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Whether they blend in with the leaves or stand out against the orange-toned background, it's no wonder dogs love the fall season. And we couldn't agree more!
After a long, hot summer, our furry friends get psyched for many of the same reasons that we do as the weather gets cooler.
See the fall season from your dog's perspective and how you and your pup can enjoy it a bit more!
Why Do Dogs Love the Fall Season?
Neither too cold (winter) nor too hot (summer), and cozier than spring, fall’s weather is just perfect. Simply put, this season feels finer than the others!
While some people may prefer the summer more, the reasons below show how much dogs love the fall season and look forward to a range of activities that bring them to life!
Better Walking Conditions
Longer strolls are much more likely in the fall months since you wouldn’t have to worry about your dog getting heatstroke.
Since the air and pavement are so hot during the summer, shorter walks are practically required in many parts of the nation.
Although the days are getting shorter, it is a great time to spend more time outside without worrying about temperature spikes!
Leaf Piles to Chase and Lie In
Who doesn't enjoy plunging into a pile of dry fallen leaves? The season’s signature falling leaves make dogs love the fall season more.
It's a great time to roll and play in a pile of leaves!
For man's best friend, the sound of dry leaves crunching beneath their paws and the scents that the leaves release make a sensory paradise.
Anyone who has taken their pet on a walk will attest that dogs cannot pass a large pile of leaves or a trail covered in leaves without stopping to examine all the many scents, colors, and textures that exist.
The bigger the pile, the better it is to jump in, dig, and burrow!
RELATED: 15 Dog Walking Dangers and Safety Tips
Fewer Insects and Parasites
Insects are not only a nuisance, but they can also potentially transmit diseases.
The autumn months are when fewer biting insects and parasites are active, including mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, stinging insects, and spiders.
Although some are still present, compared to the spring and summer, fewer insects trouble our dogs in the fall!
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Fewer Allergies
The seasons with the most allergies are spring and summer. With trees blooming, grass growing, and nearly every plant pollinating, allergies get the best of us, including our furry pals.
You might sneeze, get watery eyes, or have a runny nose, but your pup is more likely to scratch or lick himself instead of those reactions.
Fortunately, allergens significantly decrease by the time leaves start to fall, which is comforting.
RELATED: Allergy Meds For Dogs: When Does Your Dog Need Them?
Camping Trips
Although camping is enjoyable all year long, fall camping is unbeatable because there are more possibilities for cool activities, less heat and humidity, fewer bugs, and fewer allergens.
A benefit of shorter days is that there is less sunshine and more time to relax over a campfire and take in the night sky.
RELATED: Camping With Dogs: Tips, Guidelines, Dos And Don'ts
Road Trips
Another reason why dogs love the fall season is that they enjoy hanging their heads out the window while traveling in cars and trucks.
Fall is a great season for road trips and weekend getaways. It offers the ideal conditions for enjoying the open road with your canine buddy.
You may both take in the cool autumn air by rolling down the windows.
Hit the Beach
In the summer, we enjoy going to the beach to swim, play beach games, build sandcastles, and look for seashells. However, the sand traps a lot of heat.
Given that dogs struggle to regulate their body temperatures in the summer and are more likely to burn their paws on the hot sand, fall is the ideal time to visit the beach and embark on new activities.
RELATED: Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in America
Costume Contests
With the spooky season just around the corner, what better way to involve your pooch than by dressing him up in Halloween costumes?
Dressing up with your little monster for this holiday is one of the best parts, whether you want to appear cute or vicious.
Whatever outfit you choose, make sure your pet can move and breathe freely in it and that it fits properly.
RELATED: 110 Coolest Dog Halloween Costumes
Holiday Treats
One of the biggest reasons to love fall is Thanksgiving, the time to reflect on the good things and blessings that have occurred throughout the year.
Oh, the aroma of hot sweet potato pie and apple dessert recipes on a cool fall afternoon. Dog treats with a pumpkin flavor are also popular!
With noses that can smell tens of thousands of times better than we can, you can rest assured that any smell emanating from the oven is well-relished by your furry friend.
Indoor Activities for Dogs
Dark skies and rainy days always accompany fall. But don’t worry; dogs love the puddles that appear on the ground!
They roll around, play, and compete with other pets to see who can get dirty in the funniest way and dive in first. Dog splashing in puddles is what pure joy looks like.
Of course, we encourage you to thoroughly dry your dog with a towel once you reach home, gently rubbing his body to prevent the dampness from developing into an unpleasant odor.
But when it gets tougher to get outside because the weather doesn’t cooperate, we just need to move the activities a little more inside as we gradually lose daylight and warmth!
So, how do you tire out a dog without going outdoors? Do these activities inside!
RELATED: Exercise Your Dog When You Can’t Go on a Walk
Doggy Drills
This would be an opportunity to work on doggy drills to develop a well-behaved pooch.
Work on the behaviors you’ve always wanted to reinforce.
It is not only an enjoyable way to keep them amused but can help forge a stronger bond between you and your dog.
March Up and Down the Stairs
If your pup does not have any joint issues, you can walk him up and down the stairs to give him exercise. To ensure there are no tripping or slipping hazards, clear the steps and the immediate area beforehand.
If stairs aren’t available, then walking or running down a long hallway will work as well.
Hide and Seek
Not only does this game work well on rainy days, but hide-and-seek is a great activity for dogs of all ages since it improves their sense of scent in a fun and gratifying way.
Make sure to give him a hearty compliment. Your dog will quickly become an expert at hide-and-seek with a little practice and by gradually raising the level of difficulty.
Congratulations—you're now ready to keep your dog entertained in the comfort of your home!
More Time with Human Family
Although it’s the absolute best time to play outside, most of us prefer to stay inside to keep warm in bed.
We prefer to find another form of entertainment while staying cozy at home, such as cuddling with our furry friends!
Now, this is exactly what your pooch wants as well, for you to be around with the attention he needs.
As he snuggles with you under the cozy covers, you can watch TV and movies, especially if the shows include other animals.
To help keep their pets amused, some pet parents leave the TV on an animal channel all day.
RELATED: 4 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds You Can Count on to Cuddle!
FAQs about Why Dogs Love the Fall Season
How do seasons affect dogs?
Similar to how the weather can affect a person's mood and level of activity, our dogs may experience mood swings depending on the weather, including sadness, anxiety, restlessness, and happiness.
Since the risk of heat-related health problems decreases with lower temperatures, fall is the ideal season for getting outside and increasing the physical activity their bodies require.
RELATED: Do Dogs Know The Seasons?
Is fall the shedding season for dogs?
Yes, many dogs shed more in the fall as they prepare their winter coat.
This seasonal shedding helps them grow a thicker coat for colder months. It's normal and varies by breed and coat type.
Do dogs like heat or cold more?
It depends on the breed! Dogs with thick coats like Huskies tend to prefer cold, while short-haired breeds may enjoy warmer weather.
Most dogs are comfortable in moderate temperatures. Remember, extreme heat or cold can be dangerous for any dog!
Why Dogs Love the Fall Season: Final Thoughts
From stunning color displays to holiday treats, what’s not to like about the fall season?
When leaves change their color, everything seems more beautiful.
With the chilly northerly breeze, you get to enjoy this scenery without working up a sweat or exhausting yourself.
Though the days are getting shorter and nights longer, dogs are never short on energy when the moment is right.
So, discover the beauty that happens in the autumn months, spend time with your canine companion, and make sure to have tail-wagging good times to look back on!
