How to Make the Holidays Special for Your Dog

The holidays are already upon us. From Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year, and everything in between, it cannot be denied that the yearend celebrations keep us all incredibly busy. While ‘tis is definitely the season for gatherings with friends and loved ones, dogs should also be let in on the fun. After all, they are part of the family, right?

With the season of love and giving just around the corner, you might want to show some extra love and attention to your favorite fur friends. However, this can be quite tricky especially when you get wrapped up in all the festivities. Thankfully, there are lots of ways you can make the holidays feel more special for your dogs.

Whatever your family celebrations and traditions might be, below are a few ways to make this joyous season one your dogs won’t forget for a long time. Check these out.

Decorate Their Living Spaces

One of the easiest things to make your pet feel and get into the holiday spirit is by decorating their living quarters. You can certainly jazz things up by replacing their old dog bed with something new and cozy, perhaps in the holiday colors that you are going for.

Even adding a pillow or two with prints of reindeers and other holiday-themed toys in their kennels or spaces can prepare them for the festivities. Or, maybe a fluffy blanket can warm them right up.

Have Fun Dressing Them Up

If your dogs are up for it, dressing them up just in time for the festivities can make the holidays even more special, especially if it makes them feel cozier than ever before during the colder months. Not only can this act as a layer of protection, but this holiday dress-up activity can also make for a fun bonding time, particularly when they get to choose outfits.

Lay down some exciting choices for them to wear. Ugly sweaters, reindeer antlers, Santa hats, and even turkeys, you can go wild with an assortment of dog costumes to choose from.

Take Holiday Photos with Your Fur Baby

While your dog is in the mood to lay dress-up, you might want to take advantage of getting your annual holiday photos with them in it. As a matter of fact, this might just be the perfect time to show the world not only your quirky and matching outfits, it will also get the chance to document your pet’s holidays with you over time.

This can be one of the more challenging activities, but it’s sure to liven up your family photo time. If you want to go the extra mile, you may want to get some extra photos of your furry friend alone. Send these photos to friends and family and even post this on social media.

Make Sure to Give Them Gifts

There’s nothing like seeing your dog light up when they receive gifts. Spoil your furry best friend during the holidays by giving them a gift or two (or even more, if you will) and wrap these up nicely so you can get to watch how they unwrap gifts.

Some of the best gifts you can give your dog are those that are catered to their personalities. Sure, everyone loves dog treats, but not everyone likes the same flavors or kinds. Apart from treats, you can gift them a new bed, a collar, seasonal toys, and the like.

You can even hang a stocking dedicated to your pet and fill this with stocking stuffers such as their favorite treats and toys.

See More of the Great Outdoors

Outdoor activities are not just for the warmer months. As a matter of fact, you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor fun with your dog. One of the activities you can do together is picking out a tree for Christmas.
There are tree farms that allow you to bring your dog, provided you keep them on a leash.

Besides this, you can take your dog out to view the Christmas and Thanksgiving parades, tree lighting ceremonies, going to a pumpkin patch, and more. You can also go on walks to see neighborhoods light up with various holiday decorations. Seeing and experiencing all of these things for the first time will make this one for the books.

Splurge on a Gourmet Meal

Go the whole nine yards for your dog by giving them a gourmet meal to remember during the holidays. They’ll never say no to your creations, especially when you’re making this for them out of love. Instead of serving them scraps, a special meal will make them feel loved while you and your friends also enjoy yours.

There are numerous pet-friendly recipes out there for your four-legged best friend. From baked goods and cookies, turkey, a juicy piece of steak, canned pumpkin filling, the works, you’ll have no shortage of options.

Be Generous with Extra Playtime

The hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays can get you wrapped up in all the planning and preparation for your events and gatherings, leading you to overlook or even neglect your beloved dog.

Be sure to set aside some quality time every day or be generous with their playtime when you can. This will go a long way in making them feel loved.

Go on a Yuletide Outing

Take your dog out with you on your yuletide outing with friends and family. They will appreciate running in new spaces, even more so when there’s snow. The light, powdery snow can be a refreshing change of scenery for your pet if you don’t live in an area that does not snow very often.

If there are mountains or forests within the area, you might want to explore the area and go for a hike. This will give your dog a chance to stretch its legs, see new sights, and take in the crisp air.

Final Thoughts

Making your dog’s holidays is equally important as yours. By getting to know these different ways of celebrating the holidays with your pets, you can ensure that your four-footed friends are part of your festivities throughout the holidays.

References

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/holiday-tips-and-tricks