The Holidays are just a couple of days away! What are your plans? Whether it’s staying at home or going on a trip somewhere, incorporating your pet dog into your Holiday activities can be a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season together.
Here are some Holiday activities that you can enjoy with your furry friend:
- Holiday Walks or Hikes: Take your dog for a festive walk in the neighborhood or on a trail adorned with holiday decorations. Let them explore and enjoy the seasonal sights and smells.
- Christmas Photoshoot: Dress your dog in a cute holiday-themed outfit and take photos together. This can be a fun way to capture memories and create personalized holiday cards.
- Special Christmas Treats: Bake or buy dog-friendly Christmas treats. You can find recipes for homemade dog treats with ingredients safe for your fur baby. Wrap them up as gifts or use them as stocking stuffers.
- Christmas Paw Print Ornaments: Create keepsake ornaments with your dog’s paw prints. Use a pet-safe, non-toxic paint to make an impression on paper or clay, then turn it into a holiday ornament. This will definitely be your cutest Christmas ornament!
- Pet-Friendly Gifts: Wrap up some dog-friendly presents and let your pup unwrap them. Toys, treats, or a new cozy bed can make for exciting and enjoyable gifts.
- Christmas Movie Night: Got a clingy pup? Snuggle up with your fur baby for a cozy Christmas movie night. Choose films that are pet-friendly and have a relaxing atmosphere.
- DIY Dog Toys: Create homemade dog toys with Christmas-themed materials. For example, you can make a tug-of-war toy out of old holiday socks.
- Visit Santa Paws: Some pet stores or local events offer opportunities for pets to take pictures with Santa Paws. Check if there are any pet-friendly Santa events in your area.
- Christmas Agility Course: Set up a mini agility course in your backyard or living room. Use holiday-themed obstacles, and guide your pooch through the course using treats and positive reinforcement.
- Holiday Grooming Session: Give your pooch a festive grooming session. You can use holiday-themed bandanas, bows, or even opt for a Christmas-themed pet grooming service.
- Christmas Sweater Party: Host a small gathering with friends who have dogs, and encourage everyone to dress their pets in Christmas sweaters. Have some dog-friendly treats and toys for the pups to enjoy.
Dog-Friendly Places You Can Go To With Your Fur Baby
- Camping: if you and your canine companion loves going outdoors, you can set a camping trip on the holidays! Just make sure that you do your research prior to going to the place to check if it is pet-friendly. Also, make sure to pack all your fur baby essentials such as your fur baby’s first aid kit, portable water and food bowls, collar and lead, poop bags, favorite toy and pet food.
- Pet-Friendly Beach: There are plenty of off-leash and dog-friendly beaches that you and your pooch can go to. Don’t forget to bring poo bags, first aid kit, leash, towels, life vest, bottled water, water dish, and shade for a safe and fun trip to the beach.
- Pet-Friendly Holiday Accommodation: You know what’s better than a staycation? A staycation with your fur baby! Don’t leave them behind this holiday season. Instead, you can check if there are pet-friendly accommodations that you and your fur baby can go to.
- Pet-Friendly Restaurants: If you love trying out new restaurants, you can try pet-friendly restaurants with your pup. Some pet-friendly restaurants even serve dishes exclusively for your pet.
Pooch-Friendly Holiday Treats You Can Give To Your Fur Baby
Making or buying special Christmas treats for your dog can be a fun and festive way to include them in the holiday celebrations. When preparing treats for your furry friend, it’s essential to use dog-friendly ingredients and avoid harmful substances like chocolate, certain nuts, and artificial sweeteners.
Baking might overwhelm you, but you can always try your best for your fur baby this holiday season. Here are some Christmas treat ideas that you can try for your pooch:
- Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, oats, mashed banana, peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol), and water. Mix the ingredients, shape into biscuits, and bake until golden brown.
- Cranberry and Turkey Dog Cookies:
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, cooked and finely chopped turkey, dried cranberries (unsweetened), egg, and water. Combine the ingredients, shape into cookies, and bake until firm.
- Sweet Potato Chews:
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes. Slice sweet potatoes into thin rounds, place them on a baking sheet, and bake until they turn into chewy treats. Sweet potatoes are a healthy and tasty option.
- Pumpkin Pupcakes:
Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, egg, and a small amount of honey. Mix the ingredients, pour into cupcake molds, and bake until set. You can top them with a dollop of yogurt as “icing.”
Remember to feed treats in moderation, taking into consideration your dog’s size, health, and dietary restrictions. If your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats. Enjoy celebrating the holidays with your furry friend!
The holidays can be stressful to everyone, even your fur babies! Different and lots of new or old faces coming in and out of the house can cause stress to them. A long car ride, if they’re not used to, can also cause stress. If you’re planning to do something out of you and your fur baby’s ordinary routine, make sure that you know the triggers and signs of discomfort to help them calm down.
