Across Britain this autumn, vets report busy waiting rooms as coughs and skin niggles circulate after wet walks and indoor heating. The good news lands closer to home than you might expect. Small, steady changes in food, movement, rest and routine stack up, and they often cost less than a single unplanned visit.
Why autumn challenges canine immunity
Rain, mud and leaf litter carry microbes and grit that irritate skin and paws. Crowded parks spread coughs. Central heating dries the air, leaving noses and skin less comfortable. Shorter days can trim walk time and play, which narrows both fitness and mood. All of this nudges the body’s defence systems.
One reliable routine usually beats three quick fixes: feed well, move daily, rest deeply.
Feed for resilience: what to put in the bowl
Start with a complete diet that matches age, size and daily energy use. Named animal proteins support antibody production. Moderate fat helps carry fat‑soluble vitamins. Gentle fibre steadies digestion. Keep treats modest so weight stays on track.
- Protein: look for a complete diet with at least 18–25% protein on a dry‑matter basis.
- Fats: adjust to activity; active dogs often do well around 12–16% fat, couch‑friendly types closer to 8–12%.
- Omega‑3 sources: sardine, salmon or linseed oil can support skin and immune balance; follow the product’s dose by body weight.
- Micronutrients: vitamin E, zinc and selenium appear in balanced complete diets; avoid home‑made menus without professional formulation.
- Water: aim for 50–60 ml per kg of body weight daily, more after long, wet or windy walks.
- Treats: cap at 10% of daily calories; swap fatty scraps for crunchy vegetables or part of the regular ration.
Post‑walk washing can raise thirst, so refresh the bowl often. If your dog eats less during colder snaps or seems flat, split meals into two or three smaller portions to stabilise energy and digestion.
Move and recover: exercise plus real sleep
Two to three outings per day keep circulation brisk and weight steady. Sniff‑heavy routes give brain and body work in one go. Short training bursts add focus without overload. Recovery then seals the gains.
How much is enough, by life stage
| Life stage | Daily sleep | Walk time per day | Enrichment |
| Puppy | 18–20 hours | 45–90 minutes in short sessions | 10–20 minutes of scent or puzzle play |
| Adult | 12–14 hours | 60–120 minutes, mixed pace | 15–30 minutes of nose work or training |
| Senior | 14–18 hours | 30–60 minutes, gentle and frequent | 10–20 minutes, low impact |
Watch for stress signals like paw licking, pacing, extra barking or unusual tiredness. Rotate activities to spread load: one fast outing, one sniffy meander, one indoor game. Keep naps undisturbed in a quiet, draft‑free spot with a supportive bed. Aim for a cool, steady room temperature around 18–20°C.
A simple daily target works: 2 walks, 1 five‑minute training burst, 1 calm chew, 1 long nap.
Prevent first, treat less: checks that stop trouble early
Jabs protect your dog and others in the park. Book boosters on time, especially where coughs and parvovirus circulate. Parasite control matters year‑round as ticks remain active on milder days.
- Paws: rinse mud and grit, then dry between toes within 10 minutes of getting home.
- Ears: quick look twice weekly; dry gently after rain to avoid yeasty flare‑ups.
- Coat: brush 3–4 times a week to lift debris and spot fleas or bumps.
- Bowls: wash daily; swap to stainless steel if odours linger.
- Bedding: hot‑wash at 60°C weekly to reduce mites and bacteria.
- Weight: feel ribs with light pressure; weigh every two weeks during autumn to catch gains early.
A short vet check can reveal skin changes, dental pain or early arthritis that sap energy and blunt immune response. Many practices offer nurse clinics for weight and dental reviews at modest fees.
Stress, hormones and the immune link
Chronic stress nudges cortisol up, which can dampen immune vigilance. Autumn routines often shift with work hours and weather, and dogs feel that change. Predictable cues help: feed at set times, keep walk windows steady, and use light when mornings are dark. Calm chewing lowers arousal. Food puzzles or scatter feeding ease indoor days. Noise‑sensitive dogs benefit from soft background sound and a safe den where nobody disturbs them.
Seven‑day routine you can start this week
- Day 1: health audit. Check paws, ears, teeth and weight; set a reminder for boosters.
- Day 2: bowl upgrade. Measure the ration, trim treats to 10%, add a vetted omega‑3 source.
- Day 3: sniff walk. Spend 20 minutes at a slow pace, letting the nose lead.
- Day 4: sleep reset. Move the bed away from radiators; aim for a darker, quieter corner.
- Day 5: training micro‑session. Five minutes of recall or hand‑targeting with high‑value rewards.
- Day 6: clean day. Wash bowls, launder bedding at 60°C, brush coat and clip any clingy mats.
- Day 7: social check. Choose a less crowded time at the park to limit cough exposure.
Numbers to keep on your fridge
- Water: 50–60 ml per kg body weight per day, more after long walks.
- Walks: 2–3 outings, with at least 10–20 minutes of free sniffing.
- Chew time: 20–30 minutes of safe chewing to settle the nervous system.
- Sleep: 12–14 hours for most adults; protect nap time.
- Treat ceiling: 10% of daily calories, not more.
What to watch this season
Persistent coughing, runny eyes, a sudden aversion to touch, hot or broken skin, or a drop in appetite warrants a prompt call to your vet. Wet, muddy ground can irritate the skin on legs and bellies; rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly after woodland routes. Antibacterial wipes can sting and disturb skin balance, so plain water and a towel often serve better.
Older dogs deserve extra care on slippery leaves. Shorter, more frequent strolls beat one long slog. A light, breathable coat helps short‑haired breeds in wind and rain. Store leads and harnesses dry; damp kit collects microbes that pass to skin and fur.
Going further without spending more
Swap one high‑energy ball chase for ten minutes of scent games using a handful of the normal ration. Teach a settle on a mat to aid rest during dark evenings. Share walk duties with a neighbour to keep pace when work runs late. Keep a simple log of sleep, walks, food and mood for two weeks; patterns often jump off the page, and small tweaks then feel obvious.
If you want to refine diet, aim for consistency first. Sudden switches upset guts and sap energy. Transition over 7–10 days, and monitor stool, coat sheen and enthusiasm at mealtimes. For joint or skin support, introduce one change at a time so you can judge effect clearly.
