Discover Fun Fall Activities to Keep Your Dog Happy, Healthy, and Active Fall is a great time to bond with your dog, as the cooler weather makes it perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether you're hitting the trails or cozying up at home, these activities will ensure that you and your furry companion make the most of the season. Here are the top five fall activities you can enjoy with your dog:
1. Go for a Dog-Friendly Hike Fall is the perfect time for hiking with your dog, as the cooler temperatures make long walks more enjoyable. Whether you live in Putnam, Flagler, St. Johns, or Clay Counties, we have you covered. You’ll find a variety of dog-friendly parks and trails to explore together. For example:
2. Play Outdoor Games Fall weather is ideal for spending time outdoors with your dog, playing fetch, tug-of-war, or a game of frisbee. If your yard isn’t big enough for these games, consider visiting a local dog park, such as the Dog Run at Ron Parker Park in St. Augustine Beach or the Palm Coast Dog Park. These parks have plenty of space for your dog to run around and burn off energy. 3. Make Homemade Fall Treats Nothing says fall like cozy, seasonal flavors—and your dog can enjoy them too! Try making some homemade dog treats with pumpkin, peanut butter, or sweet potato. These ingredients are not only safe for dogs but also provide health benefits. You can bake up some pumpkin biscuits or whip up a batch of peanut butter and sweet potato bites. These treats are a fun way to share the flavors of fall with your pup while ensuring they get a nutritious snack. 4. Take Your Dog to the Beach If you're looking for a fall adventure, why not take your dog to one of the pet-friendly beaches in Northeast Florida? While the weather is cooling down, it’s still warm enough for a beach day, and your dog will love running in the sand and splashing in the waves. Some dog-friendly beaches in the area include:
5. Cozy Up for a Fall Movie Night If you’re more of a homebody, why not plan a cozy fall movie night with your dog? Grab your favorite blanket, a warm drink, and settle in for a movie marathon. Your dog will love snuggling up with you for some much-needed rest after all the outdoor activities. You can even give them some homemade treats to enjoy during the movie. Cherished Pets by Watts is Here to Support You and Your Pet At Cherished Pets by Watts, we understand that your pets are family, and fall is the perfect time to strengthen that bond. Whether you’re heading outdoors or enjoying the comforts of home, we’re here to support you with all your pet care needs. From helpful tips to compassionate care, we’re dedicated to serving families and their beloved pets across Putnam, Flagler, St. Johns, and Clay Counties. Thanks for reading, Jamie Watts Co-owner of Cherished Pets by Watts
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Practical Tips to Comfort Your Dog and Ease Their Anxiety When You’re Away As summer winds down and many of us return to work or school, it’s not just our routines that change—our dogs feel it, too. After months of spending more time at home, a sudden shift can trigger anxiety in our pets. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they may struggle with being alone again for extended periods. Separation anxiety can manifest in different ways, from excessive barking and chewing to more serious behaviors like urination or self-harm.
But there’s good news! With the right approach, you can help your dog adjust to your new schedule and reduce their anxiety. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make the transition smoother for both you and your furry friend. 1. Create a Safe Space Establish a comfortable area where your dog can retreat when you’re away. This could be their bed, a favorite room, or even a cozy crate. Make sure it’s a place they associate with relaxation, not punishment. Try leaving them with a favorite blanket or a t-shirt that smells like you. The familiar scent can be reassuring and help soothe your dog in your absence. 2. Stimulate Their Mind Mental stimulation is key to keeping your dog occupied while you're gone. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or even leaving the TV or radio on can provide entertainment. You can also try rotating toys to keep them fresh and interesting. These distractions can help prevent destructive behavior caused by boredom or stress and can make the time pass more quickly for your pet. 3. Gradual Alone Time Dogs don’t automatically know that you'll come back when you leave, which can fuel their anxiety. If possible, start leaving your dog alone for short periods before your schedule changes dramatically. This way, they’ll slowly adjust to the new routine and understand that you always return. Start by leaving them for 5 or 10 minutes and gradually increase the time to an hour or two, so they get used to longer stretches on their own. 4. Exercise Before You Leave A tired dog is a happy dog! Taking your dog for a long walk or engaging them in playtime before you leave can burn off some of their excess energy. This physical activity not only reduces anxiety but also helps your dog rest more peacefully while you’re away. If time allows, consider fitting in a brisk walk or a fun game of fetch before you head out. 5. Calming Products There are various products available that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. These include calming sprays, anxiety vests (like Thundershirts), and CBD treats formulated specifically for pets. You might also try using a diffuser with calming scents like lavender or chamomile in the room where your dog stays. Always consult with your vet before introducing any new product to your dog’s routine. 6. Stay Calm When Leaving and Returning Dogs are highly sensitive to our emotions, so if you’re nervous or overly emotional when leaving or returning, your dog will likely pick up on that. Avoid dramatic goodbyes or overly excited greetings when you come home. Instead, keep things calm and low-key to prevent reinforcing anxiety around your departure. Cherished Pets by Watts is Here to Support You At Cherished Pets by Watts, we understand that pets are more than just animals—they’re family. Whether you’re navigating the joys of life with your furry companions or dealing with the tough moments, we’re here for you. From providing tips on keeping your pets calm to offering compassionate care at the end of their life, we are proud to serve families and their beloved pets with dignity and respect. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out to us. Follow us on Facebook for more helpful pet care tips and updates. Thanks for reading, Jamie Watts Co-owner of Cherished Pets by Watts How to Help Your Dog Cope with Thunderstorm Anxiety Living in Florida, the lightning capital of America, we know a thing or two about storms. And with that lightning comes thunder—a lot of it. Lately, with all the storms rolling through, I thought I’d share some tips on calming your dog during a thunderstorm. Now, I’ve got three dogs at home, each with their own way of dealing with the chaos. First, there’s Ramsey, a 30-pound wiener dog who couldn’t care less if the world was ending outside. Then, there’s my 15-pound wiener and chihuahua mix, who thinks he’s Scrappy-Doo and wants to pick a fight with every thunderclap. And lastly, there’s Tivie, my 65-pound Lab, who somehow thinks she’s a lapdog when the storm hits—never mind the fact that she’s about the size of a small human. Let me tell you, having Tivie try to squeeze into your lap during a storm is an experience.
If you’ve got dogs like mine, you know that thunderstorms can bring out some pretty interesting behavior. But whether your dog is cool like Ramsey, cocky like Scrappy, or terrified like Tivie, there are some ways to help them get through the storm without all the drama. 1. Give Them a Safe Space First things first, make sure your dog has a spot to retreat to when the thunder starts. Whether it’s their crate or a room they like, having a “safe zone” can help. For Tivie, it’s usually wherever I’m sitting—apparently, I’m her storm bunker. But for others, it might be a crate with a blanket or a quiet corner of the house. I’ve even played some background music to drown out the thunder. Every little bit helps. 2. Desensitize Over Time I’ve read that you can actually desensitize your dog to the sound of thunderstorms. The idea is to play a recording of thunder at a low volume and slowly turn it up as they get used to it. Now, I haven’t done this with my crew, but I could see it working. Maybe I’ll try it next time Scrappy decides he’s taking on the storm. Just don’t expect instant results—it’s a slow process, but it’s worth it if your dog’s anxiety is through the roof. 3. Stay Cool, No Matter What Here’s the thing—dogs are like little mirrors. They pick up on everything you’re feeling. So, if you’re stressed, they’ll be stressed. I’ve learned that when the storm hits, the best thing I can do is stay calm. I sit there, act like nothing’s happening, and usually, Tivie settles down a bit. Sure, I’ve got 65 pounds of dog in my lap, but at least she’s not tearing through the house. 4. Offer Comfort—In Moderation Now, I know some people say you shouldn’t baby your dog when they’re scared, but I don’t buy that 100%. If your dog’s scared, it’s okay to give them a little comfort. Just don’t go overboard with the coddling. A gentle pat or letting them sit next to you can help. For dogs with bigger anxiety issues, something like a Thundershirt might be useful. It’s like a dog-sized hug, and sometimes, that’s all they need. 5. Talk to Your Vet If your dog’s anxiety is really bad, it might be time to get your vet involved. They can recommend other ways to manage the fear, whether that’s supplements or something stronger. Every dog’s different, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if the storms are just too much. Final Thoughts At the end of the day, thunderstorms are just part of life here in Florida. Some dogs handle it like pros, while others lose their minds. Whether your dog is trying to fight the storm or crawl into your lap like Tivie, there are ways to help them through it. Just remember to stay calm, give them a safe spot, and maybe invest in a bigger chair if you’ve got a lapdog in denial like I do. Thanks for reading, Jamie Watts Co-owner of Cherished Pets by Watts |
AuthorJamie Watts is the co-owner of Cherished Pets by Watts, a family business dedicated to providing compassionate care for pets. With a lifelong love for animals, Jamie is committed to helping pet parents honor their companions' memories with dignity and respect. Archives
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