The Aussies 2019 - Members version

Enjoy Autumn but
remember…
So many people comment that walking a dog in the Autumn countryside
can be some of the best days out for both our Aussie and themselves. A
sunny, warm Autumn day means we can enjoy the changing colours and
the piles dried leaves provides an Aussie a great place to sniff and kick
those leaves all over you!
Most readers will be very aware that danger can lurk where you least
expect it and it is important to remember a few factors that could spoil the
enjoyment of the season.
Darkness falls
Gone are the long days and quite ocen it gets dark quickly and you are out
and about with your dog. It is important to make sure you are seen. There
are more and more products on the market to make your Aussie visible.
Flashing lights, reflecDve leads, jackets etc. But don’t forget you need to
wear clothes that ensure you don’t fade into the dusk.
Oh and torches are vital. With fallen leaves and debris it’s hard to spot
where your dog poos in daylight. Do make sure you keep your dog on a
lead and use of a torch. Yes, some dogs don’t like to be in the spotlight
during this private moment, but don’t use that as an excuse not to pick up!
Danger lurks
At this Dme of year there are a lot of plants that can be harmful to our
dogs. Most adult Aussies are not going to be tempted to eat conkers and
acorns. But young dogs exploring life can ingest these potenDally toxic
icons of Autumn.
There are many plants in your garden like Autumn Crocus and Hydrangeas
which can be poisonous as well. You may not have them in your garden,
but if you visit friends they may not have a dog friendly garden.
Fungi is another area for cauDon. This year the weather condiDons have
been really good and there is a plethora of fungi in gardens, parks and on
dog walks. Amazing as they are to see and for many when served up by a
Chef quite a delicacy, there a vast number that are deadly. You only have to
read a few Agatha ChrisDe’s to be reminded of this fact. Keeping dogs away
is vital, even touching them and then licking their hair or feet could be a
way to ingest the toxins.
You can’t watch your dog 24/7
True, so what signs could indicate if your Aussie ingested something
poisonous:
• VomiDng
• Diarrhoea
• Shaking
• Breathing problems
Ocen your dog might not show any signs right away.
Pawdecure
As it’s darker many owners decide to avoid the dark country paths and
routes for the early morning and evening walks. Pavement walking
becomes the established norm. However, do remember salt is ocen on
roads and footpaths and this can irritate your Aussie’s paws. Road walking
can harden the pads and they can get dry and so there are various products
on the market to protect your dog’s paws. OK you could stretch to boots for
your dog, but maybe an easier opDon is to apply specially formulated
products designed to help protect paws. Non toxic as well. Just one product
being adverDsed is Max Wax, made with 100% natural moisturisers of
beeswax and lanolin, it can be used to sooth and socen your dog’s paws
every day, prevenDng cracks and soreness. They also suggest its great all
year round. Some Aussies do a lot of pavement walking in the summer, and
run on sandy beaches and in the sea. These can make the pads hard and
cracked as well, so a useful all year round opDon.