Fall Activities for Dogs

The days are getting shorter. The air is becoming crisper. Leaves are beginning to show the faintest hints of orange and red. There's only one thing that can ease the pain of summer's close, and that's Fall. Get your pup outside to enjoy the flawless Fall weather with these fun activities!

Hiking

This one is pretty obvious, and if you're both an avid hiker and pup parent, you likely already do this with your dog. Large dogs especially love a good, strenuous hike to burn off some energy and smell all the new smells. Keep in mind that most parks and hiking trails will require your dog to be leashed at all times.

On trails without leash restrictions, do not let your dog off-leash if you're not confident that he will respond to verbal commands. Most trails don't provide waste bags, so bring along a couple of baggies to pick up after your pup if needed. Additionally, bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog to prevent dehydration, and if the terrain you're hiking is very rough, consider bringing booties to protect their feet.

Perhaps most importantly, make sure that your pup is up-to-date on all flea and tick medication. Hiking trails and woods are prime breeding grounds for ticks, worms, and other parasites just waiting for your pet to wander by.

Fall Festivals and Events

'Tis the season for outdoor festivals, Halloween decorations, and street fairs with delicious goodies. Many of these Fall and Halloween festivals allow dogs, and vendors often even keep treats in their booths to entice dog-owning patrons to venture over and check out their wares.

Many events may also include pet costume contests or special trick-or-treating events for your dog. Check your local events calendar for upcoming festivals and fairs in your area and verify their pet policy.

Pumpkin EVERYTHING

Between September 1 and New Year's Eve, pumpkin spice is everywhere. Coffees, candles, candies, pies, cakes, even body washes are all infused with delicious pumpkin scents and flavors.

Luckily, your pup can get in on the pumpkin spice fun. Biscuits and treats made with pure pureed pumpkin (note: NOT pumpkin pie filling) are delicious to dogs, and excellent for their health. Treats like these at Joy's Life are easy to make and perfect treats to share with your pup while you enjoy your pumpkin spice latte.

Football

The only thing more ubiquitous in the Fall than pumpkin spice everything is football. Get your furry best friend in on the fun with fun official NFL pet gear. Include some of the aforementioned pumpkin biscuits in your gameday menu tomake football season fun and delicious for every member of the family.

Yard Work

Okay, so dogs are probably much better at UNdoing all of your yard work rather than helping out. Still, pups love to run and frolic in the yard while you work. Rake up some leaves and your pup will love to run through them, roll in them, and try to eat them. By the time your season-wrapping lawn work is finished, your dog will be tuckered out and ready for a nap.

Fall is a fun time of year for members of the whole family. Keep these ideas in the back of your mind to keep your pup entertained, happy, and safe until the first signs of Spring, and in the meantime, consider investing in a dog insurance policy.