Embrace the season outdoors: woodland walks at dusk are magical and stimulating for curious noses
Subscribe & Save
Subscribe & Save
Fun Autumn Activities for Dogs
It’s official: autumn is here. And while the season brings fun traditions and beautiful crisp leaves, it also comes with its fair share of rain, chilly days, and muddy footpaths. Let’s be honest – as much as we love those cosy sweater days, it can get a little messy out there!
But who says our dogs can't enjoy this season as much as we do? While they might not mind getting wet or muddy (okay, they probably love it), it’s always fun to switch things up with some different autumn activities to keep them entertained. So, if you're looking for some paw-some autumn activities to enjoy with your furry friend that don't involve soggy walks, keep reading!
Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin picking is one of the best autumn activities to enjoy with your dog! It’s not just about finding the perfect pumpkin for carving, but also giving your pup a chance to explore all the new sights and scents. Dogs love sniffing around, and a pumpkin patch is a treasure trove of new smells, from the fresh pumpkins to the earthy scents of fall. It’s the perfect way to spend time together outdoors, away from muddy footpaths and rainy parks.
Not to mention, pumpkin picking is a great social activity where your dog might meet other puppy pals. While you’re busy choosing the best pumpkin, your furry friend will have a blast wandering around and taking in the festive fall atmosphere. And if you're looking for the best spots to take your dog, don’t miss our blog on the Top 10 Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patches in the UK for even more inspiration.
Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin carving isn't just for humans—it’s one of the most fun autumn activities for dogs too! While you’re busy carving out your spookiest design, your pup can get in on the action by “helping” with the pumpkin mess. Chances are, they’ll love gobbling up any scraps that drop to the floor! Just make sure they only eat the flesh of the pumpkin, as the stem, skin, and raw seeds can be harder for dogs to digest.
The fun doesn’t stop there. You can use the leftover pumpkin innards to make tasty dog treats! Puree the flesh and freeze it in our selections of WOOOF Pupsicles or pour it into a Treat Dispenser Tray for a long-lasting snack. While you’re making a mess, your dog will be happily occupied with their own pumpkin-filled treat, making pumpkin carving a perfect addition to your list of autumn activities for both of you.
Pumpkin Pie Baking
Now you’ve got all that leftover pumpkin after enjoying autumn activities like pumpkin picking and carving, why not put them to good use and do some baking! It’s not just us that can enjoy autumn treats, our pups deserve to indulge in some tasty autumnal baking too. As part of your autumn activities list, why not whip up a dog-friendly pumpkin pie that’s as healthy as it is delicious? Here's a simple recipe you can follow!
Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pureed pumpkin (fresh or canned, no added sugar)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of plain yoghurt or unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pureed pumpkin, egg, yoghurt, and melted coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and cinnamon until the mixture forms a smooth batter.
- Grease a mini pie tin or muffin tin and pour the mixture evenly into the mould.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pie sets and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool before serving to your dog. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to five days.
Pumpkin Spice Puppuccino
Another one of our most popular autumn activities for dogs is the pumpkin spice puppuccino. This is basically a dog-friendly version of the popular pumpkin spice latte, designed specifically for our furry friends. While certain well-known coffee shops may offer their own versions, it’s way more fun (and healthier) to make it yourself at home, especially with all that leftover fresh pumpkin from carving. Trust us, your pup will be tail-wagglingly grateful for your efforts! Here’s a simple recipe to whip up your own pumpkin spiced puppuccino:
Pumpkin Spiced Puppuccino Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh pumpkin puree (blend the pumpkin flesh from carving)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare the pumpkin puree: After carving your pumpkin, blend the leftover flesh until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little water.
- In a small bowl, mix the pumpkin puree with the Greek yogurt until well combined.
- Add the unsweetened coconut milk or water to achieve your desired consistency. It should be a little frothy, like a real puppuccino!
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin powder for added goodness!
- Serve it to your dog in a small cup or bowl and watch them lap it up!
Trick or Treat at Home
Bring the spooky fun of trick-or-treating home to your dog this Halloween but with a twist! Instead of knocking on doors for sweets and chocolate, your pup will be earning their treats by doing tricks. This playful version of "Trick or Treat at Home" is a fantastic way to include your furry friend in your autumn activities while keeping them engaged and entertained.
Start by teaching your dog some new tricks whether it’s “spin,” “roll over,” or a classic “paw”, then reward their efforts with tasty treats. The more tricks they master, the more treats they earn! To add an extra layer of fun, consider using a dog treat dispenser toy. This encourages your dog to think critically as they work to release the treats themselves, making it an excellent way to incorporate autumn activities that stimulate both their body and mind.
Some of our favourite spooky-themed dog treat dispensers for the season include the Glow-in-the-Dark Skull Chew Toy and the Jack-O-Lantern Chew Toy from SodaPup. These toys can be filled with your dog’s favourite snacks, providing hours of interactive fun while you enjoy your own Halloween treats.
Halloween Photo Shoot
Is there anything cuter than seeing our pups all dressed up for the holidays? Halloween is the perfect excuse to dress up our furry friends in adorable costumes and indulging them in another one of our autumn activities. Not only will you create some unforgettable memories, but a photo shoot can also strengthen the bond between you and your pup, making it an enjoyable experience for both of you.
Imagine your dog dressed as a charming little Dracula, complete with a flowing cape, bat ears, and a cuddly coffin toy to complete the look. Or picture them as a whimsical Witch, sporting a pointed hat, magical broom, and a cauldron toy by their side. These costumes not only add a festive flair to your photos but also highlight your dog’s personality in a fun and creative way!
It’s essential to ensure your dog is comfortable in their costume. If they show signs of discomfort (you can find helpful tips on recognising these signs in our blog), you might prefer to keep fancy dress to a minimum. Instead, consider cute accessories like our Skull and Pumpkin Bandanas that provide a festive touch without overwhelming your pup.
Woodland Walk at Dusk
A woodland walk at dusk is one of the most enchanting autumn activities you can enjoy with your dog. As the sun begins to set, the soft light filters through the trees and creates a magical ambiance that transforms the woods into a serene retreat. The crisp, cool air carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves, invigorating both you and your furry friend as you explore the winding trails together.
This time of year, the woods come alive with vibrant colours, smells and the gentle rustle of leaves underfoot, making it a sensory delight for your pup. They can happily sniff out the various scents left by wildlife and revel in the excitement of the changing season. Plus, walking during dusk means you can enjoy the quieter atmosphere, often encountering fewer people, which can make for a more relaxed experience for both you and your dog.
Autumn & Halloween Dog Toys
The autumn season is also a great time to refresh your dog’s toy collection. New toys spark your dog's curiosity and excitement, making playtime feel like a fun adventure, so introducing fresh toys as part your autumn activities itinerary encourages engagement and can even help alleviate boredom during the colder months when outdoor activities may be limited.
One fantastic option is the Halloween Burrow Coffin with Ghosts, a spook-tacular toy that combines playtime with enrichment. This interactive set comes with a plush coffin and a handful of cheeky little ghost toys hidden inside, ready for your pup to sniff out and “rescue.”
Dog snuffle toys like this are the perfect way to engage your dog’s natural instincts to burrow, dig and uncover hidden treasures, keeping them happily entertained for hours. Not only does it provide mental stimulation and satisfy their curiosity, but it’s also super cute to watch as your furry friend pulls ghost after ghost from the coffin.
For those tough chewers, we recommend the Halloween Headstone MKB Nylon Tough Chew Toy, a frightfully fun favourite that’s built to last. Crafted from super-durable nylon, this toy can withstand even the most determined gnashers, making it ideal for dogs who usually destroy softer toys in seconds.
Shaped like a spooky headstone, it adds a seasonal twist to your pup’s toy collection while giving them a safe and satisfying outlet for their natural chewing instincts. Chewing not only helps keep boredom at bay, but it also promotes dental health by gently cleaning teeth and massaging gums.
If your pup loves squeaky toys, the Halloween Skeleton Colossal Buddie is guaranteed to become their new spooky-season sidekick. This skeleton is not only soft and cuddly but also packed with squeakers that make playtime extra exciting.
The playful squeaks keep dogs entertained and engaged, encouraging interactive fun that satisfies their hunting instincts. So no matter whether your pup wants to shake it silly during the day or curl up with their bony buddy at night, this skeleton is a fang-tastic choice for Halloween and beyond.
Lastly, the Canele Soft Snuffle Enrichment Toy is a must-have for pups who love a tasty challenge. This cleverly designed soft pumpkin allows you to hide treats or dried dog food inside, turning snack time into an exciting game of sniff-and-seek.
As your dog noses, snuffles and digs to uncover their hidden goodies, they’re not just having fun but also exercising their brain, sharpening problem-solving skills and satisfying their natural foraging instincts.
Conclusion: Autumn Activities for Dogs
As we embrace the cosy vibes of autumn, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of fun autumn activities to keep our furry friends entertained and stimulated! From thrilling pumpkin carving sessions that lead to tasty treats to enchanting woodland walks at dusk, each activity is an opportunity for bonding and exploration. And let’s not forget the delight of dressing up our pups for a Halloween photo shoot or engaging them in trick-or-treat games at home.
These autumn activities are not just enjoyable, but they also enrich our dogs’ lives, keeping their minds active and their spirits high. And if you need more ideas, check out the WOOOF Halloween Collection! It features all our favourite autumn and Halloween-inspired dog enrichment toys, treats, and goodies that are sure to make your pup howl with delight. Now without further ado, get out there and start enjoying some autumn activities with your pooch!
Pumpkin picking is a must: and that includes picking, carving and baking, all of which offers seasonal enrichment for your pup
Get creative with treats: from pumpkin pies to puppuccinos, there are so many autumn flavours that can be dog-friendly
Enjoy some dress up time: costumes and photo shoots are adorable, but just make sure to put your pup's comfort first
Switch up playtime: swap out some of their usual toys for autumn dog toys, snuffle games and trick-for-treat at home.
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
If you liked this blog, you'll also like...
10 Best Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patches in the UK
Ingredient Deep Dive: Pumpkin for Dogs
6 super fun Easter enrichment activities for dogs
What are the benefits of pumpkin for dogs?
Pumpkin is a fantastic treat for dogs, and it comes with plenty of benefits! It’s packed with fibre, helping to keep your pup’s digestion on track and is loaded with vitamins A and C to boost your dog's immune system and supports their eyesight. Plus, it’s low in calories, making it a guilt-free snack! You can get creative by making homemade pumpkin treats using Pumpkin Puree or raw pumpkin and freezing it into Pupsicles and Treat Dispensers for a fun autumn snack.
Is it safe for dogs to wear Halloween costumes?
Yes, it’s safe for dogs to wear Halloween costumes, but supervision is key! Always keep an eye on your pup to ensure they’re not chewing or swallowing any parts of the costume that could be harmful. Additionally, if your dog shows any signs of stress like excessive panting, hiding, or trying to escape, it's best to ditch the witch's hat for this year. Remember, the goal is for your furry friend to enjoy the festivities without any fuss.
How can I prepare my dog for Halloween night?
Preparing your dog in advance for Halloween night can help ensure a fun and stress-free experience for you both. First, create a safe space for your pup away from the doorbell and the commotion. Consider using a cosy room with their favourite toys and treats and make sure your dog is well-exercised before the trick-or-treaters arrive. A nice walk can help burn off some energy and help them relax and sleep during all the Halloween madness. Finally, keep some tasty treats on hand to reward your pup for being calm and well-behaved during the festivities.
