As you plan your seasonal activities, don't forget to include Fido! Read on for 11 fun fall activities you can enjoy with your dog.

11 Fall Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog

What is it about fall that you look forward to the most? For me, it’s watching the leaves change, decorating the house, baking seasonal goodies, carving pumpkins, planning out matching Halloween outfits for the fam, and getting into the holiday mood! Plus, I must admit, I do really enjoy those Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes (is it bad to admit I’ve already had a few?!). For others, it’s the nature walks and football games. Whatever you enjoy the most, fall offers something for everyone. As you plan your seasonal activities, don’t forget to include Fido! Read on for 11 fun fall activities you can enjoy with your dog.


Go for a Fall Foliage Hike

If you ask me, one of the best parts of autumn is watching the leaves change from summertime green to those gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow! I used to live in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania where, every fall, the trees turned as bright as a box of Crayola crayons. It definitely made me appreciate foliage. If you love the colorful trees too, peak foliage dates are quickly approaching and you can get a front-row view by taking a hike with your pup. 

Dogs love to hit the hiking trails, smell the different smells, and explore the rural environment. Plus, they’ll appreciate fall’s cooler temps. When planning a trip to the trails, make sure to look for dog-friendly areas. BringFido is a great website that can help you find Fido-friendly hiking trails all over the world.


Off-Season Beach Getaway

Does your dog love the feel of sand between his paw pads? If so, consider planning a fall beach getaway. You may not come home with a great tan, but the off-season offers something even more special for your pup: Freedom.

Unlike peak summer months, when many beaches prohibit dogs during daytime hours, off-season visits to Fido-friendly beaches mean your precious pup will likely be able to run near the shore mid-day. 


Camping

If you love camping and feeling one with nature – or renting a fancy log cabin in the woods for some 5-star glamping – then why not plan a fall nature excursion? Your pup will love exploring the great outdoors with you and you’ll get ample bonding time. Before taking your pup on a camping trip, make sure to:

  • Check the campground to ensure it’s pet-friendly.
  • Look into their leash length requirements or any other rules.
  • Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccines. Pack medical records!
  • Talk to your vet about flea and tick prevention. There are natural and chemical options.
  • Double-check your dog’s microchip is registered and all contact info is up-to-date.
  • Bring a current photo of your dog. Heaven forbid your pup is to dart off, you’ll have a current photo to show nearby campers. 
  • Pack the canine camping essentials: food, treats, water, portable bowls, high-quality harness, leash, ID tags, waste bags, crate, medications, toys, blankets, towels, and dog first aid kit

Apple Picking

Nothing says fall quite like biting into a crispy apple and sipping some fresh cider. This year, rather than heading down to your local grocery store and simply buying your favorite apple goodies, leash up your pup and spend the afternoon walking around your area orchard. Apples are fresh for the picking and it’s a really fun activity both you and Fido can enjoy together. While not all orchard farms allow dogs, many do. Just give your local orchard a call to double-check their rules! 


Pumpkin Patch

Just like apple orchards, many pumpkin patches are also dog-friendly. I bet your pooch will get a kick out of running through the patch and helping you pick out the perfect pumpkin to later carve and display on your front porch. Plus, it’s the perfect place for an impromptu puppy photoshoot. You’re gonna get so many Instagram likes 🙂 


Hayrides & Corn Mazes 

While you’re at the pumpkin patch, also check out the farm’s hayrides and corn mazes. Just make sure to bring the poop bags along with you and clean up after your pooch!


Tailgate Together

Football season is officially here! If you have a social pup, organize a tailgate or watch party with some friends and bring him along for the fun. He’ll love all the extra attention and, if you throw the football around, he may even join in for a game of fetch.

While you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy a tailgate, if you are a mega-fan then you can even sport matching team jerseys. Yup, they make football jerseys for dogs! I created an entire category on my Amazon storefront filled with dog jerseys for the various teams. You can browse HERE!


Enter a Pet Costume Contest 

Every year, my family (humans and canines) dress up in matching Halloween costumes. While I’ve never entered a costume contest, they certainly look like a lot of fun!

As the countdown to Halloween begins, are you looking for some great dog costume inspo? Check out this list of dog Halloween costumes that fit all sizes!

Trick-or-Treating

If you have kids (the two-legged kind) and plan on taking them trick-or-treating this year then why not bring your well-mannered canine kid along for the walk? Make sure to bring plenty of treats and reward your pup when he calmly waits at doors and walks from house to house.


Cuddle up for a Scary Movie Marathon 

Pop some popcorn, grab the blankets, turn on Netflix, and snuggle up with your pooch for some Halloween horror flicks! Every October, my husband and I have a tradition: We pick and watch one Halloween or horror movie each night! (We love our movies in this house.) Our favorite part? Getting to snuggle with our Chihuahua, Diego, and toy Poodle, Gigi!


Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats

Pumpkins may be the epitome of fall, but they’re also considered a superfood for dogs! It’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E. Plus, it’s high in beta carotene, potassium, and fiber. Thanks to the many nutrients packed inside, pumpkin offers many health benefits to dogs, including:

  • Natural Diarrhea Remedy 
  • Natural Constipation Relief 
  • Aids Weight Management 
  • Promotes Eye Health 

You can either scoop a little pure pumpkin puree onto your pup’s main meal or use it as an ingredient to make some special fall-inspired biscuits! Try these recipes:

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Biscuits
Pumpkin Sweet Potato Fork Cookies for Dogs
Banana Bread Soft Chews (Featuring Pumpkin)

Important note: While pumpkins are considered a healthy food for dogs, that doesn’t mean they can eat all pumpkin dishes. No licks of your pumpkin spice latte or bites of your delicious pumpkin pie. The sugar, nutmeg, and cloves in many pumpkin pie-flavored dishes aren’t good for dogs. instead, opt for plain cooked pureed pumpkin (either homecooked or canned store-bought).