We are here for the spooky vibes (we even have a Halloween range!, the cosy décor and the beautiful dog walks – but we know there can be lots of dangers for dogs who scavenge.

Muzzle Training

Can be so beneficial for dogs who love to snaffle up anything and everything in the home or out and about. It is a great management tool to use alongside training short term, as well as being a more permanent option if needed. (Please note: we never recommend leaving any dog muzzled whilst unattended).

One of our muzzles key features is the awesome treat hole at the front, which allows dogs to still receive treats even when muzzled – however we recognised that this isn’t and ideal feature for scavenger dogs! That’s why we designed out patent-pending scavenger guard, which clips onto the front of the muzzle to cover the treat hole and front panel of the muzzle. This stops dogs from being able to pick up objects which may have otherwise fit through the holes at the front.

Find out more about our Scavenger Guards HERE.

If you have a dog who scavenges and would like to look at the option of muzzling them to keep them safe – remember that you need to invest the time into muzzle training your dog thoroughly to ensure they are happy and comfortable to wear the muzzle. Never force a muzzle onto your dog with no prior desensitisation as it could be a really unpleasant experience for them.

You can find out how to introduce a muzzle HERE

or check out our muzzle training e-guide HERE

Let’s take a look at some of the common dangers that dogs may come across in Autumn.

Acorns: Acorns can easily be snaffled up by dogs and can cause an upset stomach from the Tannic Acid they contain. If a dog was to eat a lot of acorns, there is the potential for them to get liver or kidney failure. Some dogs may also swallow them whole which could be a choking hazard or cause a blockage further down the digestive system. 

Anti-freeze and grit: With frozen windscreens becoming a common sight in the morning, people begin to reach for the anti-freeze. This is easily spilt and unfortunately has a very sweet smell and taste which can be tempting for dogs to lick. It can also be hard for guardians to spot on the floor. Ethylene Glycol is a toxin which can cause serious damage to a dogs’ organs even when consumed in small quantities. It can be fatal for dogs so is a serious danger and veterinary treatment should be sought immediately if you think your dog has been exposed. Similarly, some types of road grit can contain anti-freeze, posing a serious danger to dogs. Along with this, road-grit is often primarily salt-based. Too much salt intake can cause issues with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in dogs so ensure your dog doesn’t have access to lick grit and make sure to wash their paws after each walk. 

Chocolates and sweets: Spooky season is upon us and not only does that bring kids in costumes, apple bobbing and ghoulish decorations but of course it also brings plenty of sweet treats for those trick-or-treaters! Most guardians are already careful with chocolates in the house but be extra vigilant on walks during the week of Halloween, in case you come across dropped chocolates and sweets from excited children, or buckets and bowls of the yummy stuff left out for trick-or-treaters. Chocolate contains Theobromine and many sweets contain Xylitol – both of which can cause stomach upsets at best, organ failure and can be fatal. 

Conkers: Nothing says Autumn like collecting beautiful, shiny Conkers! However, they can pose some dangers to our scavenger dogs! Conkers contain a toxin called Aesculin which can cause upset tummies, and when eaten in larger quantities can affect the organs and even be fatal. If swallowed whole, they can also be a choking risk and could cause a blockage in the dogs’ digestive system. 

Fallen Fruit: You may come across fallen fruit and berries in Autumn. Many dogs enjoy a piece of apple or some blueberries at home but allowing a dog to forage in windfall fruit is not a safe practice. Fallen fruit is often mouldy or fermenting which can cause stomach upsets in dogs and may be more serious if lots are eaten. The fruit may contain stones or pips which can also be poisonous. Fruit stones can be a choking hazard and a blockage risk too. Many berries are also toxic to dogs such as Juniper berries, Holly berries, Elderberries and Nightshade, to name a few. 

Fireworks: Fireworks season is dreaded by many guardians whose dogs find the noise frightening, but another concern for guardians of scavengers are the litter and debris from exploded fireworks. The shells and packaging of the fireworks can fall in gardens and you may come across it on walks too. The debris may be sharp and could contain harmful chemicals, making it a risk to dogs who ingest it. 

Fungi: The damp conditions of Autumn are perfect for all kinds of mushrooms, toadstools and fungi to grow. They are often a tempting snack for snuffling dogs too – and whilst some are completely harmless, there are some varieties which can be very dangerous and its often hard to tell them apart. Effects of eating unsafe fungi can range from an upset tummy, right though to distressing hallucinations, organ damage and even death.  

Hedgehogs: Hedgehogs are starting to hibernate at this time of year and may be hidden in hedgerows or fallen leaves making them hard to spot - but dogs can sniff them out! This is obviously a risk to the poor, resting Hedgehog but is also an almost guaranteed spike in the snoot for your dog! 

Rodent Poison: As the colder temperatures creep in, so do the small furries looking for somewhere warm and dry to live! Autumn can bring an increase of rats and mice being seen in or near homes, sheds and garages which may prompt people to put out rodent poison. This isn’t always done safely, and rats have been known to carry and drop poison on their way back to their nests. Rats and mice who have died due to poison ingestion may also pose a poison risk to anything that eats them. Unsurprisingly, rodent poison can have fatal effects on dogs who eat it. Commonly used kinds of rodent poisons contain Anticoagulants resulting in internal bleeding.

Slugs and snails: Whilst slugs and snails can pose a risk year-round, the damp weather often means they are out in the open more and they commonly lay their eggs in late Summer/early Autumn. Slugs, snails and their larvae can carry a parasite called Lungworm which can cause breathing problems, heart issues and if left untreated, can be fatal.

It is important that if you suspect your dog has eaten anything listed above to immediately contact your vet for advice and treatment.

Autumn can be a worrying time for guardians of scavengers, but being armed with the knowledge of what could be dangerous and taking steps to try to avoid the ingestion of them means you can enjoy those beautiful frosty mornings, crunchy golden leaves and misty skies!

Using a muzzle with a scavenger guard can give you peace of mind this Autumn.

The information in this article has been independently reviewed and approved by a veterinary surgeon registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, as of October 2024.