Do you love fall? Are you looking forward to pumpkin, apples and hayrides this season? At Dan’s Pet Care, we’re excited to enjoy long walks with our dogs (and your dogs) in the crisp fall weather. For many Long Island residents, visiting a pumpkin patch is a traditional activity to mark the fall season. Kids and adults alike enjoy choosing the perfect pumpkin to decorate the front porch or carve for Halloween. Apple picking is another common fall custom. Apples taste so much better in pies, applesauce or cider when you’ve picked them yourself! Apple picking is also a great way for kids to learn about plants and trees.
Wouldn’t it be great if your dog could share in the fun of an apple orchard or pumpkin patch outing? At some Long Island orchards and pumpkin patches, they can! In this article, we’ll share a few of your available options for taking your dog to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch. We’ll also offer some tips for visiting an apple orchard or pumpkin patch with your dog.
Enjoy fall pastimes at Holzman’s Family Farm
At Holzman’s Family Farm, you can have a family friendly and pet friendly experience picking pumpkins on the North Fork. This pumpkin patch offers corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, corn hole and more. Outside food is welcome, but you can also enjoy corn, hot dogs, pastries, and traditional fall dishes made fresh at the farm. Your dog is welcome here, so they can join in the fun too.
Pick fresh pumpkins at the Elwood Pumpkin Farm
At the Elwood Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm, you can pick your own pumpkins in the fall — then return to cut down your own Christmas tree in the winter! In addition to pumpkin picking, you can take a hay ride around the farm. Your dog will enjoy walking and exploring around the scenic grounds while you find the perfect pumpkin for your front porch.
Woodside Orchard
Woodside Orchard in Jamesport, NY is a great place to visit with kids and dogs alike. Your dog can hang out in the picnic area while your human family members visit the orchard itself to pick some apples. You can discover around 20 different apple varieties here, so you’re sure to find something to please everyone!
Tips for visiting a pumpkin patch or apple orchard with your pet
Enjoying traditional fall pastimes with your pet can be lots of fun, as long as you’re prepared and aware of potential pitfalls. Check out our tips for a successful visit to the farm with your furry friend this fall.
Keep your dog leashed at all times
If you’re visiting a pumpkin patch or apple orchard that allows dogs, you’ve found a high-demand spot for Long Island dog lovers. That means there will probably be many other dogs in the vicinity. It’s important to keep your dog leashed at all times and keep a close eye on them, even while you’re busy picking produce. Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are also popular places for small children to visit. In fact, you might even run into a group of kids on a school field trip if you come at the right time. Dogs and unknown small children are not always the best combination. If your dog begins to feel uneasy or shows signs of aggression, remove them from the area immediately. And if the situation may be too overwhelming for your dog to handle, it’s best to leave them at home. At Dan’s Pet Care, we offer training classes that can help your dog be more prepared to handle high-stress situations in the future.
Keep a close eye on your dog to prevent accidental ingestion
During the fall season, there are plenty of things on the ground at a farm that your dog shouldn’t eat. From animal poop to leaf piles to human food that’s been dropped on the ground, you’ll need to stay vigilant and ensure your dog doesn’t eat something you’ll regret. Be sure to pack plenty of treats that your dog can enjoy!
Watch out for dehydration and exhaustion
Pumpkin patches and apple orchards often involve lots of walking. Just because fall brings cooler weather, it doesn’t mean that your dog can’t experience dehydration. Make sure to bring plenty of drinking water along, and keep a close eye out for signs that your dog needs a break.
Don’t forget to pick some produce for your dog!
Dogs love pumpkin, and fresh cooked pumpkin with nothing added to it is a great way to add fiber and nutrients to their diet. Pick a pumpkin for your front porch, and grab one to roast for your dog as well. At the apple orchard, you might want to pick a few extra apples for your dog — as long as the apples are cut into appropriately sized pieces, and the seeds and core are removed, apples can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet.
Give your dog the best fall ever with Dan’s Pet Care!
At Dan’s Pet Care, we’re Long Island’s favorite pet care service because we really care about pets. Our knowledgeable, fully trained specialists provide a full array of services to meet every pet care need. Contact us today to learn more!
