Fall Has Officially Arrived (Even If Texas Didn't Get the Memo)

Autumn · Otoño · Automne - the season of crunchy leaves, cooler mornings, and very, very happy tails.

Fall officially arrived on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. From here on, the nights get longer and (eventually, hopefully, please) the temperatures drop.

Here in Texas, "fall" may still look a lot like summer's encore. But the pups know. They feel that first crisp morning breeze and suddenly every walk becomes an Olympic sniffing event. Leaves to crunch! Squirrels in full panic mode stocking up for winter! Neighbors putting out pumpkins that absolutely need to be investigated!

At Wag & Wander, this is our favorite time of year to be out on the trail. Before you and your best friend jump into sweater weather, here are three tips to keep the season safe and fun.

1. Plan for shorter days

With the sun setting earlier every evening, those after-work walks are heading into dusk. A reflective leash or collar, or a small clip-on light, helps drivers see you both. Bonus points for a light-up collar that makes your dog look like they're headed to a rave.

2. Watch what gets sniffed (and snacked)

Fall brings acorns, wild mushrooms, and fallen debris into the yard, none of which belong in a dog's stomach. Some mushrooms can be toxic, and acorns can upset tummies. And with Halloween around the corner, keep candy (especially chocolate and anything sugar-free with xylitol) well out of paw's reach.

3. Don't retire the tick check yet

North Texas fleas and ticks don't pack up just because the calendar changed. Keep up with your pup's preventatives and do a quick once-over after walks through grass and wooded areas.

Let's Make This Fall a Tail-Wagger

Busy season is here: school schedules, holiday travel, and football Saturdays. Wag & Wander has you covered with dog walks, drop-in visits, pet shuttles, and overnight stays, so your pup gets their fresh air and adventure even when your calendar is packed.

And because every good walk deserves a reward, check out our small-batch, American-made Wag & Wander treats at wagandwander.dogtreatco.com. They're made with real ingredients and no artificial colors or fillers. Consider them the pumpkin spice latte of the dog world.

Ready to book your fall walks? Reach us at wag-and-wander.com or (469) 558-0001.

Happy fall, y'all. 🍂🐾