From sniff walks and seasonal outings to homemade treats and cozy comforts, find new ways to celebrate fall with your furry friends.
Pet-Friendly Outings
Fetch Some Fun
DogFest OKC
Sept. 26 | 2-5 p.m.
Bring your pup out to Bungalow 23 and celebrate the human-canine bond at DogFest OKC, a family- and dog-friendly festival benefiting Canine Companions. Enjoy an afternoon of local vendors, food, music, games and activities for dogs and kids, plus service dog demonstrations and more. The event recognizes National Service Dog Month while supporting an organization that provides expertly trained service dogs to people with disabilities.
DOGtober Festival
Oct. 24 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate the season with Oklahoma City Animal Welfare’s DOGtober Festival, a pet-friendly event at Earlywine Park featuring adoptable animals, a pet costume contest, scavenger hunt and plenty of fun for animal lovers of all ages. Browse local pet vendors, meet the adoptable animals, shop dog treats and pet products, and enjoy live music, groomers, balloon artists and face painting. Bring your four-legged friends for an afternoon celebrating the bond between pets and people.
A Little Taste of Autumn
After a day of exploring crisp fall trails or cozying up at home, pets deserve a special treat. These easy recipes offer a homemade way to savor the season with your favorite companions.
Apple Oat Pup Bites
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups rolled oats, finely ground
1 egg
½ cup grated apple (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll dough into small balls or flatten and cut into bite-size shapes.
Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until firm.
Cool completely before serving.
Pet safety tip: Remove apple seeds and core before preparing. Avoid applesauce or ingredients containing added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Chicken & Catnip Cat Treats
Ingredients
1 cup cooked, finely shredded chicken
1 egg
1 cup oat flour
1 teaspoon dried catnip (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Combine ingredients to form a dough.
Roll into small balls or flatten into bite-size pieces.
Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until firm.
Cool completely before offering to your cat.
Fall Is for Sniff Walks
Let Your Dog Explore the Season
As summer temperatures begin to ease and fall arrives, many dog owners are ready to spend more time outdoors with their four-legged companions. Cooler mornings, crisp evenings and colorful leaves make the perfect backdrop for neighborhood strolls. But when you head out for a walk this season, remember: the journey is not just about the distance covered.
For dogs, the most rewarding part of the walk may be stopping to smell the world around them.
A “sniff walk,” sometimes called a “sniffari,” allows dogs to slow down, explore and follow their noses without constantly being hurried along. While physical exercise is important for a dog’s health, mental enrichment is also an essential part of their overall well-being.
According to PetMD, scent exploration provides dogs with mental stimulation and allows them to gather information about their environment through one of their strongest senses: their nose. Dogs use scent to learn about other animals, people and changes in their surroundings.
That patch of grass your dog insists on investigating or the tree that suddenly requires a lengthy inspection is not just a distraction. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs experience the world through scent in a way humans can hardly imagine. Sniffing helps them process information about their surroundings and engage in a natural behavior.
Allowing dogs time to sniff can make walks more enriching and satisfying. According to PetMD, sniffing requires concentration and mental processing, meaning a slower walk filled with exploration can provide a different kind of tiredness than a fast-paced walk focused only on distance.
Creating a sniff walk does not require a special trail or destination. Your neighborhood, a local park or a familiar walking route can become a new adventure when your dog is allowed to set the pace.
To create a sniff walk:
Choose a safe area where your dog can explore.
Allow extra time for stopping and investigating interesting scents.
Let your dog set the pace instead of rushing from one point to another.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language and make sure the experience remains positive.
This fall, when your dog pauses beneath a tree, noses through fallen leaves or spends a few extra moments investigating the sidewalk, try not to hurry him along. He is not wasting time. He is gathering information, exercising his brain and experiencing the season in the way dogs do best: nose first.
Beyond the Black Coat
Halloween may put black cats in the spotlight, but these beautiful felines deserve to be celebrated all year long. Discover the science, history and charm behind their iconic coats.
For centuries, black cats have carried a reputation that has ranged from mysterious to misunderstood. But behind those sleek coats are cats with unique genetics, surprising traits and stories all their own. October is Black Cat Awareness Month, a time to celebrate these felines and challenge the myths that surround them. In honor of National Black Cat Day on Oct. 27, we’re taking a closer look at what makes black cats anything but ordinary.
Black cats can have a variety of eye colors.
Many black cats have golden or copper-colored eyes that create a striking contrast with their dark coats, but some may have green or other shades.
A black cat is not a breed.
A solid black coat is a color pattern that can appear in many breeds and mixed-breed cats. The Bombay cat, however, was specifically developed to resemble a miniature black panther.
Coat color does not determine personality.
Despite myths and stereotypes, research has not shown that black cats are less friendly, less affectionate or different in temperament because of their color.
Black isn’t always just black.
A black cat’s coat can change depending on lighting, genetics and health. Some develop brown or reddish highlights, often called “rusting,” when sunlight reveals underlying pigments.
Those dark coats can hide surprises.
Some black cats carry the tabby pattern gene, and faint stripes may appear in bright sunlight or under certain lighting.
The Science Behind the Shade
A cat’s black fur comes from melanin, the same pigment responsible for color in many animals. The genetic variations responsible for producing black pigment can also offer some interesting biological benefits.
Research has explored whether the genetic mutations associated with darker coats may provide some disease-resistance advantages in certain animals. While scientists continue studying these connections, a black coat is much more than just a beautiful feature. It reflects the complex relationship between genetics, biology and the natural world.
Meet Some of OKC’s Adoptable Black Beauties
Wednesday
Meet Wednesday, a beautiful black and white Domestic Shorthair. This spayed female is estimated to be about 3 years old and is currently available for adoption at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.
Kyle
Meet Kyle, a handsome black and white Domestic Shorthair. Kyle is a neutered male estimated to be about 6 months old. He is currently available for adoption at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare and can be found in kennel R111.
A478326
A478326 is a male Domestic Shorthair estimated to be about 12 weeks old. He is currently available for adoption at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.
A476738
A476738 is a neutered male Domestic Shorthair estimated to be about 9 weeks old. He is currently available for adoption at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.
A478008
A478008 is a spayed female Domestic Shorthair estimated to be about 15 weeks old. She is currently available for adoption at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare and can be found in kennel C601.
Disclaimer: While these featured felines were available at press time, some may have already found their forever homes. If so, another black beauty is waiting. Visit one of the many Oklahoma City-area shelters and rescues caring for cats in need of a second chance.
Fall Favorites for Furry Friends
Pet essentials for crisp walks, cozy naps and seasonal fun
1. Tall Tails Natural Rubber Acorn Dog Toy
$13.99 | hollywoodfeed.com
Inspired by the season, this durable natural rubber acorn toy bounces unpredictably for fun games of fetch. Grooved textures help massage gums while your pup chews and plays.
2. Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave Pet Bed
$39.99 | hollywoodfeed.com
Give burrow-loving pets a cozy retreat with this covered plush bed designed for warmth, comfort and security. Perfect for small dogs and cats who love to snuggle, hide or nap in a soft, enclosed space.
3. The Foggy Dog Pumpkin Spice Flannel Collection
Bandana $26.99, Collar $35.99 southernagriculture.com
Cozy cotton flannel accessories in warm shades of orange, rust and cream. The bandana features an easy triangle-tie design, while the collar combines soft fabric with durable construction and luxe metal hardware.
4. Outward Hound Luxury Shag Calming Pet Throw Blanket
$32.49 | Hollywood Feed
Create a cozy spot for your pet with this ultra-soft shag blanket designed for comfort and warmth. The versatile throw protects furniture, floors and car seats while adding a stylish touch to your home. Machine washable for easy care.
5. Bocce’s Bakery Soft & Chewy Pumpk’n Spice Dog Treats
$7.99 | Hollywood Feed
A seasonal snack made with real pumpkin, peanut butter and cinnamon. These soft treats are baked with simple ingredients and are perfect for rewarding your pup during training or everyday moments.
6. PetAmi Dog Leash Bag Deluxe Hands Free
$39.99 | southernagriculture.com
Make fall walks easier with this adjustable waist bag that keeps treats, toys and essentials close at hand. Features include a poop bag dispenser, bottle holder, zipper pocket, leash attachment ring and reflective safety strap.
7. Huxley & Kent Meowww Spice Latte Cat Toy
$6.99 | hollywoodfeed.com
Your kitty will love this soft plush toy filled with crinkle material and organic catnip for playful pounces and swats.
