Fall Activities You Can Enjoy With Your Dog
Autumn brings cooler days filled with sunshine, so it’s a great season to spend more time outside with your dog, especially if you were mostly indoors with the air conditioner on during the summer.
Before grabbing your first pumpkin spice latte of the year, plan ahead so you can set aside days when you and your pet will head into the great outdoors to have some fun. To help you start generating ideas for what you can do, here’s a short list of some of the many fall activities that are dog-friendly.
Apple and Pumpkin Picking
Apple picking and pumpkin picking are two activities that are hugely popular in the fall, and you may find plenty of local farms and orchards that let you bring your dog. Then, you can use the apples and pumpkins you pick to make some tasty treats for your furbaby – examples: Kale and Apple Dog Treats and Soft Pumpkin Dog Treats.
In addition to letting you pick your own pumpkins and apples, many locations give you the chance to enjoy various other fall activities with your pet. For example, you might be able to find your way through a corn maze, go on a hayride, or have a simple picnic.
Note: Some locations won’t allow dogs at all, while others might allow them but have rules and restrictions. So, after finding apple orchards and pumpkin patches that you’d like to visit, inquire about their dog policy so you’ll know what to expect.
Hiking and Camping
Hiking in the summer can be lovely, but it can also be annoying because of the heat and bugs. With the leaves on the trees changing, the sun shining, and comfortable temperatures, fall is one of the best times of year to go hiking with your active canine. Find scenic and serene trails that allow dogs, bearing in mind the difficulty level of a trail before deciding if it’s appropriate. And, to keep your pet and others safe, keep your dog leashed at all times while exploring.
Want to spend more than just a few hours taking in the natural surroundings? Consider going camping with your dog. As is the case with hiking, it’s important to choose a location that allows dogs, whether you’re planning on renting a cabin or pitching a tent.
Don’t forget to pack supplies, such as food, water, treats, travel bowls, poop bags, a pet first aid kit, and more. Carrying these is easier if your pooch will wear a dog backpack like the Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack. Available in multiple colors and sizes, it’s adjustable to fit your dog comfortably, has plenty of room for what you need to pack, and has three leash attachment points.
Note: Whether you’re going on a long camping trip, a short and easy hike, or anything in between, it’s wise to ensure your dog is protected against fleas and ticks. Talk to your veterinarian about the best flea and tick prevention products for your pet. Also, check your dog often, in case any ticks do get on him, and know how to remove them properly.
Jumping in Leaves and Sitting by a Fire
Fall weather is ideal for picnics and walks at the park, and there might even be local fall festivals that you can head to with your pet. But you don’t have to go far to have fun with your dog throughout the season.
If you have leaves that need to be raked in your backyard, make a giant pile and see if your pooch excitedly jumps into it and runs through it. It’s sure to make for great photos and lots of laughs, and your dog can get some exercise while having a blast.
Cool autumn nights are perfect for relaxing with a warm drink and some friends. And if you have a fire pit in your backyard, it can provide warmth and light. Rather than leaving your dog inside the house, let him sit with you so he, too, can enjoy this experience before it gets too cold out.
Note: Don’t have enough trees around your home to create big piles of leaves for your pet? Play fetch with a new ball or frisbee instead – like the Wham-O Frisbee Whizzbee, which features rubber that’s soft and durable, and makes a whistling sound as it flies straight through the air.
Dressing Up and Trick-or-Treating with the Kids
As Halloween approaches, you might consider dressing up your dog and maybe taking him trick-or-treating with your kids. Always put your pet’s needs and preferences first when it comes to either of these activities.
You want to be sure your dog will be totally comfortable with wearing a pet costume, and you also want him to feel at ease while trick-or-treating, especially if the sidewalks get crowded with children in scary costumes.
Note: Keep all of the Halloween candy away from your pet, as you don’t want him eating something that contains harmful ingredients.
Enjoy the Fall Season with Your Best Furry Friend!
When it comes to fall activities with your dog, there are a host of options to suit every pet parent and their companion. Whether you plan on hiking to breathtaking views, having a laidback picnic at the park, or going apple picking so you can make homemade dog treats, you’re sure to make memories that you’ll cherish.
Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.
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