There’s no better feeling than that first autumnal breeze signaling a change of seasons. If you live in Los Angeles, it’s the first sign of the fall rain that signals the end of the dry summers. If you live anywhere else, perhaps it’s the subtle change of the leaves, fields of harvested corn, or abundant apple trees.
Humans aren’t the only ones who notice a change in the air. Dogs also sense the change and thrive in the fall season. With plenty of fun events around LA, a change in the weather, and everyone’s favorite Halloween Costume Contest just around the corner, it’s no wonder fall is your dog’s favorite season.
Why your dog loves the fall
Fewer Allergies
Spring and summer months bring on allergies. Whether from grass, flowers, or pollen, allergies get the best of us – including your pup! When allergies act up, dogs have watery eyes and excessively scratch or lick themselves. Though allergies don’t go all the way away in the fall, they are generally eased.
Allergies are triggered by seasonal change, including the drop from summer to autumn weather. Dogs trap in allergies from fallen leaves, dried up weeds, and traveling winds. When discovering that your dog is developing allergies, be sure to relief them as soon as possible because, it’s safe to say, these autumn allergies can really affect your dog.
Better Walking Conditions
Over the summer, many outlets shared the five-second rule to tell if it’s too hot for your dog to walk on asphalt. This summer, and even now, has been especially hot in SoCal causing sidewalks to be too hot for your pup. With the cooler weather, your dog can get those much needed long walks even in the city.
Cooler Temperatures
Humans prefer many outdoor activities in the summer, but dogs love doing them in the cooler fall temperatures! Dogs prefer to be outside when the temperature drops because it’s easier for them to regulate their body temperature so they can run around and play for longer periods of time. You might need a sweater heading into the cooler fall months (if that ever happens here in LA), but your dog is ready to go.
Fewer Flea Bites
Fleas thrive in temperatures from 70 to 85 degrees. As temperatures drop into the 60s and 50s, fleas are less of a nuisance. Yay, no more flea bathes! Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean they die. Instead fleas dormant until spring. But at least your dog can enjoy a few months with less flea activity.
Holiday Prep
Of course, with fall also comes a series of holidays. Unlike humans, dogs are not huge fans of the holidays. So we’ve created a holiday guide to get them prepped for the upcoming festivities. Read our Holiday Guide!
Fun Fall Activities
Looking for some inspiration on how to have fun with your best furiend this fall? We’ve got some ideas for you!
Tail-gating
It’s officially football season and there’s no football game without a viewing party! Grab a dog-sized jersey and make your home-gate a tail-gate! Don’t forget to dog-proof your next event.
Cooler Hikes
The fall season is what we call the outdoor season. The crisp air, colored leaves, and cooler weather are perfect for those outdoor adventures! This is a trip your favorite canine won’t want to miss. If you aren’t the hiking type, you can still sign your dog up for one of our Canyon Hikes!
Pumpkin Picking
With Halloween right around the corner, pumpkin patches will be appearing in every corner. What you may not know is that most pumpkin patches will allow well-behaved pups to stroll the hay covered fields!
Pearl dressed up as Katy Perry for our Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest!
Costume Contest
Fall is the perfect time to enter your pup into a doggy costume contest like our Annual Fitdog Howl-o-ween Costume Contest! The hardest part about the contest is picking your favorite character to dress your canine after. Whether it’s Elsa or a superhero, your little pup will be sure to knock your socks off in cuteness!
Baking
The scents of baked goods in a kitchen go hand-and-hand with what fall is all about. Did you know pumpkin is good for your pup’s health?! If your baking your pumpkin pie from scratch, you can add a tablespoon or two of pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) to your dog’s food to aid in digestive & urinary health and weight loss.
Related article: How pumpkin benefits your dog.
Watch Out for These Factors
Although fall is everyone’s favorite time of year, it can introduce some new hazards or issues for our canine friends. Here are five things we, as owners, should be aware of before entering the autumn season.
Air Quality
Unfortunately, the past few California autumns have included major fires. Between the devastation of the land, the depleted air quality, and the evacuations, the entire state is on high alert from late summer until the mid-November rains (hopefully) come. Dogs are affected by the debris and air, just as much as we are. Keep your dog safe by
Related Article: Fire Season Safety Tips
Nighttime Walks
With less daylight during the day, we now have to be aware that we may be starting our walk when it’s sunny and ending when it’s dark. Therefore, it is very crucial that you are always prepared!! We recommend that your dog never leaves for a walk without a reflective or LED light-up leash and collar. This will help traffic spot you from a distance making walking at night a breeze!
Related Article: Tips for Walking Your Dog at Night
Mushrooms
After a rainy day or two, you might start to see mushrooms appear in the grass. Be sure your favorite little canine does not go for a mid-walk snack and take a bite out of one. Although many are harmless, dogs are unsure how to distinguish between safe & unsafe and should leave the mushrooms alone.
Winter Coats
Dogs naturally have a winter undercoat that grows to form an additional layer of insulation to protect them from cold weather. Some smaller dogs, however, may need a little help to stay warm during the chilly weather. Find out which dogs really need winter jackets.
Seasonal Treats
Our favorite thing about the holidays is the food – and the same goes for our dogs! With all the yummy aromas, your roaming canine will find a way to get their paws on the food. Be cautious of the food that is left out. Make sure all delicious, but dangerous, treats are out of reach!
Now, you’re prepared to tackle autumn and enjoy the holiday season with your favorite pup!
This article was originally published on October 28, 2015, and was edited from its original version.