Five Awesome Autumn Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog

And just like that, summer is over. It’s finally fall y’all, and we couldn’t be more excited! Crisp sweater weather, colorful leaves, comfort foods, football, the holidays – what’s not to love about the fall season? Of course, there’s also no shortage of fun fall things to do with your dog – both indoors and outdoors. Here are five of our favorite autumn activities to help you make the most of the days and months ahead.

Prepare for the Season

Getting ready for the change in the seasons can be just as fun as any of the activities you’ll partake in over the next few months. You’ll most likely get a new fall ‘do, update your wardrobe with comfy clothes, and do whatever else to help you get into the fall spirit, right? Well, don’t forget to get your furry friend prepped for the new season as well.

Maybe start with some routine grooming to get them looking and feeling their best for the new season. Perhaps treat them to a deluxe spa day. New ‘do, trimmed nails, the works, you know? The summer sun and heat can really do a number on your dog’s coat, paws and skin, so don’t skimp on pampering them to the extreme.

After you have them all cleaned up, make a list of fall essentials, and take that pup shopping. Yes, they do need that sweater and hoodie – maybe even the booties too. What about new blankets and bedding to keep them cozy on chilly nights? Of course. And if their toys took a beating over the summer, you might want to retire those and get some new ones. Psst! ZippyPaws has a Pumpkin Spice Latte in its Fall collection.

Jump in a Pile Leaves

Jumping into a big pile of colorful and crunchy leaves is a quintessential fall activity. And it’s a heck of a lot of fun too. It provides a great sensory experience for your dog, plus it gets you both outside for a little fresh air and exercise. Just make sure your leaf piles are freshly raked, dry and free from harmful debris. And of course, take the necessary precautions to protect your dog from fleas and ticks. 

To get you revved up for leafy fun, watch this exciting video from Dog Named Stella! You won’t be disappointed!

Celebrate Oktoberfest

Many cities across the United States host pet-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations each year that you can attend with your dog. When Googling Oktoberfest events nearby, you may also want to search for “Barktoberfest” celebrations, as that’s what the doggos call it! From dachshund races to fashion shows and howl-deling & trick contests, there are many Oktoberfest activities that your pup can enjoy as much as you do! All they need is an adorable Oktoberfest costume costume and their favorite Happy Hour Crusherz beersies! Just remember to squeak responsibly!

Get Spooky for Halloween

For many of us, the arrival of fall means one thing – Spooky Season! Arguably the best part of autumn, Halloween offers lots of frighteningly fun things you can do with your dog. The first thing you should do is decide on a costume. If you’re crafty, creating a DIY costume – or matching costumes – could make for a fun bonding experience. If you would rather purchase a ready-made costume, you can easily transform your pup into Dracula or a Witch with a ZippyPaws Halloween Costume Kit. Just look how heckin’ spooky they make our beloved Birdie!

If your dog isn’t keen on wearing a costume, don’t force them – just treat them to a spooky ZippyPaws Halloween toy they can carry around with them.

After you have your costumes picked out, plan some spooktacular activities to do with your furry little monster. Many of the traditional activities that humans partake in at Halloween can also be enjoyed with your dog. You can go trick-or-treating, host a pet-friendly Halloween party, visit haunted attractions, trick the neighbor’s cat, or simply stay in and have a horror movie marathon. In addition to the more traditional activities, many organizations host pet-friendly Halloween events that both you and your pet will enjoy. Check with your local pet store, rescue, veterinarian, and community calendar to find pet-friendly parades, costume contests, and treats near you!

Host a Potluck Playdate

Fall brings with it Thanksgiving, which usually involves gathering around the table with friends and family. But you don’t have to wait until Turkey Day to enjoy the traditional festivities that surround the holiday. And with fall temperatures arriving, it’s the perfect time for hosting an outside gathering where your guests can bring their dogs. A potluck playdate is an easy and stress-free way to get everyone together to celebrate the season. Fall is also football season, so you could fire up the grill and host a tail-wagging tailgate party. You could even host a backyard pizza & movie night on the lawn – screen and projector rentals are available through companies like FunFlicks.

Now go out there and have some cool autumn fun! And remember to tag us in your photos so we can see how you are enjoying the season! Stay safe, everyone!