Six Things to Do with Your Pup and Pets this Fall & Winter
With the last weeks of beautiful autumn weather on the Central Coast before us, you and your dog can take advantage of this fresh, sunny exhilarating period for seasonal activities. Here are six suggestions for you and your pets on the Central Coast:
Cool Weather Cuddling with the Critters With shorter days and cooler nights, revel in these quiet moments with a your favorite, comforting blanket to cuddle up with all your pets. Bake some cookies for yourself and some biscuits for your pup to warm up the house.
Dog Beach Social Just watching the joyous romping and rolling of dogs at Pismo Beach brings a smile to everyone (whether you are a dog owner or not). Soak up the beauty of the Central Coast, and get your feet and paws in the sand and sea along with making some new enthusiastic canine friends.
Gardening and Leafy Play Time
Get outside for some sunshine, gardening and yard tidying together. Not just for kids, dogs enjoy a little leaf pile craziness too. Senior pets love a welcoming fragrant, soft leaf pile to lie down on for a nap in the sun. Make sure the leaf pile is free of any sharp, pokey things like branches that can possible hurt your pets.
Happy Hiking The colors are radiant, the air is crisp, and you and your dog can enjoy long hikes more comfortably than during the warmer and wetter months of the year.
Make sure to pack your leash, fresh drinking water for both of you, a nutritious snack for both of you, and your doggie clean-up bags. If your dog is sedentary or a senior, remember that they need conditioning too, so make sure the hike is appropriate for your dog’s physical state. You don’t want to inadvertently injure or dangerously exhaust you faithful companion – it should be a pleasurable experience for both of you.
Parade Your Pooch Pet parades and dog friendly walk-a-thons are everywhere this time of year. If it's a “walk” be sure to check if dogs are welcome to participate and always bring your dog’s lead and fresh water. If dress-up is an option for the parade or walk, per the recommendations of the ASPCA, please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it. For pets that prefer their “birthday suits,” wearing a costume can cause undue stress. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big event. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana or decorative collar. And, never leave you pet unattended while he or she is wearing a costume. In Avila Beach, Santa’s Doggie Parade is coming up!
Pumpkin & Apple Picking and yes, even Winery Visits — The whole family will enjoy strolling through pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and vineyards during this time of year. Please check with farm on their visiting pet policy and dog friendly areas and courteously, keep your dog on leash. In Avila See Canyon, Kelsey See Canyon Winery specializes in a delicious apple wine and they have a beautiful outdoor area where dogs are treated as guests and all ages are welcome. Additionally, Kelsey is an award winning winery for both their verdant, picturesque grounds and their more traditional wine varieties (and the wood fired pizza is delicious too).
