So you’ve made it through the dog days of summer. Now that the heat and humidity levels have eased, you and your dog can look forward to a new season of hiking, pumpkin picking and more. Why not add some of our favorite dog-friendly fall activities to your bucket list? These ideas will help keep you and your furry pal active and healthy all autumn long.
Hiking
The colors are radiant, the air is crisp and you and your dog can cover more ground before breaking a sweat than during the hotter months. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors!
Before heading out, check to make sure dogs are permitted on your chosen trail. Always bring:
- - A leash; most trail regulations stipulate that dogs must be leashed
- - Fresh drinking water for both of you
- - Something yummy to munch on – trail mix for you and a tasty DENTASTIX™ treat for your pup
- - Bags to scoop your dog’s poop
If your dog isn’t up for a long hike, there’s nothing wrong with a shorter trek. The fresh air and scenery will still do you and your performg good.
Dog Park Adventures
Not in the mood for a hiking trail? Enjoy the beauty of the season and some canine companionship at your favorite dog park. The crisp fall weather brings out dogs and owners who took refuge in their air-conditioned homes during the summer.
Make sure your pup has a collar and leash for your trip to the dog park, and pay attention to whether areas are marked as leashed or off-leash. Try adding a dollop of plain canned pumpkin to your dog’s food and see if it gets their tail wagging. Above all, have fun!
Leaf-pile Mischief
Remember the fun you had as a kid jumping into leaf piles? Lots of energetic dogs enjoy this type of autumnal mayhem, too. For older dogs, a fluffy leaf pile can be a nice bed to relax in.
Turn your yardwork into a bonding activity by raking or blowing leaves into one big pile or several smaller piles around your yard. Just make sure there’s nothing hidden in the leaf pile, such as a branch or rock, that could hurt your dog.
Pumpkin Picking
While your dog probably isn’t interested in picking pumpkins, they’ll undoubtedly enjoy walking around the pumpkin patch with your family. Check with the pumpkin patch’s owner to make sure the location is dog-friendly. And keep your pooch on their leash, of course. Check for other fun activities for your dog before or after the parade, such as for example a best-trick contest or a pet expo.
Remember to keep an eye on your dog at all times to be sure they’re not getting into trouble or a disagreement with other dogs.
Halloween Fun
You and your dog can get into the holiday spirit by dressing up in costumes and hitting the streets together with your kids for some trick-or-treating. Bonus points if your costumes coordinate! Just make sure your dog is comfortable within their costume. If they protest, let them go trick-or-treating as … a dog. And always keep your pup on a leash.
Important trick-or-treat safety reminder: Keep candy – especially chocolate – away from your dog. While you and the kids enjoy the Halloween candy you collected, give your pal a tasty treat of their own.
Pet Parades
Check local listings to see if any pet parades are scheduled in your are usuallya. Many towns hold these popular events for dogs in the fall. Can’t find one close by? Consider partnering with a nearby animal organization and starting your own!
Many pet parades have fun themes, such as “harvest” or “Halloween,” and may require costumes – the perfect opportunity to show off your pup’s cutest, creepiest or funniest ensemble!
Speaking of pumpkin, did you know many dogs enjoy the taste of this classic fall flavor?
Cozy Up Together
While fall offers lots of fun outdoor activities for you and your pup, dogs – and humans! – need some quiet relaxation time, too. The cooler evenings are a great time to cuddle up with your dog and a blanket to read a book, watch TV or just enjoy some quiet period together.