Festive Fall Activities for You and Your Pet
**Please respect your local public safety regulations and practice social distancing by putting space between yourself and others. Continue to practice healthy habits to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Remember to clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces, stay home if you’re sick and avoid touching your face. Learn more about staying safe and healthy at cdc.gov/covid19**
#1: Pumpkin & Apple Picking
Your pup would happily traipse in a pumpkin patch or apple orchard with you, help you find your way out of the corn maze, and want some pumpkin and apple treats of his own. It’s a quintessential autumn tradition that you can spend with your fur kid—just make sure the farm is dog friendly before you head out.
Photo: @odievonzamok, Instagram.com
#2: Pumpkin Carving
After your orchard trip, get your pumpkin-carving supplies ready! Try your hand at creating a carving of your dog, or keep it simple with just a paw print. Your dog would certainly appreciate some pumpkin scraps to nosh on while you’re getting the job done.
Photo: burritoqueen13, Instagram.com
#3: Halloween Movie Marathon
There are a ton of Halloween classics that feature dog and cat characters that your pet can appreciate: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Scooby-Doo, Frankenweenie, and Hocus Pocus, to name a few. Plus, this is the perfect Halloween activity for pets who want to pass on the trick-or-treating hubbub. If your dog or cat gets stressed out by the doorbell, leave a bowl of candy out on your stoop so you can snuggle in peace!
Photo: Diego Cervo, Shutterstock.com
#4: Costume Party
What better way to show off your pup’s Halloween costume than a dog-friendly costume party? You can invite some of his canine friends—have them bob for apples and award a prize to the best-dressed pup–human duo. Peruse the latest costume trends for Halloween and get the pawty started!
Photo: Ezzolo, Shutterstock.com
#5: Fall Foliage Hike
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year—a perfect time to become one with nature and appreciate its autumn colors, earthy smells, crisp air, and serenity. Your fur kid will appreciate getting out and trotting through the wilderness, too. Just make sure he’s protected from fleas and ticks before you venture out.
Photo: Jaclyn Ix
#6: Backyard Fun
Why not add some fun to your yard work? Bring your dog outside to romp around the leaves with you. There’s nothing like watching the pure joy of a dog who’s plunging into a fluffy pile of leaves, sniffing out his favorite toy beneath the colorful pile, or chasing around a rogue leaf or two blowing in the wind. This also makes for some fun photo and video opportunities.
Photo: Jaclyn Ix