5 Things To Do With Your Dog This Autumn

As the leaves turn amber, rust and gold, autumn is one of the best times of year to find new things to do with your dog. Cooler temperatures mean no more worrying about hot pavements or overheating on walks, so it's the perfect season to explore new routes and experiences together

From crunchy woodland trails to racing through leaves and cosying up together in the evening, autumn is a welcome change from summer. Cooler, damper days and slippery ground do ask a little more of your dog walks, which is why we've added a few simple joint care tips throughout this guide. Antinol^® Joint Care Pro is made with PCSO-524^® Green Lipped Mussel Oil, is a daily supplement designed to support healthy joints in active dogs all year round.

Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, need ideas for a rainy afternoon or want to keep your dog moving comfortably through the season, here's our guide to the best things to do with your dog this autumn across the UK.

1. Take an Autumn Woodland Walk 

Nothing says autumn in the UK quite like a walk though a vibrant woodland trail. UK forests offer a sensory wonderland for your dog, with the fallen leaves offering enrichment as they sniff between them seeking new smells. 

Top UK woodland spots for Autumn Walks: 

• Grizedale Forest (Cumbria): Offers spectacular views, as the forest is surrounded by the Lake District’s famous mountains. Grizedale Forest is also home to an indigenous woodland herd of red dee. Keep your dog on a lead where signs ask you to, especially around deer and grazing livestock

• Delamere Forest (Cheshire): The largest forest in Cheshire, Delamere Forest offers a range of outdoor trails, with a dedicated ‘Gruffalo’ Trail where you and your pup can spot famous wooden sculptures!

• Forest of Dean (Gloucestershire): Named the first National Forest Park in 1938, the Forest of Dean has miles of peaceful trails for your pup to explore. 

• The New Forest (Hampshire): A variety of ancient oak and beech woodlands stretch through the New Forest, with spacious paths available for you and your dog. 

Joint Care Tips for Autumn Woodland Walks:

Woodland paths can be uneven, hidden under deep layers of leaves, or slick with mud. Hidden tree roots and slippery patches pose a twist-and-strain hazard for dogs. Take a look at our tips for supporting your dog throughout your autumn adventures in the woods: 

• Pace Yourself: Allow your dog to set the pace rather than forcing a fast march.

• Stick to Main Paths: If your dog has limited mobility, keep to well-maintained easy-to-follow tracks rather than rough, uneven terrain.

• Warm-Up: Start with 5 to 10 minutes of gentle, flat walking before tackling any gentle inclines or rough paths.

2. Visit a Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin picking has become a beloved autumn tradition across the UK, and many patches now welcome well-behaved four-legged family members! It’s a fantastic opportunity for a slow-paced outing, fresh air, and cute photo opportunities.

Tips for Pumpkin Patch Outings:

• Check Rules in Advance: Always double-check that dogs are permitted on lead and confirm if there are designated areas.

• Bring Waste Bags and Water: Keep the site clean and make sure your dog stays hydrated.

• Keep Your Dog on a Lead: Pumpkin patches are often busy with children and other dogs, so keep your dog close and calm.

• Watch What They Eat: A little plain pumpkin is fine for most dogs, but keep them away from stalks, leaves, mouldy pumpkins and anything painted or decorated.
  

3. Play Autumn Enrichment Games at Home

As the daylight hours shorten and rainy British autumn days inevitably set in, your dog might spend a bit more time indoors. Physical exercise is essential, but mental stimulation is just as effective at entertaining your pup. 

How to Create an Indoor Enrichment Game This Autumn: 

1. The Leaf Pile Box: Collect clean, dry fallen leaves from your garden and place them in a low cardboard box. Hide high-value treats or kibble at the bottom. Make sure to check the leaves are free of mold, conkers and acorns first.

2. Autumn Treats: Fill a treat toy with your dog's favourite filling, freeze it, then let them enjoy it while you settle down to a Halloween film.

3. Hide and Seek: Hide small treats around the living room under cushions or low furniture to encourage them to use their nose.

Mentally stimulating games are fantastic for dogs who need low-impact activities.

4. Head to a Dog Friendly Beach

From 1 October, many beaches across the UK lift their seasonal summer dog restrictions, though dates vary by council, so check local signs before you go. This opens up vast stretches of soft sand and soothing sea air for your dog to play.

Why Autumn Beach Walks are Great:

• Fewer Crowds: Enjoy peaceful, wide-open spaces.

• Cooler Temperatures: Perfect for dogs that struggle in the heat during summer months.

Tips for your dog playing on Sand:

While firm, damp sand can be less concussive than standard roads and paths, soft sand requires significant effort to trudge through. Try to encourage your pup to walk by the water, as this will be easier for them than walking in the dry soft sand. Always rinse off salt and sand from their paws and underbelly after a coastal walk to prevent skin irritation, and stop them eating sand or drinking seawater, which can upset their stomach. Bring fresh water for your dog instead. 

5. Cosy Up in a Dog-Friendly Country Pub

After a cool, refreshing autumn walk, there is nothing quite like relaxing in a traditional UK country pub. Many British pubs warmly welcome dogs and muddy boots, offering open log fires, water bowls, and sometimes even doggy treats at the bar.

Making Your Pub Visit Comfortable for Your Dog

Cold, hard flagstone floors or drafty doorways in older pubs can make a pub trip uncomfortable for your dog. 

• Bring a Padded Dog Mat or Blanket: Always bring a portable, insulated dog bed or thick fleece mat to place under your dog on the floor.

• Keep Away from Drafts: Choose a warm table away from main entrance doors.

• Space to stretch: Give your dog time to gently stretch out, and make sure they aren’t cramped in an awkward position under the table. 

Autumn Safety Tips for Dogs

Autumn brings a few seasonal hazards worth knowing about before you head out:

• Conkers and acorns: Both can upset your dog's stomach and conkers can cause a blockage if swallowed, so discourage chewing and picking them up.

• Wild mushrooms: Some fungi that grow in autumn woodland are toxic to dogs and hard to tell apart, so keep your dog away from all of them.

• Antifreeze: It tastes sweet to dogs but is highly toxic. Store it securely and wipe up any spills straight away.

• Darker evenings: A reflective or light-up collar or harness makes your dog easier to spot on early evening walks.

• Fireworks: bonfire night and other celebrations can be stressful, so plan walks earlier in the day and give your dog a quiet, cosy space at home. 

Embrace the Autumn Season Together

Autumn is a glorious season to explore the great outdoors with your dog. Wrap up warm, grab the lead, pack a blanket and their favourite treats, and go and make some unforgettable memories together. To keep their joints supported on every adventure, find out more about our dog joint supplements.