Autumn is, in many ways, peak season for dog owners – crisp air, rustling leaves and less crowded parks create some of the finest moments with your beloved pets.
However, daylight is diminishing, and by 30 September, the sun will set at 6.48pm, while on 25 October, when the clocks go back, it will disappear at 4.50pm.
This means owners will be releasing their dog into the garden during dusk or complete darkness. And this can throw up one mistake that could leave another important family of creatures at risk; hedgehogs.
Keeping dogs under control
British Hedgehogs warn that this vulnerable garden species could be harassed by your dog, particularly during a period when they are often rearing their young hoglets.
The charity said: "Keep dogs under control if you know you have hedgehogs in the garden. Also, remember that whilst your dog may be hedgehog-friendly, visitors' dogs may not. If in doubt, keep your dog on a lead when it goes out into the garden after dark."
You may not have spotted a hedgehog — but this doesn't mean they aren't in your garden. Other indicators you have spiky residents include; nocturnal snuffling noises; dark droppings; shallow zigzagging lines across topsoil and tiny hedgehog footprints.
Protecting hedgehogs in the garden
The organisation provides some additional guidance for keeping the hedgehog population safe. It said: "Keep bags used for putting out household rubbish off the ground."
This will prevent hedgehogs reaching them and tearing the bag. They can become trapped in the rubbish or even put out for refuse collection. Keep drains covered so that hedgehogs do not fall in and get stuck.
"Bean trenches, footings, fencing holes and car inspection pits are all potential death traps for hedgehogs. Provide an escape route, e.g. a sloping plank, or cover the holes so hedgehogs do not become trapped."
Additional safety measures
Keep shed, greenhouse and garage doors closed at night so that hedgehogs are not tempted to make a nest inside them, and potentially become trapped when doors are permanently closed. Store chemicals safely.
When replacing or installing walls or fencing provide 13x13cm (5×5") square holes so that hedgehogs can pass from your garden into your neighbours' gardens without difficulty. Only use environmentally safe wood preservatives on your fences, garden furniture and wooden buildings.
