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How to Make the Most Out of Fall With Your Pup

Cooler days, leaves falling and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING means fall is here! As you trade your flip flops in for boots, it’s time to start planning those fall activities that allow you to get the most out of that fresh, crisp autumn air. As your calendar starts to fill up with activities, don’t forget that fall can be one of the best seasons to bring your dog with you on those fall adventures! With the summer heat behind us, Fido will love getting some cooler air into his lungs while running into that huge leaf pile that took you thirty minutes to rake up. 

Check out our 5 activities for fall that can include your favorite canine companion so everyone can partake in the cooler outdoor temperatures.

1. Trick-or-Treating: This holiday doesn’t have to be just for the kids! If your pup is comfortable with wearing clothes or can tolerate having things on them, have fun dressing them up and taking them with you to trick-or-treat with the kids. If you’re staying home to hand out candy, you can still dress your pup up but make sure to have some dog treats on hand for your furry friends that come to the door that night! 

2. Go Pumpkin Picking: A pumpkin patch can be another great way to get your and your pup outside to enjoy some fresh air. You’ll have to check with your local pumpkin patches, but most have been found to let dogs help you pick out your pumpkins in the patch! Another added bonus from this outing is that pumpkin is also something your dog can eat with added benefits. You can add some pumpkin puree to your dog's diet as it helps with digestion and is full of fiber. Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam, PA allows dogs on the farm premises - in the corn maze, sunflower fields and pumpkin patch. Dog owners are required to have your pup on a leash, be people friendly and appropriately clean up after your dog.

3. Go on a Ghost Tour: Nothing says spooky season like some good old haunted places and urban legends about ghosts! Check out Ghost Tour of Lancaster for a pet-friendly tour that is open year round. This tour takes place in downtown Lancaster city where you can explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities. Fido will get some great exercise while you get to experience some new spooky facts about your area.

4. Outdoor Sights: Grab a light sweater, a leash and your best furry friend to head to some local shopping areas that are outside and pet-friendly. Take a walk around Kitchen Kettle Village and stop at Paw Prints for some fall accessories for Fido, or head to Stoudtburg Village for plenty of grassy areas and pet-friendly stores for you and Fido to browse. Both places offer great walking areas for you and your pup to roam while window browsing and taking in that cool, crisp autumn air. This is also a chance to visit some pet-friendly breweries, such as Spring House Brewing Company on Hazel Street in Lancaster. You can find Dalton’s Doggie Deck, where four-legged friends are encouraged to come hang out while their humans relax with a cold one. Fresh water and treats are always on hand as well for all canine friends!

5. Take the Scenic Route: As the leaves change color and the scenery takes on hues of red, orange and gold, grab your pup and go for a ride, taking the scenic route of course! Dogs love car rides, so roll the windows down and let Fido sniff those new scents while taking in some new scenery. After you take that beautiful drive through winding roads and trees, find a dog-friendly trail and let Fido walk the rest of the scenic route to grab some of that fresh, crisp autumn air while burning some energy. Hikes in the fall can be some of the best times to get outside and explore the changing colors while not sweating and taking in the landscape. Check out some trails in and around Lancaster at TrailLink to find some dog-friendly hikes. 

Whether you’re pumped for getting outside in cooler weather or enjoy pumpkin spice and everything that’s flavorfully nice in the fall season, there are lots of autumnal activities that can include man’s best friend. So grab that extra layer, put on some walking boots, leash up Fido and find a new adventure in the crisp, cool air!

*** Finding that your weekends are filling up but leaving Fido activity-less during the week? No worries! Let Going Mutts Pet Services, LLC help you out during the week to make sure all of Fido’s physical needs are being met. Daily dog walks are a great way to let your best furry friend blow off some energy, especially now that the summer heat has gone and the more comfortable weather starts to set in. Contact us for a FREE Meet ‘n Greet to help put together a customizable plan to let your fur friend get the exercise they need while you are away at the office. ***

Sources:

https://dogtime.com/lifestyle/dog-activities/44269-7-fun-things-dog-fall

https://www.nylabone.com/dog101/10-autumn-dog-activities