Autumn Is Infection Season for Dogs: Common Illnesses and How to Protect Your Pet
In autumn, many dogs' daily routines change noticeably. Shorter days and walks in wet and cold weather place new demands on their immune systems. From a veterinary perspective, it's worth taking a closer look at an organ that many pet owners don't initially associate with infections: the gut. A large proportion of the body's immune cells are associated with the intestinal lining.
According to the expert, preventative care doesn't begin only when the dog is already showing symptoms.
With autumn, many things change for dogs at once, and pet owners often focus on the obvious: wet fur, cold paws, and whether their dog needs a coat. From a veterinary perspective, however, an animal's resistance is determined elsewhere. A large proportion of immune cells are connected to the intestinal mucosa. The gut also forms an important barrier between the body and environmental substances. The gut microbiome – the community of microorganisms living there – is in close communication with the immune system and influences, among other things, barrier function and immune regulation.
Autumn doesn't suddenly make the gut more important, but it does change the stresses it faces. A stable intestinal barrier and a balanced microbiome can provide a good foundation for the immune system to react appropriately. However, the veterinarian cautions against overly high expectations: "A healthy gut isn't a shield against every infection, but it is an important part of a well-functioning immune system."
Dampness, changes in diet, medication:
What challenges the microbiome in autumn
. The factors influencing the gut microbiome are now well understood. These include primarily changes in diet, medications – especially antibiotics – illnesses, stress, and changes in daily routine. Spoiled or hygienically problematic food can also play a role. In autumn, several of these factors often coincide. Add to this the season's environmental factors: dampness and organic material promote mold growth, which can irritate the skin and respiratory tract, especially in sensitive or allergic dogs. This seasonality is no coincidence, as mold spores spread outdoors mainly in late summer and autumn, particularly when dry, windy weather alternates with periods of rain. "For sensitive dogs, it's especially worthwhile to pay attention to gut health, diet, and overall resilience during the colder months," explains the veterinarian.
These signals are often overlooked in everyday life
A weakened immune system in dogs rarely manifests as a classic cold. More often, it shows up as subtle changes that develop over weeks: recurring skin or ear problems, itching or reddened skin, frequently watery or irritated eyes, recurring digestive issues, and changes in stool consistency or appetite. A deteriorating coat, reduced energy and playfulness, or an unusually long recovery time after exertion or illness can also be indicators. Because people often notice these signs individually in everyday life, they treat them separately: they clean the ears, change the food, and care for the skin.
From a veterinary perspective, however, the overall picture is crucial. At the same time, Backhaus cautions against interpreting these symptoms too closely: they can have very different causes, such as allergies, parasites, infections, or other illnesses. Therefore, they are not a reliable "immune system test. Especially with recurring symptoms, a veterinarian should investigate the cause. "A single symptom cannot indicate resistance. Rather, what is crucial is whether symptoms keep recurring or whether a dog takes an unusually long time to recover from them.
Prevention means stability – not constantly changing measures.
From a veterinarian's perspective, the most important foundation is a needs-based, well-tolerated, and, if possible, consistent diet. Avoid frequent, unnecessary diet changes, especially in sensitive dogs. Fiber, whether through a specially formulated food or as a targeted supplement, for example, in the form of acacia fiber powder, can serve as a substrate for the gut microbiome and support normal intestinal function. Sufficient exercise, rest, and sleep, along with a consistent daily routine, are also essential for good preventative healthcare, as is avoiding unnecessary stress.
Use medications and chemical treatments such as dewormers or parasite treatments according to veterinary indications and actual urgency, not on a schedule. For dogs with recurring digestive problems, Backhaus advises against trying various supplements on your own. It is more sensible to first systematically examine the diet and possible causes, for example, through nutritional counseling or a veterinary consultation. From there, targeted support can be beneficial, for example, with probiotics or a course of gut treatment.