Fall can be such a fun time of year. Halloween, Thanksgiving, the changing leaves, and the air is starting to feel fresh and chilly. There are countless activities you can do during this season with your friends, boyfriend, or husband, but what about your pup? This is your go-to guide for fall activities that include your dog. These activities will make you feel the fall aesthetic, no matter the weather in your region. In New York State, fall comes and goes quickly to welcome winter; so I try to get as many fall activities in before the snow falls. Enjoy the changing seasons and spend some quality time with your best friend.
This list gives you plenty of options to take your pup along to enjoy fall, fueling your sole and soul. In no way am I a vet or licensed to give pet advice, so please use your own research and consult your vet if you have any questions about these activities. These are simply ideas for you and your pet, which can be modified to different needs and dietary restrictions if necessary.
- Go For a Drive
My dog loves to ride in the car, so any time she gets to go she’s already excited. Grab your best friend and drive out to a good lookout spot to appreciate the seasons changing. If you decide to stop at your favorite drive thru for a hot drink on a chilly fall morning, invite your dog! Also, most coffee drive-thru chains offer special treats just for your dog. I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “pup cup” or “puppuccino”, which refers to a small amount of whipped cream in a cup for your dog to enjoy while you sip your coffee or tea. This is a great way to spend quality time with your dog and give them a special treat to spoil them during the fall months.
- Homemade Treats
This is a great option for the owner of a pet with allergies or who wants a healthier treat for their dog. My dog, Luna, has multiple food allergies that result in itchiness, redness, and other skin irritations. Luckily, she can still enjoy the occasional puppuccino. However, I always love making homemade treats for her that are delicious AND healthy. This is another great bonding activity for your dog as they can taste all of the ingredients before they are baked and hang out in the kitchen with you. There are countless recipes online for dog treats, which can usually be made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Luna loves fruits and peanut butter so I usually opt for a recipe with apples, blueberries, or another dog friendly fruit. If your dog has a long list of allergies like mine, there are limited ingredient recipes online to make sure your dog won’t be allergic to the treats. One of Luna’s favorite treats consists of greek yogurt, peanut butter, and blueberries. Just mix all three ingredients together, spoon them into an ice tray, and freeze until solid. Make sure to research recipes that will work best for your dog, since every pup is unique and what works for mine may not work for yours. Overall, a healthy, homemade treat for your dog is a great fall activity on the colder days when you’d rather stay inside.
- Take a Hike!
Of course the best way to enjoy fall to the fullest is to go outside. The changing leaves and brisk air give you a distinct feeling that can be traced back to when we were just kids. A great benefit to fall is that it is not too hot or cold out so you can hike comfortably, wear light layers, and not be sweating or freezing. The reason I recommend a hike instead of going for a walk is because fall is best enjoyed from the top of a hill or mountain, where you can look across the red, orange, and yellow variations from a bird’s eye view. If you live in a flatter area, taking your dog out for a walk will still allow you to enjoy fall, but if possible, try to find some type of elevation to get an aerial view. Hiking also has great health benefits for you and your dog, so you’d both get in a workout along the way!
- Go Camping
If you’d rather turn your day hike into an overnight trip, camping is another great activity to do with your dog this fall. Some hiking trails have lean to’s off the path, or allow backcountry camping. Be sure to research the state laws before hitting the trail. Camping with your dog is such a fun experience, because at one point, this is how your dog’s ancestors lived. They didn’t have owners or houses or dog beds and I think it’s a great way to let your dog feel more free, by just spending time outside with them. Building a fire and cooking dinner under the stars is much more fun with your dog. Of course the weather will be chillier than a summer camping trip, so be sure to dress yourself and your pup appropriately. We have a few different coats for our dog and they work great, especially after the sun goes down and the air starts getting brisk. It is natural for dogs to huddle together for warmth, so a bonus to camping with your dog is the cuddles.
- Play In The Leaves
Some say dogs like playing in the leaves so much because of the smell they give off. As they roll around in the crunchy fallen leaves, a smell of dirt and general outdoors is released which makes rolling around in the leaves almost irresistible for your dog. If you ever jumped into the fallen leaves as a kid you might have a similar reaction to leaf piles. This makes a great activity for you and your pup! Head out to the backyard and rake up the leaves into as big of a pile you can make and you will have the best afternoon with your dog, enjoying fall together. Since the weather is still above freezing, make sure to check yourself and your dog for any pests that might’ve been hiding in the leaves when you’re finished playing. A good way to prevent fleas, ticks, and other insects on your dog is with a medicated collar. To prevent the bugs from bothering you, try to wear clothing that covers any exposed skin if possible.
- Fall Photos
I might be biased, but I am convinced that my dog is the most photogenic animal on the planet. I am always taking pictures of her, and my camera roll is 99.9% Luna; whether she’s sleeping upside down on the couch, or posing for the camera. Another great activity during the fall is to have a photoshoot with your dog. This time of year makes for great pictures with the beautiful colors and leaves. If you’re looking to take a new christmas card or refrigerator portrait, fall is a perfect time to capture updated images of your dog. And no, you don’t need to buy a $1000 camera or hire a photographer. Most of my Iphone photos turn out pretty clear.
- Apple Picking
Apple picking is a very popular activity during the fall months, and most apple orchards will allow your dog to join you. Each orchard is different, so make sure to choose a dog friendly destination before heading out on your adventure. According to research, apples are a great source of vitamins A and C. They also provide fiber for dogs. Once again, every dog is unique so make sure apples are okay for your dog before giving them a snack. If you do choose to go apple picking, keep an eye on your pup to ensure they don’t eat apple cores or seeds, as those are reported to be dangerous to dogs. After taking your dog through the apple orchard, head home and cut up some fresh apples for you both to share!
- Play Football
Yes, fall also means football season. Sundays and Thursdays are for snacks and football. You head to the school for the Friday night homecoming game. Now, I’m not the biggest football fan by any means, but fall and football seem to go hand in hand. Football doesn’t have to be just for the professionals. Fall is perfect weather to head outside and play ball. We have recently been throwing an old deflated football for our dog and she loves it. You could also switch out the football for a soccer ball, tennis ball, or any other ball you have laying around, just make sure it’s a soft one if your pup likes to catch it in his/her mouth.
- Self Care Day
This is a perfect activity for those windy, rainy, cold fall days better observed through the window. Self care is always just what the doctor ordered. Take a few hours to yourself, play your favorite playlist, light a candle, and do what makes you feel good. Do a face mask, pluck your eyebrows, paint your nails, whatever self care means to you. It can also be fun to give your dog a self care day along with you. This can mean clipping their nails, cleaning their ears, giving them a bath, or brushing them. Regular grooming actually improves your dogs health and wellness, and heightens their mood. A great way to finish out a self care day is to cuddle with your dog on the couch and watch a movie.
Keep in mind, these activities can always be modified to work best for your dog’s lifestyle and diet.
Before winter comes, take some time to head outside, enjoy the changing seasons, and spend time with your pup. Even if your region doesn’t feel like fall, these activities will give you the fall aesthetic. As always, feel free to reach out to me if you try any of these ideas. I’d love to hear your experiences and feedback!
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