1. 🚶‍♂️ Explore Local Trails and Parks

Cooler weather is perfect for getting outside before it gets too cold. Here are some of the best spots around Joplin:

• Frisco Greenway Trail – A converted rail line, great for walking, jogging, or light hiking with your dog. (BringFido.com)

• Wildcat Glades Walk – Offers scenic views and a chance for pets who don’t mind a leash to enjoy nature. (AllTrails)

• Campbell Parkway Trail – About 1.8 miles long, crosses Joplin Creek; good for shorter walks. (Choose Joplin)

• Parr Hill Park & Dog Park – Let your dog off leash if you’ve got membership, or just walk the trails and enjoy the park together.(Joplinmo.org)

These places help pets burn off energy naturally, sniff around, stretch joints, and get mental stimulation too.

2. 🏡 Indoor Games + DIY Obstacle Courses

When it's chilly or wet, playing inside can still be fun and active:

• Use cushions, chairs, broomsticks to create mini hurdles or tunnels.

• Hide treats around rooms for your pet to sniff out.

• Tug games with old t-shirts braided together (strong enough for dogs, gentle for smaller pets).

Even 10‑15 minutes of this kind of play helps maintain strength and mood.

3. 🍎 Healthy Treat Swaps — Made for Fall

Treats are fun, but paying attention to what and how much makes a difference. Here are a few swaps (and precautions) to try:

• Apple slices — without seeds or cores. Seeds can be a choking hazard and they contain small amounts of compounds that aren’t good in large amounts.

• Plain pumpkin (unsweetened, no spices) — great for digestion and low calorie.

• Green beans — fill them up more safely.

• Sweet potato slices/chews — baked rather than fried, minimal oil.

Keep treats to a modest portion of daily calories so they don’t tip the scale up.

4. 🧠 Brain Games & Trick Training

Mental exercise burns energy too! Here are some playful ideas:

• Hide and seek: You hide, call them, reward with a healthy treat.

• “Find the treat” game: Use three cups, hide a treat under one, shuffle.

• Teach or reinforce tricks: “Spin,” “paw,” “touch,” “stay.”

Great indoors on rainy days; helps prevent boredom and climbing on furniture.

5. 🐕 Let Them Off Leash Safely

If your dog has good recall and you’re looking for a place to let them run:

• Parr Hill Dog Park offers a fenced area, agility equipment, and separate spaces for large and small dogs—but it’s open to Joplin residents only and requires a membership fee through the city. (joplinmo.org)

• You can also check out private off-leash play areas through Sniffspot, which lets you rent fenced yards or fields by the hour near Joplin. (sniffspot.com)

Freedom to run helps with muscle tone, mood, and joint flexibility, plus it’s just plain fun.

A Few Tips & Reminders

• Always remove seeds and cores from apples.

• Watch the weather—early morning or late afternoon are often more pleasant in fall.

• If your pet is older or has joint issues, go for gentler activity and consider stretching.

• If weight gain seems sudden or unexplained, it could be linked to medical issues—check in with your vet.
  
  
  

Let’s Keep Your Pet Moving & Happy this Fall

Fall is full of cozy comforts, but staying active is one of the best gifts you can give your pet. Between outdoor trails, local dog parks, indoor games, and healthy snacks, there are loads of ways to keep them healthy and joyful as temperatures cool.

If you ever want help picking the best routines or treats for your pet, drop by Pawsitive Care Veterinary Clinic or give us a call. We’d love to help you build a fall fitness plan that works for you both!