Autumn activities to do with your dog

Autumn is easily the best season. The weather gets cooler so you no longer have to struggle in the summer heat, you get to put on cute sweaters and jackets, and the changing colors of the leaves make for incredible, scenic landscapes where you can take the best pictures. Autumn is also one of the best seasons for sweets and desserts.

Not only is it Halloween season, so candy’s going to be everywhere, but it’s also the perfect time to rekindle your passion for baking. Pumpkin, pecan, and apple pies are the favorites of the season, and it would be very ill-advised to miss out on them once chillier weather starts rolling in.

However, you must consider the entertainment of those around you as well. If you’ve got a dog, autumn is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together. Here are some of the activities you should try out with your four-legged best friend now summer has passed.

Pumpkin patch visit

Who doesn’t enjoy visiting a pumpkin patch in autumn? It’s so popular that it’s actually a tradition for many families, so bring your dog along as well this year. They’ll have a great time sniffing and playing around. Your fuzzy baby may even be instrumental in choosing the pumpkin you take home. However, before you start your day trip, be sure to check ahead to make sure dogs are allowed on location. While some locations are 100% pet-friendly, there may still be regulations in place regarding what you can and can’t do.

Take photos

Autumn is the best time to snap some truly memorable pics. Cause there’s nothing cuter than your pooch, except for your pooch in a Halloween costume. No matter if you go for an elaborate costume, or just a sheet with holes for eyes, the pictures are going to put a smile on the faces of your friends and family. And who knows, it may just be the beginning of your dog’s career as an influencer.

Go for a hike

Given the changes in the scenery that come with autumn, it’s the best time to take a hiking trip with your best friend. The crisp air and exercise are going to make you both hungry though, so make sure you pack some healthy snacks for your dog as well. And if you plan on taking frequent trips together, consider getting dog insurance. It will be helpful in case your dog sustains any injury while you’re on the hike. Whether it’s abrasions, cuts, or insect bites, it’s important to be certain that you can offer the best of the best when it comes to your baby’s health.

Cabin trip

There’s nothing better for unwinding from the stress of daily life than taking a weekend off at a cabin. You can take your pup canoeing on a lake, play outdoors, huddle before a campfire (you should look up recipes for dog-friendly s’mores before you leave), and lounge before a fireplace inside. It’s bound to be a getaway that’s both fun and relaxing.

Horror movie marathon

There’s not quite like watching scary movies during the spooky season. Some would say it’s even an imperative thing to do. After all, autumn is not only the season of Halloween and getting dressed up as scary characters or monsters, it’s also the time when the days get shorter, the atmosphere gets gloomier, and you huddle inside longer for warmth. So what could be better during this time than relaxing in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn and a warm drink (ideally pumpkin spice-flavored)?

Well, it’s doing those exact same things but with your dog by your side. You can have a horror movie marathon on a rainy Saturday when you don’t feel like going outside. Just grab some fluffy blankets and get ready for a long and relaxing evening. If you’re the type that gets scared easily, there’s no reason to worry. Your dog is definitely going to enjoy the extra cuddles.

Bake some treats

Autumn is the season of delicious food. Whether you’ve enjoyed baking as a hobby for a long time, or you’ve only recently discovered that you’ve got a knack for it, this is the perfect time of the year to try your hand at various recipes. It’s not only one of the best ways to get delicious food, you also get to enjoy the nice smells that’ll fill your home. And is there anything more comforting than a warm kitchen when the weather outside is getting colder and colder?

However, since you want your four-legged friend to be involved as well, you should make sure you develop your abilities to cook dog-friendly recipes as well. Luckily, you won’t have to do much digging because pumpkin and sweet potatoes, the designated flavors of the season, are not only safe for dogs to eat, but also healthy and supportive of their gut health. One of the best recipes you can try is treats using both pumpkin and peanut butter. Make sure to read the label so your nut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, and get baking. The only problem is going to be to stop your furry friend from indulging.

Play outside

Dogs need a lot of exercises. It’s what keeps them in good shape, promotes normal body weight, and ensures their bones stay strong. It also helps them use up their energy so they’re not irritable and tough to deal with. Moreover, going outside for strolls or enjoying some quality playtime is also the ideal time to start training your pet.

When autumn arrives, it’s important to keep up with your walking routine and don’t slack on exercise just because the temperatures dropped lower. You can add some season-themed fun to the mix as well. For instance, you can rake up a big pile of leaves in your yard and jump straight into it. You probably have plenty of memories of playing like this as a child, and your dog is going to enjoy it just as much. If you live someplace where this is possible, you can also go on a hayride and enjoy a relaxing drive around. When autumn rolls in, there are many exciting things to do. Make sure you take your dog along for every single one of them, so they don’t miss out on the fun.