make sure you don't leave any food out on the counter within reach of your dog. In particular, watch out for foods like chocolate, grapes, and raisins as they are quite toxic.
3.  The autumn rain makes a perfect environment for mushrooms to start popping up everywhere. Not all mushrooms are lethal, but you never know which type of mushrooms are dangerous. And you don’t want to risk it! So keep a close watch when tramping through forest areas and other places mushrooms might thrive.
4. Make sure you get your dog out for regular walks and playtime despite the weather. And if you walk your pup during the night -- especially if you walk him in an area filled with cars zooming by -- it’s a good idea to have some kind of reflective gear on you and your dog. We have a range of reflective collars, leads and harnesses in store and online.
5. Don't forget your dog's monthly worm preventative; it's just as important in cooler weather.
6. And while it might be cold, dressing up your dog might cause more stress than good. Know your dog’s preferences. If they hate clothes, don’t force it. An unhappy or annoyed dog is not a pleasure to be around.