Ah, autumn. The season of golden leaves, crisp morning walks, the smell of woodsmoke, and the hunt for the perfect conker. It’s truly lovely.
And let's be honest, it's also the season of spectacular muddy paws.
It's when your dog discovers a new, fascinating bog on every walk, and your cat decides that right after you've mopped is the perfect time to traipse in from the garden. The days are shorter, the barometer is dropping, and your hallway floor has seen better days. As UK pet parents, we know the struggle is real. But this season isn't just about survival; it's about thriving.
At Hearth and Hound, we believe autumn is perhaps the cosiest time of all to bond with our furry family. It just takes a little planning and a lot of acceptance of mud.
So, grab a cuppa (and maybe a biscuit for yourself), get settled on the sofa with your best friend, and let’s dive into our 5 top tips for a happy pet and a (relatively) clean home this autumn.
1. Create the Ultimate "Cosy Den"
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, we all start to nest. Your pet is no different. You'll notice them seeking out the warmest, softest spots in the house—be it your freshly ironed laundry, the one patch of sun on the carpet, or, inevitably, your side of the bed.
Colder weather and darker evenings mean more time indoors, and for some pets, this can lead to a bit of restlessness or even anxiety. This is the perfect time to create (or upgrade) their very own "cosy den."
This isn't just about plonking a bed in the corner. It's about creating a true sanctuary, a safe space that is 100% theirs.
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Location is key: Choose a spot that's out of draughts and away from the hustle and bustle of the front door, but still close enough to the "pack" (that's you!) so they don't feel isolated. The corner of the living room is often perfect.
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Make it warm: Add their favourite fleecy blanket, the one they always "knead" or snuggle into.
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Add a "friend": Pop their favourite toy in there so it's ready for them.
If your pet is a natural "nester" (a dog that circles 20 times before lying down, or a cat that loves a box), or if they get a bit anxious during windy, rainy nights, a high-sided, plush "doughnut" style calming bed can be an absolute game-changer. That style is designed to mimic the feeling of being snuggled up to their mum and littermates, making them feel incredibly secure and held. It’s the perfect spot for them to doze off contentedly while you're catching up on Bake Off.
2. Master the Muddy Walk (and the Clean-Up)
Welcome to the main event. The national pastime of British dog owners from October to March: The Muddy Walk. We're blessed with some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, but, bless it, it is damp.
It's tempting to look out the window at the miserable drizzle and think, "Maybe just a quick one around the block?" But our dogs need their walks, for both their body and their brain. Don't skip the walk; just master the logistics.
Part A: The Walk Itself
Getting your own wellies and waterproofs on is half the battle. The other half is the faff of getting all their bits. Let's be honest, juggling a lead, your phone, house keys, and a handful of poop bags in the pouring rain isn't fun. This is where a dedicated, all-in-one walking bag becomes your new best friend. Something you can just grab and go, with a waterproof lining, clever pockets for treats and keys, and a nifty dispenser for... well, you know. It turns the "getting ready" faff into a simple, single action.
Part B: The Return (The "Muddy Paw Station")
This is the bit that will save your sanity and your carpet. Forget chasing a muddy dog around the house with a towel. Create a dedicated "Muddy Paw Station" right by the door you use. This isn't fancy, it's functional.
Your station should include:
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A "Mud-Trapper" Mat: A good, washable, high-traction mat to catch the worst of it the second they step inside.
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The Towel Stash: A stack of old, super-absorbent towels. We're not talking about your good guest towels. These are the workhorses.
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The Water: A simple garden spray bottle filled with lukewarm water is brilliant for spritzing off muddy bellies and paws. For really caked-on mud, a portable paw washer (a little silicone-bristled cup) works wonders.
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The Reward: A pot of high-value treats to reward them for their patience during the clean-up.
It turns a 20-minute chaotic chase into a 2-minute routine. You'll both be chuffed and ready for a hot drink in no time.
3. Beat the Rainy-Day Boredom
Some days, the weather is just too foul for a proper walk. A quick dash around the block to "do their business" is all you can both manage. But this can leave you with a dog (or cat!) who is absolutely bouncing off the walls with penned-up energy.
A bored pet is often a destructive pet. Suddenly, your sofa cushions, the post, or that new pair of shoes look fascinating.
The secret? A tired dog is a happy dog, but "tired" doesn't always mean physically knackered. Mental stimulation can be even more exhausting for them than a physical run. Think of it as giving their brain a workout.
If you're stuck indoors, try these:
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Teach a New Trick: Spend 15 minutes teaching them "roll over," "shake a paw," or "play dead." The concentration required will tucker them out.
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"Find It!" Games: Hide some of their favourite (or smelliest!) treats around a room, close the door, and let them "find it!" This puts their incredible nose to work.
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The Cup Game: The classic. Three plastic cups, one treat. Shuffle them around and let your pet figure out which one it's under.
This is also where enrichment toys really shine. A snuffle mat can turn their dinner from a 30-second gobble into a 15-minute treasure hunt. Puzzle toys that make them work to get a treat are fantastic for engaging their problem-solving skills. A 20-minute brain-game session can be just as, if not more, tiring than a 40-minute run.
4. Make a "Cosy Night In" an Event
It's 6 PM. It's dark, it's wet, and neither of you fancies going back out. It’s all too easy to just flop onto the sofa in silence and scroll through our phones. But these long, dark evenings are a brilliant opportunity for bonding.
So, make a "cosy night in" an event.
Get the fire on (or just crank the central heating, we're not fussy). Settle down with a great film or a good book. And, to make it really special for them, why not whip up a batch of homemade autumn bikkies?
They'll love the smells from the kitchen, and you'll love knowing exactly what's gone into their treats.
Simple 3-Ingredient Autumn Bikkies
A quick note: Always check with your vet if your pet has any allergies or a sensitive tummy. These are treats, so moderation is key! (And never use peanut butter containing Xylitol, which is highly toxic).
You'll Need:
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100g (approx. 1/2 cup) Pure Pumpkin Purée (the 100% natural tinned stuff, not pie filling)
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70g (approx. 1/3 cup) Peanut Butter (Xylitol-free!)
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180g (approx. 1 1/2 cups) Wholemeal Flour (or oat flour for a grain-free option)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4).
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In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin purée and peanut butter until smooth.
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Gradually add the flour, mixing until you get a stiff, slightly sticky dough.
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Dust your work surface with a little flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
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Use a fun, bone-shaped cutter (or just a knife) to cut out your biscuits.
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Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and firm.
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Let them cool completely before sharing one with your very patient helper.
There's nothing better than sharing a quiet, warm evening. They get a special, healthy treat, and you get a happy, settled companion.
5. Embrace the "Glow-Up" (Safety First!)
This last tip is a quick but crucial one. That 5 PM walk that was glorious in July now feels like a midnight adventure. The dark mornings and even darker evenings mean that visibility is a real safety issue.
It’s time for a safety "glow-up."
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Be Seen: This is non-negotiable. If you're walking near roads (or even just in a park at dusk), your pet needs to be visible. This could be a high-vis coat, a reflective harness, or even a simple, cheap clip-on LED light for their collar. It helps you see them, and more importantly, it helps drivers see them.
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Check Their Kit: Now is the perfect time to check their everyday gear. Is their collar tag readable? Is their lead starting to fray? Does their harness still fit properly, especially if they're wearing a jumper or coat underneath it?
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Garden Hazards: Autumn brings a few hidden dangers. Be mindful of fallen conkers and acorns (which can be toxic or cause blockages if eaten), antifreeze spills on driveways, and slug pellets.
A quick 10-minute safety check now gives you peace of mind all winter long.
Autumn doesn't have to be a slog of mud and rain. It’s a chance to slow down, to embrace the cosy, and to spend some real quality time with our best friends.
From creating the perfect snuggly den to mastering the muddy paw clean-up, it’s all about finding the joy in the small moments and making your home a true haven for the whole family—two legs or four.
We'd love to hear from our Hearth and Hound family! What's your number one tip for a cosy autumn with your pet?
Hearth and Hound