Eight Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Your Pets

The holidays are a time to celebrate with family, including our four-legged children. Many of us include them in our holiday photos or get them gifts to open alongside the rest of the family. Whatever your traditions include, here are a few other ideas to consider to ensure your pets are part of the family celebration throughout the holidays.

8 Ways to Celebrate the Season of Giving with Our Pets

by Sloan McKinney

Our four-legged friends are just like family, and we treat them as such during the holidays. After all, we purchase them Dog Reindeergifts, include them in our photographs, and they’ve even become a part of a relatively new tradition known as ugly Christmas sweaters.

But apart from these traditional types of holiday celebrations, what are some other special ways we can celebrate the season with our pets? Honoring of the number of Santa’s reindeer, here are eight ways to celebrate the holidays with our pets in mind:

#1 – Take Them on a Snow Outing

Take your furry friend out for a romp in the snow. Most dogs, and even some cats, enjoy running and playing in the white, powdery stuff. Lightly pack snowballs and toss them to your dog to catch, or simply chase them around the yard. If you live in an area that doesn’t get snow on a regular basis, but there are mountains nearby, think of taking your animal up to see the snow. Enjoy a road trip for some refreshing playtime in the crisp air.

#2 – Have a Holiday Photo Contest

Whether you’re using the “ugly sweater” concept, going after the cuteness effect, or are including your animals within your holiday decor, consider having a photo contest with friends and family. Really open up your holiday pet platform on social media!

#3 – Royal Feast

Search the internet for “pet-friendly” recipes for a special, homemade treat for your four-legged best friend. Perhaps you’ll make your own holiday cookies from scratch for your dog or a catnip infused cake to give your favorite feline.

Christmas-cat 2_0#4 – Spa Day

Just like some of us give gift certificates for a day of beauty at a spa or health resort, considering giving your dog or cat the gift of a pet massage. Search for a provider in your area or look for some soothing animal massage techniques that you can learn yourself on the internet.

#5 – Make Their Bed Extra Cozy

Another relatively simple gift to give your dog or cat for the holidays is a nice, fluffy warm blanket for their bed, the couch, or other favorite hang-out spot. You can always buy them one at most pet and department stores, but you can also make one (without sewing a stitch) in an afternoon.

#6 – Their Own Decoration

Many people hang an individual Christmas stocking for their pet(s), but they can also have their very own special decoration for the tree. Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, give your pet a special spot on the tree for their own, unique ornament.

#7 – Extra Playtime

During the holiday rush, with all the hustle and bustle of planning, shopping and everything else the season entails, don’t overlook your animals. While you always remember when it’s time to feed them, give them some extra attention and playtime as well.

#8 – Give to Other Animals

It is the season of giving after all, and you can honor your pet by giving to other animals in need. On our homepage under the “Donate” tab, you’ll find many different ways you can help out other dogs and cats to ensure they’ll have a better holiday.

#9 – BONUS: From Rudolph

Here’s our ninth recommendation, directly from Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer – have a fun and safe holiday with your friends, family and especially your pets. Speaking of safety, check out this list of potential dangers for our dogs and cats during the holiday season courtesy of the ASPCA.

Have a safe, loving, giving holiday season and a joyous New Year!