Falling in Love with Fall in Virginia: Activities and Tips for Making The Most of the Season

Fall is a wonderful season to enjoy with your dog, with the upcoming cooler weather and beautiful colors making it perfect for outdoor fun. To help you get ready for the heat to pass and the season to change, here are some great fall activities and health tips that work well for dog owners like us in Virginia!

Enjoying Fall Outdoors with Your Dog

The crisp air and falling leaves invite us to spend more time outside. Dogs love exploring new smells and sights, and fall offers plenty of those. Here are some fun ways to make the most of this season with your dog:

• Go on Leaf-Peeping Walks

Virginia is famous for its stunning fall foliage, and what better place to see the colors than our parks? Shenandoah is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the US, with hundreds of miles of trails where you can both enjoy the colorful leaves without overheating! If that's too far, switch up the usual walk routine and take your dog on a walk through local parks for some novel scents.

• Visit a Pumpkin Patch...

Many farms in Virginia welcome dogs and have pumpkin patches open in the fall. Check out places such as F.T. Valley Farm, Marker-Miller Orchards, or Depaul's Urban Farm! It’s a great chance for your dog to explore new surroundings and for you to pick out pumpkins for decorating or cooking.

• ... and Make Pumpkin Treats!  

Pumpkin is a tasty snack for dogs that is low-calorie and high in fiber, making it a great addition to your pup's diet. Add some pumpkin puree to their usual food, or use it as an ingredient for some fun homemade treats!

• Try Nose Work Games  

Don't have time for an outing? No worries - you don't have to leave home for your dog to enjoy some fall enrichment! Hiding treats or toys in leaves or around the yard for your dog to find taps into their natural sniffing instincts and provides valuable mental stimulation. A good sniffing sesh can be just as tiring as a long walk!

Penny (@lifeisgolden_penny on IG) enjoying the pumpkins at Depaul's Urban Farm

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Healthy This Fall

Fall brings some unique challenges for dog health and safety. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe as the season changes:

• Watch for Seasonal Allergies

Just like people, dogs can have allergies to things common in the fall such as mold, pollen, and even dead leaves. If your dog is scratching more than usual, licking at their paws, or has watery eyes, check with your vet for allergy relief options.

• Protect Against Ticks and Fleas

Ticks are most active during the summer, but can be around until temps drop into the 30s, so it's important to use a reliable tick and flea prevention product year-round. Check your dog’s coat after outdoor time, especially around the ears, neck, and paws.

• Keep Your Dog Visible

As days start to shorten, walks may be in low light more often, and darker-colored dogs can quickly become hard to see. Use reflective collars, leashes, or LED lights to keep your dog visible to drivers, cyclists, and other dogs out with their people.

Preparing for Winter Starts in Fall

Fall is the perfect time to get ready for colder months ahead. Here are some tips to prepare your dog for winter:

• Check on Wintertime Plans 

The weeks around Christmas and New Years are one of the most popular times of year to travel. If you're thinking of going out of town for the holidays, or already have plans, reach out to us ASAP to get your dog's care booked! This time period fills up fast, so getting in touch early takes one thing off your plate before the pre-travel chaos starts.

• Prepare to Use Winter Gear

If your dog has a thin coat or is small, a warm jacket can make outdoor time more comfortable. Booties are a great way to protect your pup's paws from ice and road salt, so now's the time to start working on some desensitizing training!

Fall is coming up soon, and it's a wonderful season to enjoy with your dog: full of fresh air, colorful sights, and fun activities. By keeping both fun and safety in mind, you can make this season one of the best times to bond with your furry friend.

Also, if you'll be heading away from home to celebrate Thanksgiving, give us a shout! We'd be more than happy to handle dog care for you, and reaching out sooner rather than later helps us to help you best.