10 Ways to Celebrate Fall with Your Dogs

September 22 marks the first day of fall (also known as Autumn Equinox). As the seasons shift to cooler weather, it's the perfect time to pack up your pups and head to the hills to enjoy pet-friendly festivals and colorful fall foliage. 

Here are a few of our favorite ways to bid adieu to summer and welcome the cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage.

1. Visit an Apple Orchard, Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze

This is the time of year to get outdoors with your dog. Fresh apples are on the menu! Check out the local farms in your region to find the best apples of the year.

Most farms are pet-friendly, as long as your dog is on a leash, but be sure to call ahead and find out before you show up. Our 6-ft swivel slip leads are ideal for a day at the farm!

10 Ways to Celebrate Fall with Dogs | Mendota Pet

2. Explore the Beaches

The busy beaches have long since been abandoned and in most cases (especially in the north), those beautiful beach sands and rocky shorelines are ideal for a long lead that gives your dogs plenty of leeway to explore. Our 15’ long snap leads are ideal for wide open areas.  

There are many incredible pet-friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts, and more that will welcome your leashed pets to their cabins.

3. Rake Fall Leaves

The leaves are falling and it’s tough to keep up. A little extra motivation can be had if your dog is in love with leaf piles. Rake up a pile and toss your dog’s favorite toy into the middle of the pile.

The best part of raking leaves is re-raking leaves after your dog has destroyed the pile! Stella demonstrates...

   

4. Carve a Pumpkin That Looks Like Your Dog

After you’ve visited the local pumpkin patch, it’s time to carve your pumpkins. There are thousands of designs available and you can even make your own by converting a photo of your dog into a template.

If you’re not quite skilled enough to create your own template, you can download one for free at Better Homes & Gardens.

5. Enjoy DOGtoberfest

DOGtoberfest takes place each October in taverns around the world. Join in the fun by attending an event hosted by your favorite local brewery, or attend one of the many DOGtoberfest adoption events around the nation.

What better way to celebrate fall than by bringing a new dog into your life?

6. Make Pumpkin Treats

No matter how accomplished you are as a baker, you know that your dog will appreciate the effort. These are some fun recipes to make that your dogs will love. Choose from Meatball Mania, Pumpkin Soup or even a delicious pumpkin pretzel!

dog-friendly pumpkin soup 

7. Decorate the Yard

Show off your love of all-things-dog with family-friendly decor designed to get anyone in the Halloween mood. 

These are some fun ways to decorate your yard with pet-themed Halloween horror. 

dog-themed-halloween

8. Plan A Tailgating Party

Start planning your first tail-gating party! There are plenty of ways for your dogs to join in - just make sure you keep it safe and that you never leave your dogs unattended.

These pet-friendly tailgating tips will ensure your tailgating party success! 

9. Prepare for Winter Sports

From cross-country skiing to skijoring, there are plenty of winter activities for you and your dog to share. Remember that very young and senior dogs can have problems in cold weather, so plan to protect paws and pets during the cooler temps.

Senior dogs will especially benefit from supplements like Glucosamine to help support achy joints. 

10. Treat Your Dog to a Puppuccino

Pumpkin spice is here and no matter your feelings about all-things-pumpkin-spiced mantra of fall, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a treat with your pet. Many coffee houses (like Starbucks) offer free Puppuccinos (you need only request one) that your pup can enjoy while you sip on your favorite frothy hot drink.

Ask your local coffee shop what their pet-friendly specials are and remember to keep your traffic lead handy while you’re on the patio.

No matter what your plans, make sure you keep you and your dogs safe by keeping them on a reliable lead.

Keep your friends close. Keep your best friends closer...