Tag Archive for: Activities

Cozy Indoor Fall Activities to Celebrate the Season with Your Dog

As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through Northern Colorado, the changing season presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in some cozy indoor activities with your furry companion. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we not only provide impeccable care for your beloved pets through our diverse services including dog walking, pet sitting, cat visits, and overnight stays, but we also believe in fostering a wholesome bond between you and your loyal canine.

Based in the heart of Fort Collins and extending our warmth and expertise to Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, and Wellington, we are here to share some fun and engaging indoor activities that will surely make this fall memorable for you and your four-legged friend.

  1. Indoor Treasure Hunt: Stimulate your dog’s keen sense of smell and love for exploration with an indoor treasure hunt. Hide their favorite toys or treats around the house and watch as they excitedly scamper around in search. This activity is perfect to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated on chilly days.
  2. DIY Agility Course: Create a mini agility course using furniture and household items. This not only serves as a good exercise but also instills obedience and discipline. It’s a fun way to teach your dog new tricks, and maybe prepare them for the real agility courses come spring.
  3. Puzzle Games: Engage your dog’s mind with puzzle toys. They are a fantastic way to keep them entertained and also provide mental stimulation. There are numerous puzzle toys available that can be filled with treats to keep your pup’s interest piqued.
  4. Tug-of-War: A classic game that never loses its charm. It’s an excellent way for both of you to burn off some energy and build a stronger bond. Just make sure to play in a spacious area to avoid any accidents.
  5. Obedience Training: Utilize this indoor time to reinforce or teach obedience commands. Training sessions can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your dog, making your bond stronger while also instilling good manners.
  6. Relaxation Time: After a day filled with indoor adventures, curl up with your furry companion, a hot cup of cocoa, and enjoy a movie or read a book. The relaxation and closeness can be the perfect ending to a joyful day.
  7. Schedule a Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service: If you find yourself busy during this fall season, worry not! Wet Noses Pet Sitting is here to offer love and care for your dog. Whether you have a hectic schedule or you are traveling, our professional pet sitters are here to ensure your pet remains active, loved, and well taken care of.

Remember, fall is a fleeting season, so make the most of it with your furry friend. Wet Noses Pet Sitting is always here to help make your life and your pet’s life joyful and comfortable, regardless of the season.

For more information on our services and how we can assist you, feel free to reach out to us. Let’s make this fall season a cherished memory filled with wagging tails and warm hearts.

8 Fall Activities To Do With Your Dog

Are you ready to watch the leaves turn gold, feel the crisp breeze against your cheeks, and immerse yourself in the magical season of fall? Well, guess what? Your furry companion is just as eager to indulge in the wonders of autumn as you are! In this blog, we’re going to uncover 10 fall activities that will make your bond with your dog even stronger.

Imagine strolling through a pumpkin patch, as your pup’s tail wags with excitement. Or picture embarking on an adventurous hike, with the colorful foliage as your backdrop. These are just snippets of the incredible experiences we will delve into.

But here’s the thing: We understand the challenges of finding dog-friendly activities during this season. That’s why we’ve crafted this guide to help you overcome that obstacle. From canine-friendly pumpkin patches to scavenger hunts, we’ve got you covered.

So, slip on your coziest sweater, grab your pup’s leash, and prepare to create autumn memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

Visit a pumpkin patch

Something from the Farm offers a dog-friendly farm for your pup to experience all the joys a pumpkin patch has to offer. Dogs must be on a leash & you must bring your own poop bags. If you’re up for a bit of a drive, Happy Apple Farm in Penrose will also be open!

Go to a park

Fort Collins is no stranger to dog-friendly parks and hiking trails. Remember to follow all leash laws as required by the park you are in.

Go apple picking

We promise it’ll be worth the day trip! Happy Apple Farm in Penrose and Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Paonia are both great places to check out. Unfortunately, Happy Apple Farm lost their 2023 apple crop due to the freeze and hailstorm earlier in 2023, but their pumpkin patch will still be open.

Get ready for Halloween

Have your dog help you make decorations. thatonedogmom has created an adorable guide on how to have your furbaby help create decorations in a canine-friendly way.

Free A Black Dog Wearing Halloween Costume Stock Photo

Prepare a scavenger hunt

Before you rake up all of those leaves, why not do a scavenger hunt with your dog? Hide some of their favorite toys and/or treats under piles of leaves and let them explore.

Attend the Tour de Corgi

Have a corgi? Live in or near Fort Collins, Colorado? Then you’re in luck! The Tour de Corgi is a corgi meet-up and carnival parade of corgis through Old Town Fort Collins. Even if you’re too late to register, you can still have fun by going to Old Town and watching the parade of bread loaves!

Free Brown and White Corgi Puppy Lying on Brown Textile Stock Photo

Have a drink

Fort Collins is home to multiple breweries that are dog-friendly. So bring your dog and have a drink of a pumpkin spice lager to get into the autumn spirit. If alcohol isn’t your thing, then head on over to your local coffee shop with a drive-thu to enjoy their fall drinks.

Take a hike

Northern Colorado is no stranger to dog-friendly hiking trails. Pick you favorite one and experience the colorful joys fall has to offer.

Other activities

Not all of these activities are dog-friendly but they can still be fun even without your pet. Check individual websites or call before bringing your dog along.

What’s your favorite activity to do with your dog during the fall? Let us know in the comments!

Fun Water Activities for Dogs: Making a Splash with your Canine Companion 

Summer is here! There isn’t a better time to enjoy the water than when you include your dogs. Read along as we take a look at some of the fun activities that you can do with your dog in the pool, lake, or ocean! 

Dogs enjoy getting out on the water in a variety of ways. Boating is one of them. Feeling the air rushing by them, they view this shared time with you with all the enthusiasm expected in man’s best friend! They also love surfing and boogie boards. Just be sure to have your dog fitted with the proper floatation vest to keep them safe. 

Towing is another fun way to expend the energy of your pup. Teach your dog to grab the rope on a flotation device that you are laying on and encourage them to pull you around on it. Just be aware of your dog’s physical ability and endurance and watch them closely for fatigue. 

Canoeing and paddle boarding are great pastimes to enjoy this summer with your dog. Place the canoe on dry ground and encourage your dog to investigate the canoe jumping in and out of it until they are comfortable. Once you are able to control them by voice command to be able to sit quietly, you can then push into the calm waters and paddle away! The same method can be used with the paddle board. As with many of these water sports, outfitting your dog with the correct size water vest will ensure their protection should he/she go into the water. 

Enjoy a freestyle swim with your pup. Let them splash and swim around like the child they are at heart! Retrieving is pretty straightforward, throw a stick, ball or disc and watch them plow into the surf to bring it back for another round of fun. 

Dog diving is for those breeds who LOVE to retrieve and don’t mind swimming under the water to get it! Whatever the ‘it’ is they are game, just keep a close eye on their hydration and fatigue levels and handle them appropriately. Be aware of eye irritants and look into providing your pup with goggles to protect them from sun, surf and debris. 

Dock jumping is a major sport for dogs and their owners. You don’t have to be a pro at this though. All you need is an eager dog and the help of someone to hold them until you toss the object you want them to jump for high and far away from whatever you want them to launch off of. Make sure that the entire area surrounding the jumping platform as well as the water 20 feet out or so is free from limbs, rocks or other things that could cause injury to your canine. Also make sure that the water is deep enough for them to dive into safely. 

Check your local area out for water parks and pools that allow your dogs to join you. Many municipalities have an end-of-summer fun day at the pool event that your social and happy dog just might enjoy. 

You don’t have to go anywhere to have summer water fun with your dog. Setting up a dog-friendly “water park” in your yard is an excellent option. You can purchase water pads and sprinklers that are made just for your dog to interact with. 

Using some pvc and ingenuity you can make your own hoops they can jump through, place flexible tunnels for them to slide through and be sure to have on hand plenty of ball launchers for fetch or retrieve games. 

Freezing fruits and vegetables that are dog safe in ice trays, bowls and buckets and then placing them throughout your yard is a great way to help your dog maintain his hydration and energy levels. 

If you have a digger, place a kiddie/doggie pool on a large tarp and fill it with sand. Hide exciting toys or treats and let them have fun finding them. Cleaning up will be simpler with the tarp there to catch the flying sand! 

Never underestimate the fun quotient of BUBBLES!  Dogs love jumping for them and you can purchase premade and flavored ones or make your own at home. Use your imagination here. 

A day of fun and sun isn’t complete without enticing water toys and a shade station for your pup to relax in out of the sun. Check out these recommendations of water toys your dog might enjoy. Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of cool water and a shady place to relax and recharge. 

Throughout your day of fun in the water with your pup, frequently check them for cuts on paw pads or scrapes on their body. Look at their eyes and ears and make sure to dry their ears well after being in the water. Check exposed skin for sunburn paying particular attention to the nose area and tips of their ears. 

Playing with your dog in the water this summer will be fun and safe if you follow some of the basics. Watch for fatigue in your dog, always remain near them in case they fatigue quickly. Have a dog emergency kit for minor issues. Keep emergency clinics and veterinary hospital numbers close by in a waterproof packet. Bring plenty of towels, fresh water, bowls and food/snacks. 

With a bit of preplanning, whether you are going out to enjoy the water or staying home in your backyard, you are going to have a terrific day around the water with your dog! 

By trying some of these tips I am confident that you and your dog will be worn out and ready to sleep at the end of your day! 

 

Fun with Your Dog in Boulder this Labor Day Weekend_Header

Fun with Your Dog in Boulder this Labor Day Weekend

Fun with Your Dog in Boulder this Labor Day Weekend_Header

 

Wondering what dog-friendly activities are happening in or near Boulder, Colorado this Labor Day weekend? We’ve put together a small list of fun, dog-friendly happenings!

Go for a Hike

A favorite pastime of many Coloradoans is hiking. This Labor Day weekend is no exception. If you’re new to the area or haven’t been hiking in awhile, here is a list of some of the dog-friendly Boulder hiking trails.

As always, make sure to clean up after yourself and be cautious of summer algae blooms. These algae blooms can be toxic to both humans and pets.

Try a new Place

Boulder has lots of eateries that are dog-friendly. Make sure you keep your pup on a leash the entire time. Why not give these places a try?

This is only a fraction of the places that are pet-friendly! Don’t see your favorite spot? Leave a comment and we’ll get it added.

You can also check out the Twenty Ninth Street Mall. Dogs are allowed in all of the common areas and in some of the shops.

Visit a Dog Park

While this one is more fun for your dog than you, visiting a dog park can be a great afternoon activity. Most areas in the city require your dog to be on a leash but at the dog parks, your dog can run free as fast as they can.

Howard Heuston also has an off-leash dog area but it has different rules than a standard dog park. You can read more on the website here.

Scenic Drives

Are you info farmers markets? Does your pup enjoy the feeling of the wind in their fur? Then driving to farm stands might be right up your alley. You can view a full list of stands to plan your route here. It’s estimated that it’ll take you about 60 minutes, without stops, and 2 1/2 hours with stops. Make sure to bring cash!

There’s also plenty of picture perfect spots to drive through. Visit Boulder has compiled a wonderful list here.


There you have it. Some of the dog-friendly happenings this Labor Day weekend in Boulder! Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

Related Blogs

5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer

5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer Header

5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer

With heatwaves sweeping the country it’s important to keep your pets cool in the summer. We have a few ideas you can try to help cool down your pets. Some of these ideas are great for indoor and outdoor use, others are more suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

1. Refill Water Dishes Daily or as Needed

Keeping your pets hydrated is one of the best ways to help keep them cool.You should be refilling water dishes at least once a day but if you notice your pets dish is getting low or empty, make sure to refill it. Dogs need between 0.5-1 ounces of water per pound of body weight per day. Cats need 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.

If you’re looking for some more creative ways to keep your pets hydrated check out our recent post.

2. Frozen Treats

You can either purchase or make your own frozen treats to help keep your pets cool and hydrated. Here’s a recipe for our Frozen Apple Smoothie Bites. But if you’re not into making treats, companies like The Bear & The Rat make healthy frozen treats for dogs and cats.

3. Cooling Mat

Cooling mats are a nice way to help pets get that full body cool down during the hot days. These work similar to ice packs in that you chill them or fill them with cool water and they’ll stay cool for quite awhile. These a great to keep on hand even if you don’t plan on using them outside in case your AC breaks. Recently mine went out for a few days and it was sweltering in here. I laid out a few of these and everyone eventually found one to lay on.

Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs on Amazon, Starting @ $35.97

4. Cooling Bandana/Towel

Cooling bandana’s and towels cool your pet by using evaporation. For these, you’ll dunk them in water, ring them out, and then put them on your pet – unless it instructs you otherwise. As your pet hangs out outside the water will evaporate and create a nice cooling sensation for your pet.

ALL FOR PAWS Chill Out Dog Ice Bandana on Amazon, Starting @ $15.05

5. Cooling Vest

Is a bandana or towel not enough for your pet? Try out these cooling vests! They work the same way as the bandanas and towels but provide the full body experience of the cooling mat while your pet can still be on the move.

SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket on Amazon, Starting @ $32.95

RUFFWEAR, Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest on Amazon @ $59.95

and a bonus….

6. Stay in the shade or AC

With record temperatures hitting the country, sometimes the best thing to do is stay indoors in the AC or near a fan. If you have to go out, try to stick to shaded areas.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting.

The Importance Of Keeping Your Pets Hydrated

The Importance of Keeping Your Pets Hydrated Header

The Importance Of Keeping Your Pets Hydrated

We all know the importance of drinking water daily. But did you know it’s just as important for your pets to stay hydrated as you?

  • Water maintains healthy cell function: Just like in humans, water makes up the majority of our pets cells and is essential to keeping healthy cell function.
  • Helps aid in digestion: Water plays a function in helping your pet digest food. Not enough water means they may have digestive issues.
  • Helps aid in nutrient absorption:  Similar to digestion, water helps your pet absorb nutrients from their food.
  • Makes movement easier: Water helps to lubricate your pets joints and helps to cushion them. Without enough water your pet may have trouble moving and may be in pain.

As you can see, water provides essential functions for life. Make sure your pet is getting between .05-1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day to help maintain healthy functions.

Here’s some of our favorite ways to help keep your pet hydrated!

  • Add more water bowls: Want to change it up? Try out a fountain with your pet or add ice discs to keep the water cool.
  • Freeze wet dog food to create a pupsicle: Stock up on wet food that comes in a pouch this season. Cut a small hole into the pouch, add a bit of water (ideal for pâté food), and insert a popsicle stick. Let freeze until solid.
  • Add water to your pets food: A simple trick to get more water into your pets diet, add a few teaspoons or tablespoons of water to their food.
  • Fresh fruit as a treat: Blueberries, apple slices, seedless watermelon, and cantaloupe are all hydrating and healthy treats for your dog.Pet Hydration Ideas Infographic

Have you tried any of these ways to keep your pet hydrated? Let us know your favorite methods in the comments!

7 Fun Winter Activities For Your Dog

 

Winter is here! In many areas of our country this is one heck of a cold time for us. When you have a dog, what do you do? How do you keep Fido active, entertained and happy? How do you stay sane? Below are a few activities that will keep your pooch active during the winter months, both indoors as well as out!

  1. Play games with your pooch while indoors. No matter the size of your pet you can always find fun things to do. How about playing a game of hide and seek? Games stimulate your dog’s mind and keep him active! Another game your dog can play indoors is fetch! Even a short distance toss will engage your dog and tire him out. Get a small Nerf ball or tennis ball and clear some space!
  2. Take your pet to “Pet Friendly” indoor places when the weather won’t permit them heading outdoors. More and more retail establishments are welcoming our furry little friends. If you’ve been socializing your dog, he’s sure to mind his manners and enjoy a little time away from home all the while engaging his senses. Remember, taking your dog out and about builds his confidence thereby reducing anxiety producing behaviors!
  3. Enroll your dog in a class. This is a great time of year to reinforce obedience skills and consider agility training in a controlled, indoor environment.
  4. Play in the snow! Depending on your dog’s age, breed and personality, most dogs enjoy the outdoor weather. Get some fresh air and take them for a quick walk. Make snow angels. Toss snow balls! Big dogs tend to love a romp in the snow. And it really does tire them out. Don’t let them stay out there too long though. They are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia!
  5. Have a doggie play date! Invite some friends over and tell them to bring their pups. Getting the pups together with one another is a great way to exercise them mentally as well as physically! Even if they are just chasing each other from room to room, it’s exciting for them!
  6. Toys with goodies inside of them can provide hours full of fun! Kongs or treat mazes are a fantastic choice for mental stimulation.
  7. Technology is not just for us humans. There are now many apps available to encourage training and mental stimulation. If your dog is bored, there’s an app for it!

Keep these activities in mind as the days get colder and grow darker earlier. With a little creativity, you can reduce cabin fever for both you and your dog. The key is to mix things up and keep moving!