Summertime may be a favorite for us and our families, but due to the high heat, bugs and humidity, it’s not a favorite for our pets. They’re often left inside to wait as we enjoy the warm weather. Well, now that summer is over, it’s time to dust off those leashes and spend some quality time with our furry friends in the great outdoors!
Fall is a great time to get outdoors with your pet. The lower temperatures make it easier for your pet to stay cool, the changing leaves and fall foliage make for some beautiful sights, and there are plenty of events and holidays you and your pet can celebrate!
Hiking
With the cooler weather and beautiful sights, hiking is a great activity for you and Fido! Before you hit the trails, there are a few things to remember. Most parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times, and many trails don’t allow pets at all. Make sure to do research on your nearby hiking trail to ensure they have pet-friendly trails and hikes. Bring doggy bags to discard waste since many parks don’t have them on-site. In addition, bring plenty or water and snacks for your pet so they don’t overheat or get too tired. If the terrain is really rough, look into buying your pet booties to keep their paws healthy and infection free. In addition, visit your vet before you hike to ensure your furry companion is up to date on their flea and tick medicine, as well as heartworm meds. Hiking trails and forests are breeding grounds for ticks and worms so an untreated pet could be easy prey. So, which places are dog friendly and which aren’t? Check out this comprehensive list by BringFido.com!
Fall festivals & Halloween events
Fall and Halloween aren’t just fun for kids and adults. Your pets will enjoy the many local farmers markets, pumpkin patches, orchards and fall parades that allow them as long as they are on a leash and well behaved. For example, the Great Pumpkin Festival in Milford, New Hampshire, has a great selection of fall activities like scarecrow making, raffles, pumpkin picking and arts and crafts shows, as well as a pet parade and fall-flavored dog treats. The Six Flags Fright Fest in Denver also holds an annual pet parade where owners and pets can dress in fun costumes and even enter to win prizes for dogs and humans! For a list of some pet-friendly fall and Halloween events, check out Dog Friendly. If you can’t afford a pet costume, try making one with one of these easy DIY costumes here on SheKnows. You can also take your pet trick-or-treating. Just alert your neighbors you are bringing a dog so they can have doggie treats on hand!
Outdoor sports and yard work
Raking up all those fall leaves with your pet probably isn’t the most effective way to clean up, however it’s a fun way to engage your pet in some outdoor exercise. After you’ve spent time raking, relax by playing some football with your pet. Thirty minutes of catch with your four-legged companion can burn up to 90 calories, so it’s a great form of exercise for both you and your pet. When playing catch, use a soft, foam ball that’s easy to catch and won’t hurt their jaws. Anytime you are outdoors with your pets during the fall months, be sure to check them for fleas or ticks.
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