12 Ways to Celebrate Fall with your Dog

It’s thrilling to see the seasons change, and to get a break from the heat and humidity of summer. Fall brings in the crisp air, leaves changing colors, and a wave of everything pumpkin spice. The new season is even better with a dog by your side. Here are 8 ways to celebrate autumn with your dog that will help you get into the fall spirit. 

Carve Your Dog Into a Pumpkin

Every fall we do a night of pumpkin carving and scary movie watching (shout out to Hocus Pocus and Scream, two of our favorites).

This fun night means great fall decor and a snack, when we place our finished pieces in our window and roast the pumpkin seeds.

Google printable dog pumpkin stencils and find your favorite breed, or free hand it if you dare. 

Do a Fall Themed Photoshoot

Once autumn comes around you won’t have to worry about your dog getting overheated or sunburnt.

Celebrate with a fall themed photoshoot! Grab a pumpkin, a plaid bow tie or bandana, and some leaves.

Here’s Boogie’s shoot from this year – doesn’t he look dapper?

Visit Your Local Farmers’ Market

We love to spend the weekend roaming around our local farmers’ market and checking out all of the fresh produce and craft products.

Pick up a bushel of autumn flowers and a basket of organic apples. You’re sure to see pumpkins and hot apple cider vendors pop up, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some fresh cider doughnuts. Delicious. 

Watch the Leaves Change Color and Jump in a Pile

Who doesn’t want to leaf-peep when mother nature is putting on her best show?

Head to a park to check out the vibrant foliage that comes with the changing seasons.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find a leaf pile for your pup to romp in. 

Make Some Fall Themed Treats

Who says your dog can’t enjoy a little pumpkin spice too? They’ll do zoomies over pumpkin and apple flavored treats this season.

Whip up a batch of our favorite Super Simple Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats, and wash it all down with a free puppuccino from Starbucks. 

Dress Up For Halloween

Dogs in costumes are some of the best things about Halloween.

You can buy a costume online, in store, or DIY one if you’re the creative type.

Always be sure your pup is comfortable and there are exit holes (in case they have to go!).

Check local listings for Halloween parades to march in, or dog Halloween parties to attend. 

Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is up there as one of the best fall activities.

What’s not to love? There’s apple cider, apple pie, and apple cider doughnuts!

Many orchards are dog-friendly, so you’re free to roam the fields and pick the best looking apples with your favorite pup. Take a hay ride and see if your pooch can figure out the corn maze to finish out the day. 

If you’re in the New York City area, check out our list of dog-friendly apple picking orchards that are nearby. 

Buy Some Fall Themed Outfits

Celebrate the start of sweater weather with a new sweater!

Get your pup some new gear in beautiful fall colors, like mustard yellow, deep reds, and golden orange. Throw in a plaid bow tie or a bandana. Top it all off with a  newsboy cap and you’re good to go. 

Get Hygge With It

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish and Norwegian word used to describe the Scandinavian concept of coziness. It’s the perfect heavy blanket, the perfect thick socks, or the perfectly plump pup snoring on your chest.

As the crisp Fall air comes rolling in, getting hygge with it should be high on your list! 

Get hygge with a cup of cocoa by the fire with your pup, or by snuggling under a blanket together with a good book. Other cozy ways to get hygge include:

• Lighting a nicely scented candle.
• Throw blankets galore – one in every room!
• Sipping hot cups of tea, mulled wine, or cocoa.
• Spending time with your pup in a nook or your favorite armchair. 

Go on a Hike

Enjoy a hike through the fall foliage, now that the temperature has dropped. You won’t have to worry about your dog overheating, and your pup will enjoy the sounds and smells of the great outdoors.

Find a dog-friendly mountain and hit the trails. Don’t forget the treats, water, and poop bags!

Visit a Winery

Wineries, with their rolling hills, cheese platters, and delicious booze, are a great place to relax and spend time with your dog.

A scenic vineyard is a great place to spend the afternoon. If you’re lucky, there’ll be live music and food trucks to go with your bold reds and chilly whites. 

If you’re around New York City, check out these dog-friendly wineries in the Hudson Valley. 

Go Camping

Smores, and campfires, and beanies, oh my!

Put on your best plaid, grab a long scarf and a puffy vest, and pitch a tent while you camp outside. 

How do you like to celebrate fall with your dog? Let us know in the comments!

Related: Year Of The Dog: 52 Weeks Of Dog-Friendly Activities

Related: The Dog Days of Fall

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