Autumn brings muddier walks, earlier evenings and a little more time spent indoors. Some dogs are happy to head out in any weather, while others would rather get home to their favourite blanket.
A few thoughtful changes can help you keep your dog comfortable and occupied as the days get cooler. Here are some simple ways to make autumn work for them.
Keep walks suited to your dog
Keep up regular exercise, with walks that suit your dogâs age, health and comfort. On particularly cold or wet days, shorter, more frequent outings may be more manageable than one long walk.
Some dogs, especially those with short or thin coats, may benefit from a well-fitting coat. Older dogs can feel the cold more too, so pay attention to how comfortable your dog seems rather than assuming every dog needs an extra layer.
With darkness arriving earlier, reflective accessories and a torch can help you and your dog stay visible. After a wet walk, gently towel them dry and check their paws.
Make room for indoor fun
Rainy afternoons are a good opportunity to spend a little time playing or practising familiar training together. Food puzzles and feeding toys can also give your dog something interesting to do indoors.
Try spreading some of their usual Naturediet wet food onto a dog-safe lick mat. This can help slow mealtimes down and provide enrichment, giving them a different way to enjoy a familiar favourite.
Use food from their normal daily allowance rather than adding an extra meal. Supervise your dog while they use the mat, remove it if they start chewing it, and wash it thoroughly afterwards. Indoor activities can complement walks when the weather limits your time outside.
Keep an eye on portions
Cooler weather does not automatically mean your dog needs a bigger dinner. If they are spending less time being active, their food requirements may change.
Use the feeding guide for their recipe as a starting point, and keep track of their weight and body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs easily and see a waist when looking down from above.
Remember to count treats and food used in enrichment activities towards their daily intake. If you are unsure about portions or notice an unexplained change in weight, ask your vet for advice.
Try a different way to serve dinner
Naturediet wet food can be mashed, sliced or spread, so you can serve it in a way your dog enjoys. For something different as the weather cools, you could even try warming our recipes, but just make sure you remove the food from the packaging first!
Keep fresh drinking water available, and follow the storage instructions for any food left in the pack.
Give older dogs a comfortable place to rest
A warm, dry bed away from draughts gives your dog somewhere comfortable to settle after a walk. Older dogs may appreciate extra bedding, particularly if they feel the cold.
If your dog seems stiff, is reluctant to move or has difficulty getting comfortable, speak to your vet. These changes deserve attention rather than being put down to age or the weather.
Food choices should reflect your dogâs individual needs too. Our complete and balanced Feel Good Senior Light recipe offers a lower-fat, lower-calorie option within our range for older or less active dogs. Its soft texture can be mashed to suit their preference.
If your dog struggles to chew or seems uncomfortable when eating, arrange a vet check.
Explore Feel Good Senior Light
Keep familiar favourites on the menu
There is no need to change a food that suits your dog simply because autumn has arrived. Regular meals, suitable exercise and somewhere cosy to rest are a good place to start.
Our Feel Good range includes complete and balanced recipes made with natural ingredients and gently steam-cooked, with options for different life stages.
Explore the Feel Good range
If your dogâs appetite or eating habits change, contact your vet rather than assuming the season is responsible.
This guide offers general care tips. Your vet can advise on your dogâs individual health and dietary needs.