7 Pet Friendly Fall Activities

Yes ladies and gentlemen, the fall season is officially upon us. It’s that magical time of year when a turkey themed thanksgiving and a candy heavy Halloween on the horizon make us more than happy to swap our sexy swimsuits for sweaters. Likewise, the four-legged member of the family is equally happy to see the leaves hit the ground. While we may not be too excited to see the mercury drop, we’ve also never had to wear a fur coat through the summer. Now that the outdoors is fur friendly, it’s time to get out there and let the fur fly! Here are seven pet friendly fall activities guaranteed to keep the tails wagging through winter!

Yard Work:
As cliché as it might seem, it’s really hard to beat the classics. Whether you’re planting or picking from your garden, or you’re just finally admitting that those leaves aren’t going to rake themselves, anyone with a yard has a great place for instant puppy playtime. You may be only out there to work, but with all the sights, sounds, and smells that Autumn brings, it’s practically an amusement park for your pooch.

Hiking:
Hiking through scenic terrain is like being in the yard times twenty for your dog. A challenging trail will have the added benefit of tiring out you and your dog. This means, that once you get home, you can both curl up by the fire. Just make sure that your dog is up to date on his pet meds, since wooded areas tend to harbor lots of fleas and ticks. But once that’s taken care of, there’s nothing like the great outdoors for lifting the spirits feeding the soul.

Jogging:
Now there are plenty of us that don’t mind hitting the open road regardless of the weather. But with that full time fur coat in mind, the cool autumn air is perfect for pounding the pavement with your pal. With your two legs versus his four, you might have a hard time keeping up, but the exercise will be priceless, and running is always more fun with friends.

Outdoor Sports:
Baseball may be a sport for the boys of summer, but a baseball being tossed in the air is something your dog will dig year round. Along with tennis balls, handballs, Frisbees, sticks, and pretty much anything you can throw that they can retrieve is a good sport for your dog. Even a game of football between you and a few bros is a great excuse for your dog to run around with you. And speaking of football…

Tailgating:
Fellas, you have now crossed the threshold. We’re talking the ultimate in man-time here. Steaks, burgers, hot-dogs, chicken, ribs,sausages, peppers, onions, a grill, and loads of sauce during a football game; who better to share this slice of guy heaven with, than man’s best friend? As long as you’re mindful of your dog’s specific dietary needs, nothing says treat for him like a little something off the grill while he’s getting his head rubbed while wearing his custom jersey. But why stop there?

Halloween Parades:
A seasonal costume parade is truly, a Fall activity that the whole family can enjoy! A quick Google search can provide you and yours with a laundry list of neighborhood costume contest for best-dressed doggy. Normally there are different themes to choose from, and as long as you don’t mind embarrassing your buddy, everyone can have fun. It’s a fun chance to take a walk, and meet new people and dogs, all with a little something extra. Let’s just hope he doesn’t decide to take it out on your shoes!

Fall Festivals:
Like parades and hikes, fall festivals offer a great chance to take a walk and socialize. Beyond the added exercise, the combination of new people, new dogs, and food-trucks will have your dog’s nose working overtime. Some of the crowds that pack these festivals won’t be the easiest for the larger sized dogs to maneuver through, so this one may be a little size sensitive, as far as breeds are concerned, especially in the bigger cities. A quick online search will still roll out a ton of options that will provide a good time for both you and your four legged companion.

Guest Post Author: Jackie Roberts is a writer for 1-800-PetMeds, and loves to help and support the pet community. You can find Pet Meds on Twitter or connect with Pet Meds on YouTube.