10 Things Your Dog Loves About Autumn

October 03 2026, by Michael van Wassem, 6 min reading time

From swirling leaves to cool walks: 10 things your dog secretly loves about autumn, with a few handy safety tips.

As soon as the days get shorter and the leaves start to fall, many dogs seem to switch into a higher gear. They pull a little harder on the lead, sniff for longer and come home with a leaf in their coat and a big grin. That is no coincidence: autumn has plenty to offer that is truly special for a dog. Here are ten things your dog probably loves about it, each with a tip to help you both enjoy it even more.

1. A nose full of smells

Dogs explore the world mainly through their noses, and in autumn that world smells different from summer. Damp woods, wet earth, rotting leaves, animals preparing for winter: there is simply more to discover. Cool, humid air also often lets scent trails linger longer than hot, dry summer air. So give your dog room to sniff. A walk where he gets to sniff is just as tiring and satisfying for him as a long route.

2. Leaves that swirl and dance

A falling leaf moves unpredictably, rustles and never lies still. For a playful dog it is almost irresistible. You will see them snap, jump and plough through a pile of leaves as if it were a swimming pool. Great fun, with one note: check that there is no glass, litter or sharp sticks hiding under the leaves.

3. Finally not too hot

Dogs are much worse at losing heat than we are. They hardly sweat and cool down mainly by panting. At temperatures of around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius they can therefore stay active for much longer without overheating quickly. Dogs with thick coats or short muzzles in particular seem to thrive in autumn. A cool morning is the perfect moment for an extra long walk.

4. Puddles to jump in

Rain means puddles, and puddles mean pure joy for many dogs. Jumping in puddles is a classic. Good to know: standing water can contain bacteria, including the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. So do not let your dog drink from ditches or polluted ponds, and ask your vet whether vaccination against leptospirosis makes sense for your dog. Rinse your dog off afterwards and dry him well, especially around the belly and between the toes.

5. Shake, shake, shake

A wet dog shaking itself dry is fascinating to watch. Researchers at Georgia Tech filmed dogs in slow motion and found that they can fling most of the water out of their coat in about four seconds. For the dog it is a quick and effective way to get back to temperature. For you it is mostly a good reason not to stand next to your freshly washed jacket at that moment.

6. Sticks, conkers and other treasure

Autumn is full of things your dog wants to carry, bury or chew. Good to know: acorns and conkers (horse chestnuts) are not suitable for dogs to eat. They can cause stomach and bowel problems and, because of their shape, a blockage. Does your dog tend to eat everything off the ground? Then a good alternative is to distract him with a fetch toy of his own. In our range of dog toys you will find everything from tough balls to tug toys to burn off that hunting drive safely.

7. Walks with fewer crowds

After the summer holidays, woods, heaths and beaches become a lot quieter. That is wonderful for dogs that get overwhelmed easily or do not enjoy lots of other dogs and people. You have more space, less dodging to do, and your dog can often walk more relaxed. A good moment to work calmly on lead walking or recall.

8. Twilight walks

In autumn night falls early, so many walks take place in the dark. Dogs see better than we do in dusk and darkness, partly thanks to a reflective layer at the back of the eye (the tapetum lucidum), and their nose and hearing do the rest. For you it is harder. Make sure you are both clearly visible with reflective or light-up gear such as LED collars, clip-on lights and high-visibility vests.

9. A warm coat and a blanket

Many dogs do not need a coat in autumn, but not all. Short-haired breeds, small dogs, puppies, older dogs and dogs with little body fat feel the cold sooner, especially in rain and wind. For them a dog coat or vest is not a luxury. Does your dog shiver, hold his tail low or want to turn back at every step? Then it is time for extra protection.

10. Curled up on the sofa

After a wet walk there is nothing better than a warm, dry place to recover. A soft blanket or a cosy bed by the radiator often becomes more popular in autumn than in summer. Have a look at the beds, cushions and blankets and choose a spot that is nice and soft, easy to wash and not in a draught.

Quick autumn checklist for your walks

• Dry your dog well after a wet walk, including between the toes and under the belly.
• Do not let him drink standing water, and ask your vet about leptospirosis vaccination.
• Keep mushrooms, acorns and conkers out of his reach.
• Use light-up or reflective gear in the dark, for yourself too.
• Watch for shivering or cold, and give vulnerable dogs a coat or blanket.

Frequently asked questions

Does every dog need a coat in autumn?

No. Dogs with a thick, dense coat usually manage fine. A coat is mainly useful for short-haired breeds, small dogs, puppies and older or unwell dogs, especially in rain and wind.

Can my dog roll in the leaves?

Usually yes. Just check that there is no litter, glass or sharp sticks in the pile, and brush his coat afterwards for ticks and small twigs.

Are mushrooms really dangerous for dogs?

Some species are poisonous, and as an owner they are hard to recognise. So do not let your dog eat them. If he has eaten a mushroom, contact your vet straight away.

To finish

Autumn is a festival of smells, playful leaves and pleasantly cool weather for your dog. With a towel, some light in the dark and a warm spot at home, you can both enjoy it to the full. Does your dog seem cold, or unusually listless after a walk? Then contact your vet.

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