Paws for Wellness A happy and healthy pet starts with a plan!

Seasonal Activities to do with your Dog

Owner and dog walking on the beachIn North America, Fall is in the air, while Down Under, Spring is in full swing. Regardless of which side of the planet you live on, these transitional seasons bring new adventure potential to the surface for you and your furry friends. The mid-range temperatures between scorching summers and cold winters are an excellent time to get outside and enjoy seasonal activities before the thermometer swings up or down.

Hiking

Now is the perfect time for all those hikes you wanted to go on, but didn’t because it was either too hot or too cold! Now that the temperatures are more bearable, it is the perfect time to get out and explore nature and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.

Camping

With the right equipment for your season, lots of firewood and a warm furry body to cuddle with at night, camping can be a great activity for the in-between seasons. The mild temperatures mean the bugs and humidity of the summer haven’t hit yet, and the nights are crisp and cool enough to really enjoy those campfires and cozy blankets.

Local getaways

All over, the flora is showing off all their beautiful colors, whether it be the brilliant colored fall leaves or the bright greens of spring’s new growth. The in-between seasons often mean lower prices for many holiday areas, as well as often being more dog-friendly than during the busy peak times. Take advantage of the seasonal beauty and lower prices, and go for a little getaway with the whole family, dog included.

Head to the beach

spring and fall are a great time to head to the beach- at this time of year, they will be mostly deserted as the sun worshipers have either made their departures or haven’t shown up yet. That means many places that would usually be off limits for your canine companions are much more dog-friendly. And if your dog likes to swim, chances are he won’t mind that the water is a bit chilly and still dive right it!

Have a picnic

Head to a nearby park and pack some yummy treats for both you and your furry friends. Having a meal al fresco with some fun and games to enjoy the beautiful weather is a great way for everyone to take full advantage of the season.

No matter what activities you decide to try with your pets, the in-between seasons are great for getting outside and exploring the great outdoors!

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    Dr. Laura Neuhaus (Raiff)

    Veterinarian

    Dr. Laura Neuhaus is a graduate of the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, she completed an emergency and specialty medicine internship at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego. She enjoys ophthalmology and has a special interest in avian medicine. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She is the proud parent of a cat and 2 parrotlets.
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    Dr. Mitchell Meyerhoeffer

    Veterinarian

    A Virginia native, Dr. Mitchell Meyerhoeffer (Dr. M is fine!) started his career in the veterinary field in high school at Chesterfield Technical Center's veterinary science program. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University while working as a veterinary assistant in a specialty and emergency hospital. Dr. M then completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine training at Virginia Tech, enjoying the hiking and outdoor scenery in Blacksburg when he could ...
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    Beth

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    Beth joined the GAH staff in April 2010. Originally from Maryland, she now lives in the Gloucester area. She has been working as a Licensed Veterinary Technician since graduating from Blue Ridge Community College in 1989. Away from work, she enjoys reading and working her dogs in obedience and agility classes. She has two dogs, three cats, four ferrets and three reptiles.
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    I'm Aidan, and I'm not your typical groomer. I'm a passionate animal lover with a heart full of love for our furry friends. Every day, I get the incredible opportunity to work my magic as a groomer at the renowned Grafton Animal Hospital. I can't express just how much I adore what I do. It's not just a job; it's a calling. I find immense joy in transforming your beloved pets into the best versions of themselves. Whether it's a shaggy dog that needs a fresh haircut, a cat in need of a spa day, or ...
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    Lucy

    Staff Meeting Coordinator

    Lucy joined the Grafton Animal Hospital reception team as the new Noisemaker bird in September 2016. After losing our long-time mascot, Croaker, earlier that year, we learned of a young Quaker parrot available for adoption at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter and decided she might be a good fit for the clinic. Lucy quickly made herself at home and before long, she was showing the staff who was really in charge. She is generally pretty friendly, so you will often see the staff holding her. ...
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    Daisy & Duke

    Staff Meeting Coordinators

    Daisy and Duke joined the GAH team in June of 2009. They were stray kittens that needed a home, and Squeaks was in need of a brother or sister. After some convincing, we were able to keep both. If you haven’t seen our kittens roaming the clinic, it’s because they are still learning their way around. For now, they are great morale boosters that keep us entertained during our staff meetings.
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