7 Deadly Autumn Dangers for Dogs (and How to Keep Your Garden Safe)

As the leaves turn golden and the nights draw in, autumn in Surrey can be one of the most beautiful times of year to enjoy with your dog. Long walks through parks, weekend adventures in the woods, and playtime in the garden are what this season’s all about.

But with the change in weather comes new dangers many owners don’t realise—some of which can be deadly. From toxic conkers and acorns to hidden bacteria in damp gardens, autumn can quietly become a risky time for dogs if we’re not alert.

At Puppy Pal, Surrey’s trusted dog waste removal and pooper scooper service, we’ve seen firsthand how the health of a dog often starts right in the garden. That’s why we’ve put together this essential guide to help keep your dog safe this autumn.

1. Conkers – Pretty but Potentially Deadly

They might look harmless, but conkers (the shiny brown seeds of the horse chestnut tree) contain a toxin called aesculin. When dogs chew or swallow conkers, they can become seriously ill within hours.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach pain

• Restlessness or trembling

• Swelling around the eyes or mouth

• Rash or irritation

• Difficulty walking or even collapsing

Even if they don’t swallow them, dogs can choke on conkers or suffer gut blockages. If your dog shows any of these symptoms after a walk or playtime in the garden, contact your vet immediately.

Safety tip: Avoid letting your dog play off-lead where conkers are falling, and check your garden regularly to remove any that drop in.

2. Acorns – Small but Toxic

Acorns are another autumn hazard that can look like a fun snack to a curious dog. They contain tannins, which are highly toxic and can damage the liver and kidneys.

Signs of acorn poisoning include:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Stomach tenderness

If you walk your dog near oak trees, keep a close eye on what they pick up. A single acorn can cause serious illness in small breeds.

Puppy Pal tip: If you’ve got oak trees near your garden, regular dog waste collection and cleanup ensures acorns, conkers, and other debris aren’t left lying around where your dog might find them.

3. Mould and Bacteria in Fallen Leaves

That pile of wet autumn leaves might look like fun to jump into—but for dogs, it can hide moulds and bacteria that cause stomach upsets, skin infections, or even leptospirosis.

Leaves mixed with dog waste are especially dangerous, as they create perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive. This is one reason regular garden cleaning is more than just about appearances—it’s about health and safety.

Keep your garden safe:

• Rake up fallen leaves regularly

• Schedule a Puppy Pal garden cleaning visit to remove waste before it decomposes

• Wash water bowls and toys kept outside

A clean garden is a healthy garden—and one where your dog can play freely without risk.

4. Mushrooms and Toadstools – Hidden Poisons

After rain, mushrooms and toadstools pop up quickly in Surrey gardens and parks. While many are harmless, some contain potent toxins that can cause severe vomiting, liver failure, or death.

Because it’s nearly impossible to tell which fungi are safe, it’s best to treat all wild mushrooms as dangerous.

What to do:

• Check your garden daily in damp weather

• Remove any fungi as soon as you spot them

• Keep dogs on a lead in wooded areas during mushroom season

If your dog eats or even licks a mushroom, call your vet immediately—don’t wait for symptoms.

5. Blue-Green Algae in Puddles and Ponds

Autumn rain can create puddles or stagnant water where blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) grow. Dogs that drink from or swim in contaminated water can develop vomiting, seizures, or even die within hours.

While more common in summer, mild autumn weather can still trigger growth.

Stay safe by:

• Avoiding letting your dog drink from puddles or ponds

• Carrying fresh water on walks

• Rinsing your dog after swimming

Keeping your garden puddle-free and clear of waste helps deter algae growth too—another reason Puppy Pal’s regular cleaning can make a difference.

6. Hidden Poop and Parasites

It’s not pleasant to think about, but uncollected dog waste is a leading cause of garden parasites and infections. As temperatures drop and rain increases, bacteria and worms thrive in damp soil contaminated by faeces.

Dogs can pick up parasites like roundworm or hookworm simply by sniffing or walking through infected areas.

Why cleaning matters:Even one missed pile of waste can contain millions of bacteria and parasite eggs. That’s why Puppy Pal’s professional dog waste removal in Surrey ensures your outdoor spaces are safe and hygienic—especially before winter sets in.

We scoop, sanitise, and dispose of waste properly so your garden stays clean, odour-free, and safe for both pets and people.

7. Rodenticides and Garden Chemicals

As the weather cools, more homeowners use rat poison or slug pellets. Sadly, these are some of the most common causes of dog poisoning in the UK.

Symptoms can appear hours or even days later and may include:

• Bleeding or bruising

• Weakness

• Seizures

• Breathing problems

Dog-friendly tip:Avoid using toxic chemicals in your garden wherever possible. Keep dogs indoors while applying treatments, and store all products safely out of reach.

At Puppy Pal, we use environmentally friendly disinfectants and odour neutralisers after each cleanup—safe for pets, children, and wildlife.

How Puppy Pal Helps Keep Your Dog Safe Year-Round

Dog ownership should be a joy, not a constant worry. Our mission at Puppy Pal is to make that possible.

We provide professional pooper scooper services across Surrey, including:

• Regular weekly or twice-weekly dog waste removal

• One-off deep cleans for gardens or commercial properties

• Sanitisation and deodorising treatments

• Safe, eco-friendly waste disposal

A clean garden doesn’t just look better—it protects your dog’s health. By removing harmful waste, debris, and bacteria, you reduce the risk of:

• Parasite infection

• Toxic exposure

• Bacterial growth in damp soil

And for busy owners, it’s one less job to worry about—giving you more time for the walks, cuddles, and fun parts of dog ownership.

When to Call the Vet

If you think your dog has eaten a conker, acorn, mushroom, or anything suspicious, don’t wait for symptoms. Call your vet straight away and describe what happened. Quick action can save lives.

Keep your local emergency vet’s number saved in your phone and posted on the fridge for easy access.

Conclusion: A Safe Garden is a Happy Garden

Autumn in Surrey is a wonderful season for dogs—but it’s also one filled with hidden risks. From poisonous plants to dangerous moulds, it’s vital to stay alert.

With Puppy Pal’s dog waste collection and pooper scooper service, you can keep your garden clean, hygienic, and safe all year long.

So this autumn, while you’re enjoying the crisp walks and cosy evenings, let us take care of the messy bit.

Call to Action:

Keep your garden clean, your dog safe, and your home odour-free.👉 Book your Puppy Pal dog waste removal in Surrey today!

Visit www.puppypal.co.uk or contact us to schedule your first clean.