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Fall is a great time to enjoy some quality time with your dog. The autumn foliage and the cooler weather provide lots of opportunities for outdoor playtime. Take advantage of the last few weeks before the weather turns cold to enjoy some pet-friendly fall activities. If you're short on outdoor activities with your dog this fall, use these fun ones to get started.
A pumpkin patch is fun for everyone and your dog will love going to a local place to pick out a pumpkin. Chances are that your furry friend won't be much help when it comes to carving up the pumpkin. That doesn't mean they won't enjoy the process though. Dogs are often fascinated by pumpkins and will enjoy smelling all the different ones. If you can go to a place where you can see the pumpkins growing and pick out the one you want, this will be a great afternoon adventure! Make sure that you get plenty of pictures of you and your pet enjoying this fun outing.
Before you head out though, research some pumpkin patches in the area. Check to make sure that they're pet-friendly. Since there may be other pets present, bring some treats to keep your dog with you. Most dogs are friendly and social so this will be a fun activity for both of you.
Once you get back from your adventure, why not whip up some dog-friendly treats? Dogs can safely have pumpkin and it's especially good for dogs who have sensitive stomachs. You can roast a pumpkin and mix it with yogurt and create a frozen pumpkin treat for your dog. Give to your pup as a fun treat that's great for their stomach and they'll love at the same time. You can make some human treats for yourself as well! Roasted pumpkin is great for pies, desserts, and even some savory dishes.
If you have a dog that loves to go on walks, and most dogs do, then head out to explore some nature. The crisp fall air and falling leaves are a great time to enjoy a long hike. Some dogs may be more suited for shorter hikes so check local hiking guides in your area to determine the difficulty level of each adventure. Pack plenty of water and snacks for your hike. If you're an avid hiker, your dog may even be able to carry their own pack. Start out early as hiking parking lots can get filled up quickly.
If your dog hasn't gone hiking before, start with an easy trail and see how it goes. Many dogs love hiking but can take some time to get used to the activity. Go on hikes with friends and their pets if you have any who also enjoy this activity. Plan a few day hikes for a great way to enjoy fall weather with your dog.
If you're from St. Louis, check out our list of dog-friendly hiking trails nearby.
Not all activities have to involve an adventure though. Local parks are great places to go for walks and just relax with your pet. Bring a picnic blanket, lunch, and activities for you both to enjoy. Frisbees or their favorite ball can give you hours of activities to enjoy. Once you've both tired yourself out, retreat to the picnic blanket where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch and your pet can have some water and a snack. Settle in for a cool afternoon of reading and napping. This activity is great for a lazy weekend day or afternoon when you get the time.
Raking the leaves may not be the most fun fall activity, but it probably is your dogs! Fall leaves have a satisfying crunch when you step on them and dogs love running through and jumping on piles of leaves. When you're outside raking, take your dog and let them run around in the cool weather. Chances are that you'll have to rake the pile a few times but it's well worth the extra work to see them having a great time. You can make it a fun game by throwing their ball or other toy into the pile of leaves to let them dig it out. Just make sure you have plenty of time because this is a game your dog will want to play for hours!
Traveling with a dog can be a fun adventure but pet-friendly traveling can be challenging at some times of the year. Make it easier on you both and plan a trip for the fall. Not only is this a great time to take a trip, traveling with a dog is often easier. Traffic may be lower since kids are back in school and you can often find great deals on vacation rentals and other activities. Plan out a fun road trip with your pet for a weekend getaway or a little longer if you have the time. You won't regret it!
Here are some pet-friendly vacation destinations in the United States.
With fall, comes Halloween decorations and costumes. You may not be as interested in dressing up, but dog costumes are a fun way to celebrate the season. If you have trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, plan ahead to have your dog dressed up. Practice having your dog in their costume before the evening as they'll probably need some time to get used to it. Most dogs love the attention that they get when wearing a costume so if you're excited, they will be also! You can always make your own costume if you're feeling creative but don't be afraid to simply buy one for your pet. With so many options available in stores and online, you can find fun options. If you're feeling into the fall spirit, you can even get a matching or complementary costume for yourself!
Be sure to check out our pet Halloween costume ideas post for some inspiration!
Now that fall is coming, it's time to enjoy this slightly cooler weather while you can. And what better way to enjoy with your trusty pet at your side? Use these fun ideas to have a great fall with your dog.
