The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the sky is steadily getting darker each night when you take your dog out for their evening stroll. Despite the chill and the shorter days, fall is a wonderfully cozy season–especially when you have a dog by your side. Here are our top dog-friendly fall activities to help you and your pup make the most of this season.
1. Take a hike
In many places in the United States, the range of seasonal changes is a large part of fall’s charm. If you live in a state where the leaves change, take it as an opportunity to bring your pup along for a hike on a dog-friendly trail. You’ll enjoy the scenery, your dog will enjoy the exercise, and you’ll get a whole new batch of photos to remember the outing with a backdrop of colorful fall foliage. For more about seasonal hikes, read our top tips for hiking with your dog.
2. Make a Howl-o-ween costume
The start of fall means that Halloween is right around the corner. Now is a great time to start thinking about your dog’s costume, whether you’re buying one online or making it at home. Getting a head start on your dog’s costume will give you extra time to make sure it fits and help them adjust to wearing it before their spooky debut.
Check out a few of our favorite looks from Heidi, the queen of Halloween to get inspired for your dog’s Halloween costume this year!
3. Bake pumpkin treats
Fall is the perfect time to celebrate pumpkin everything. Even better, pumpkin contains healthy vitamins and nutrients for dogs. Pumpkin is full of fatty acids that help moisturize your pet’s skin and coat from the inside out. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, iron, and fiber.
Here’s a recipe we know your dog will love:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions: Mix all ingredients together, then roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make your desired treat shape. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes.
As with any new foods, check with your veterinarian before adding pumpkin into your dog’s diet.
If you want to continue celebrating seasonal foods this fall, see our guide to Thanksgiving foods that are safe for dogs.
4. Groom for colder weather
Many dogs will begin to shed their summer coat once the weather turns cool and brisk. Now’s a good time to brush your dog more thoroughly to make sure they are comfortable and to keep your home free of extra fur. If your dog has short fur and gets cold quickly after the seasonal shift into fall, shop for some warmer clothes to make sure they’re bundled up on your evening walks.
5. Celebrate Oktoberfest
Are you a fan of beer? Break out the bratwurst and lederhosen and find a beer garden near you to bring your pup along. You can search for outdoor Oktoberfest events near you (double-check with the venue to see if pets are allowed) or host a mini Oktoberfest in your backyard.
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6. Visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard
In the spirit of celebrating all things fall, why not take your dog with you to a dog-friendly pumpkin patch or apple orchard? Several farms allow dogs to explore the grounds, as long as they are well-socialized and on a leash. Because the pumpkin patch will likely be full of unfamiliar sounds and smells, make sure your dog has plenty of breaks when needed, and keep an eye out for any signs that they are getting stressed or overwhelmed.
7. Plan a spooky movie marathon
Whether or not you’re into horror films, snuggling up on the couch with your dog is a great way to spend a cozy fall day. Grab some popcorn and kick off the Halloween season with Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
8. Go leaf peeping
Fall is famous for its beautiful scenery, inspiring people to travel across the country to see the leaves change. Bring your dog with you for a fall photoshoot against a vibrant backdrop of orange, red, and yellow. If your dog enjoys jumping in a pile of leaves, this is the perfect time to capture it on camera.
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9. Try a seasonal beverage
Do you eagerly await the return of pumpkin spice lattes every year? Make your next coffee run a double feature with a PSL for you and a puppuccino (or pup cup) for your dog. Just remember that this cup of whipped cream should be a once-in-a-while treat, not an everyday indulgence!
How are you planning to celebrate sweater weather with your best friend? Let us know @embarkvet on social media!
