6 Fantastic Fall Festivities for Fido

Spring, summer and even winter all seem jam-packed with activities to participate in with your canine companion. But what about during the fall? Short of simply going for a walk, there are many pet owners like yourself that simply seem at a loss for fun activities to participate in with their pooch. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any out there. You just have get a little creative in order to have a blast during this upcoming season. Here are 6 of the biggest, best fall functions to enjoy with your pet:

1. Picking Pumpkins

A trip to the pumpkin patch is a big part of any traditional autumn experience. Take your furry friend out to pick out the perfect pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern, or for baking delicious fall-time treats. In fact, pumpkin is an excellent treat for dogs, this natural gourd can help to promote internal health in your dog in several ways, including:

·         Urinal health

·         Weight management in dogs of all sizes

·         Digestive health

Therefore, when you’re scooping out those goopy pumpkin guts this year, consider giving Fido a little taste. However, before you decide to take your pet to the patch, you should always call the owners of the business to ask about their rules concerning canine guests. And, of course, you should always be sure to bring a proper leash, collar and dog ID tags when you’re out and about in these types of locations.

2. Visit an Apple Orchard

As is the case with pumpkin patches, you’ll need to call ahead and make sure that your local apple orchard accepts dog guests, but overall they’re an excellent place to take your pet. Orchards often boast plenty of wide open spaces for your pet to stretch their legs, and plenty of trees to sniff around. Like pumpkin, apples also offer a number of health benefits for your pet. The crunchy fruit can help clean plaque from your dog’s teeth, and freshen that stinky dog breath. However, if you’re going to be feeding your pet a snack at the orchard, just be sure to remove the seeds – they can be toxic for some dogs, as well as choking hazards.

3. Trick-Or-Treating

When Halloween rolls around, why not allow your dog to enjoy the festivities like everyone else? Grab a costume for your pet and make the rounds in your neighborhood, collecting candy. Your pet is sure to enjoy the attention they receive from other trick-or-treaters, and it’s always good to give them the opportunity to stretch their legs. Of course, your pet can’t exactly enjoy the candy you get, so it’s important to bring along your own bag of dog treats so they aren’t missing out.

If going out trick-or-treating isn’t your style, you can still dress your pet up at home and hand out candy to others. Just be sure to keep a stock of treats to offer other dogs that might come knocking.

4. Tail Gating

Fall is football season, and with it comes tons of tailgate parties hosted by friends, families and communities. Why not let your pup enjoy these social events at your side? The smell of grilled food, the promise of tons of different people to interact with and the ability to get out and about in the cool air is sure to impress your pet. Bring a ball or another toy to really boost the fun, and be sure to bring a bit of food and water if you’re going to be gone for a long time.

If you really want to make an excellent impression on your friends and keep your pet comfy, why not dress them up in a dog jersey or some other gear to represent your favorite team this fall? Not only will this make your pet stylish, but it can also help to keep them warm in the increasingly chilly air.

5. Nature Hike

The leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and there’s absolutely no better time to take a nature hike with your canine companion. Get the leash and head out to the nearest hiking trail to take a long walk. It’s the perfect opportunity for both you and your pet to bond while stretching your legs and getting some of that energy out before winter arrives. However, keep in mind that things are becoming chilly. Your pet might need an extra layer of clothing to keep comfortable while you’re on the move. A thick sweater or stylish-but-casual hoodie will get the job done.

6. Take a Vacation

While fall isn’t necessarily the traditional time for vacations, it’s an excellent idea to take your dog on a trip during this time of the year. Many locations are far more likely to be less crowded during this season, meaning your dog will have more space to run and play.

Camping is an excellent idea for anyone looking to take a vacation with their pet. Whether it’s deep in the forest or on a mountainside, your dog will have plenty of room to roam when you book a campsite for the weekend. Your dog’s sure to adore playing in the piles of fallen leaves, and hunting down squirrels as they prepare for the coming winter.

The beach is another fantastic vacation destination for dog-lovers. During the summer, beaches are usually crammed with people, making taking your dog difficult in some cases. However, as the chill of fall sets in, most tourists head home, leaving the white sands empty and free. From splashing on the shore to skittering through the sand, this is a trip your pet’s sure to remember. Just remember to keep their safety in mind. Protect their skin from the sun with doggy sunscreen and their eyes from the sand with a sleek, stylish set of dog goggles.

Whether it’s going on a long vacation or just carving (and snacking on) a pumpkin together, there’s plenty of fun functions you can attend with your pet during the beautiful, fiery fall months. Celebrating the season with your pet is always a fun adventure when you’re willing to get creative.