Holidays For The Whole Family:
It’s easy to include your furry friend in your family’s holiday traditions and make some new traditions just for your dog. No matter how busy and chaotic our holidays get, pet parents don’t have to neglect that special pup in their lives!
There is something for every dog owner to make the holidays a little more special for their furry best friend!
1. Matching Holiday Sweaters
What better way to cuddle on Christmas morning than in matching sweaters or pajamas? Clothes are not just for small dogs, all dogs big and small can enjoy styling on their holiday walk or for couch snuggles. Your dog will enjoy the attention and warmth, while you share in the holiday spirit, creating a unique bond and festive cheer!
Many favorite online catalogs sell matching holiday gear for the whole family, furry and human! Grab your favorite Christmas pattern or opt for a custom look that matches you and your dog’s personality.
2. Special Christmas Photos
Remember to commemorate your holiday memories with special photos of your family dog. A quick internet search will reveal many local opportunities to take pictures with Santa Claus. In the little city that I live in, there are certain days when the mall Santa will take pictures with pups, and local dog training businesses offer similar festive opportunities.
If your pup is like my dog and is uneasy around strangers, there is no reason to stress them out by taking pictures with Santa Claus. You can take equally festive pictures with your matching holiday sweaters in front of your family Christmas tree or with neighborhood lights!
3. Include Them In the Holiday Card
Once you have the perfect holiday photo in your festive matching sweater, make sure to include your pup in your family’s holiday card! Holiday cards allow you to update your family and friends with what life has looked like over the past year, and no card is complete without an update on your doggy family member.
The internet has made creating the perfect holiday card so easy. Find your favorite custom photo website, pick a card layout, and design your card using the special holiday memories you and your dog have created!
4. Make Dog Cookies
No Christmas Eve is complete without homemade cookies for Santa. My favorite cookies for Christmas time are chocolate chip cookies. A classic! However, some human favorites like chocolate are toxic for dogs, and too much sugar can upset their tummy.
So I make my dogs their own special holiday cookies! My dog’s favorite Christmas cookies are liver and peanut butter (yes, liver!). There are lots of dog-friendly recipes online to choose from, and you can use your favorite cookie cutters to make them festive for the holidays!
5. Cozy Movie Night
Once your and your pup’s favorite cookies are baking in the oven, throw some blankets down on the floor, pick out your favorite holiday movie, and snuggle up for a cozy movie night with your dog. Don’t forget to put on your matching pajamas!
My dog’s favorite Christmas movie is The Dog Who Saved Christmas, but she will suffer through Love Actually with me every year!
6. Wrap Presents For Your Dogs
Don’t forget to wrap your dog’s present and put it under the tree with the rest of the family’s gifts! Your pup will feel included in your family’s gift-giving traditions by being able to join the fun. Make sure everyone is matching sweaters or PJs while ripping through their presents, and snap some photos for next year’s cards.
Christmas presents that your dog might include a new bed, toys, or a beautiful new harness.
7. Give Your Dog Their Own Stocking
Wrapping up a tasty bully stick or some of the homemade cookies you made for your dog sounds like a great idea. However, it’s not so fun when they find it under the Christmas tree! Instead, give them a stocking full of yummy holiday treats and display it out of reach until Christmas morning.
Hang it with care with the rest of the family’s Christmas stockings, and let your dog enjoy their treat while the rest of the family is eating dinner!
8. Host A Doggy Christmas Party
If you and your dog like to be social with other people and their furry family members, then host a Doggy Christmas Party. Whether it is at someone’s house or a favorite dog-friendly park, any friendly pooch will love the opportunity to run around with their canine buddies!
Bring your festive doggy cookies and enjoy the company of other dog-obsessed people while the dogs burn off some energy playing.
9. Christmas Light Walks
Not all dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, but there are other ways to create holiday memories while burning off energy. A festive neighborhood walk with the family is a great way to get some exercise and create Christmas memories while finding your favorite twinkling lights.
Your pup can break in the new harness that was wrapped under the Christmas tree on your Christmas light stroll!
10. Make Donation to An Animal Shelter
Being a dog owner brings so much joy and companionship, and it’s rewarding to share that love with others. Donating to a shelter is a meaningful way to give back and help provide a better future for other dogs in need.
If you rescued your dog, consider giving back for Christmas and donating to the shelter they came from. Most rescues need more than simply monetary donations, they also need food, blankets, and treats. Even if you purchased your dog from a breeder, you could consider donating to your local shelter or a breed-specific rescue!
Happy Holidays!
While you are out making memories with your pup, remember that the holidays can bring lots of joy into our lives, but they can also be stressful, for us and our dogs. Here is a guide to help navigate your dog’s stress during the holidays. On top of managing your dog’s holiday experience, this list will help you figure out how to include your pup in your celebrations!
Happy Holidays!
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