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 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 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.

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!

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.

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:

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Finally, why not get into the spirit of Halloween with the WOOOF "SPOOK-tacular" Gift Bundle, packed with everything you need to create an autumn-inspired treat for your dog that’s both delicious and long-lasting! This bundle is perfect for incorporating some fun autumn activities into your dog’s routine while ensuring they enjoy tasty, nutritious snacks.

The bundle includes a Purple SodaPup Honey Pot featuring the innovative Pup-X material and some of Denzel's Turkey Bones made with natural, low-calorie ingredients, including turkey, pumpkin, and apple. We’ve also thrown in some Furr Boost Venison, made with human-grade ingredients and the finest quality meat, vegetables, and fruits, enriched with oils and vitamins for a nutritious boost and WOOOF’s Own 100% Natural Duck Feet, air-dried with no additives or preservatives. Unusure how to bring all these goodies together? Follow our go-to method below:

Suggested Method:

• Take the Honey Pot and shake in the Furr Boost. You can optionally add a bit of your dog's dinner (kibble, wet, fresh, or raw food).
• Carefully pour in the Furr Boost, leaving some room for extra volume.
• Pop in a few Denzel Treats for added flavour!
• Place in the WOOOF Own duck’s foot for an extra crunch.
• Freeze for less mess and longer enrichment time!

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 Edit! 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!

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