Fall (or autumn as they say in the UK) is just around the corner, and while the leaves will still fall as they always do, this year the season will be different due to the pandemic. This means activities you might normally enjoy, such as large meet-ups and dog walks with fellow pet parents, may be restricted or altogether canceled.
But that only means you will have to get a little creative when it comes to having fun this fall.
Now, veterinarian Devon Smith put together a list of seven ideas for some fun activities to do with your dog during the autumn season.
- Visit a pumpkin patch
Searching for the perfect pumpkin is also a great way to take your pet for a walk. The dirt is soft on their paws, and farms are often spread over several acres where you can remain socially distant from others.
- Carve pumpkins in the shape of your pet (and give them a pumpkin treat)
Let your pet be your muse. After you are done choosing your pumpkins, try carving them in the shape of your pet’s face or body shape. This might be easier if you have a strangely shaped dog (think corgis or dachshunds), but the challenge is worth it in the end. Black cats are traditionally included in Halloween decorations, so you may be able to find a stencil for your feline friend. As a bonus, you can also give your dog a nice pumpkin treat.
- Get lost in a corn maze
In addition to pumpkin patches, farms often offer corn mazes during the fall months. Everyone completes these mazes at their own pace, so as long as you courteously walk past people in between the corn rows, you should be able to walk your pet and social distance in the fresh autumn air.
- Take a walk in nature
One of the best features of the fall season is the colorful leaves. Go for a hike in the forest and appreciate the beautiful nature around you. Just beware of poisonous plants and slippery hillsides as you walk your dog through the wilderness.
- Pick apples and make apple cider
Dogs can eat apples as a sweet treat. Bring them to an apple orchard to help sniff around for the perfect apples, and then experiment with recipes when you get home. Apple cider, apple pie, apple sauce, try it all before cozying up on the couch to enjoy a movie night after a long day’s work.
- Take a road trip to a warmer area
If you are not a fan of colder weather, there are plenty of places within the US that don’t get too chilly during the fall. Pack up your pet (assuming they enjoy car rides) and hit the road for a drive somewhere that feels like summer all the time. Or if you live in a colder country, such as the UK, you can always head to the warmest place in the country.
- Play backyard American football (or another sport)
Fall means football in the USA, and whether your favorite team ends up playing this year or not, you can always enjoy the sport in the comfort and safety of your backyard. Teach your pet how to catch with an appropriately sized football or chase each other around the yard to see who can hold the ball the longest. Of course, depending on where you are, you can always play another sport, such as frisbee or soccer (football).
The key is to not let social distancing ruin your schedule this fall. Despite the new rules, there’s still plenty to enjoy this season with your pets.
