October’s air is fresh and crisp. It has been said that 29% of people choose Autumn as their favourite season. If this is you, then why not share all of the things you love about Autumn with your best furry friend.

• Visit a Dog-friendly 🍎 Apple Orchard
  A visit to the Orchard is a great way to enjoy the cool, crisp air of October. Many orchards such as Log Cabin Orchard, Osgoode, Ont. or Mountain Orchards, Kemptville welcome leashed dogs on their property. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Be sure to remove the seeds and core first.

• Bikejoring with your Dog 🚵‍♀️
  Why not combine your dog’s love for exercise with your passion for cycling? Bikejoring might become your favourite sport. Make sure to acclimate your dog to running alongside your bike first and watch your dog closely for signs of fatigue. Start at walking speed for a short distance.

• Make a pile🍁 of Leaves
  Dogs have a sense of smell which is 40 times greater than ours. A pile of leaves is going to be a sensory overload for them. Whether your pooch is a wriggler or a deep diver, they are certain to enjoy a frolic in the leaf pile.

• Trip to the Pumpkin Patch 🎃

  Local Farms such as Millers Berry Farm, Manotick and Avonmore Berry Farm, Avonmore provide autumn wagon rides or corn mazes, or hay loft fun, etc. and also welcome leashed dogs in their pumpkin patch. Your dog will quickly sniff out his favourite pumpkin for his doggy treats. Pumpkin is a good source of nutrients and fiber for your dog, but don’t overdo it as it can cause digestive distress if they eat too much at once.

• Weekend 🚘 Getaway Colour Tour
  A drive through the countryside to enjoy the fall colours will bring a smile to your face and your dog will enjoy the new scenery and scents. Very few people go on vacation in the fall season, so travel and accommodation prices are lower. A pet friendly hotel such as Best Western Parkway Inn, Cornwall will provide a relaxing weekend getaway for you and your pet.

• Dog-friendly Bar Crawl 🍻

  There is nothing quite like enjoying a local craft beer or hot toddy on a dog-friendly patio with friends in the crisp autumn air. Several local restaurants and bars in the Ottawa area welcome leashed dogs along with their humans.

• Nature 🥾 Hike
  Ottawa and the surrounding area is home to many beautiful trails for hiking with your canine friend. Pinhey Forest Trails in Ottawa is home to 6.4 km of trails featuring many loops, allowing for shorter or longer outings. Access to all trails is free. Dogs are welcomed year round on the Greenbelt Pathway West. Conroy Pitt Dog Park is an off-leash dog park located in 98 acres of urban parkland in the south end of Ottawa. If the trails prove to be too much for your small dog - why not consider purchasing a small dog sling or doggy back-pack carrier so your dog can still enjoy the fresh air with you.

• Trick or Treating🎃
  Halloween Trick or Treating provides an opportunity to have some fun with your pet. Why not do a twins-themed costume this year? Some costume ideas could include Dorothy & Toto or Hans Solo and Chewbaca, or maybe you dress up as a Fire Hydrant for your canine friend. This is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and don’t forget the camera to give your social media followers a smile too. So head out the door to have some fun and take along some extra dog treats for the doggie ghosts and ghouls you meet along the way.