The holiday season is right around the corner, and besides all the shopping we have to plan, we also have to begin planning all of the festivities we’ll be taking part in. Hopefully, the work Christmas party isn’t as sloppy as it was last year! But as you plan festivities set between yourself and family, you need to consider how you’ll include your dog in holiday festivities and all the fun. They’re a part of your family, so they should be able to have as much fun as the rest of you. But how do you include your dog in holiday festivities?
From including them in your family photos to gifting them bully sticks on Christmas morning, here’s everything you can do to include your dog in holiday festivities and all the fun.
Include Your Dog in Family Photos
Chances are you’ll have photos taken of you and your family to send out as holiday cards to friends, coworkers, and relatives. But don’t just take a photo with your spouse and kids. Include your dog in on the fun! (buy xanax in bali)
If you’re planning for a goofy photoshoot, consider getting your dog in costume to get the biggest laughs out of your recipients. And even if you’re taking a serious photo, dress your dog up for the occasion. A Christmas or Hanukkah sweater will keep your dog comfortable while also giving them something fun to wear.
Gift Them a New Toy
The holiday season is all about gift giving. It’s a way to show others how much they mean to you, where you can show your gratitude in the form of a lovely gift. Your dog should get as much love as you are showing your kids, whether it’s during the eight nights of Hanukkah or Christmas morning.
A new toy will be greatly appreciated, especially if it’s similar to one they already love or a replacement for a toy they happened to destroy a month before.
You can even wrap it in gift wrap to truly make it a special gift to your dog, allowing them to tear it apart with their teeth, while holding it between their paws to reveal their surprise gift. Then, they’ll be off to the races, chewing and gnawing and enjoying all the fun it has to offer.
Treat Your Dog to a Treat
You can offer your dog more than a chew toy, too. Why not give them a treat they can actually taste and eat? Your dog is sure to love long-lasting dog bones, which not only taste and smell great but offer them a treat they can enjoy for an hour or more.
Look for something all-natural, as it will be far easier on your dog’s stomach versus a traditional rawhide treat — whose processing can be rough on their digestive system. Beyond that, you can even consider other treats like bully sticks, pig ears, and collagen chews to give them something to truly enjoy and savor.
Make Your Dog a Festive Homemade Treat
The holidays are all about sharing the holiday cheer. One of the main ways people celebrate the holidays is through baking breads, cookies, and pastries for friends and family. It’s a simple way to give someone else a thing they can truly enjoy. Why not make something for your dog, too?
Your dog will love receiving their homemade treat, fresh as could be. Those dried treats you get from the pet store? They do the trick, but your dog also deserves a freshly made treat this time of year.
Here are some ideas for at-home recipes:
- Apple dog treat — Just got done apple picking? Put those fresh apples to use by making your dog some fresh treats. You can even blend in some cinnamon and peanut butter to make the treat as tasty and seasonal as possible.
- Gingerbread treats — The holiday season is all about building a gingerbread house with family, sharing time together on a simple yet pleasurable task. Get your dog in on the fun by making them a gingerbread treat they’ll truly love.
- Peppermint treats — It’s not the best idea to give your dog a candy cane, but you can let them share that candy cane flavor by making them a peppermint treat at home.
Give a Contribution in Your Pet’s Name
The holiday season doesn’t have to only be about physical gifts. You can give back to others through contributions and charity.
If you’re looking for a way to include your dog, you can do so by making them part of a holiday charitable donation to the animal rescue of your choice. You should, most likely, give back to the rescue organization you got your dog from. But you can just as easily make a donation to a number of rescues of your choice.
Besides giving a cash donation, you can also gift them essentials they need:
- Towels
- Treats
- Kibble
- Chew toys
- Leashes and collars
- Shampoo and conditioner
- And more
Host a Dog Holiday Party
Lastly, you can hold a dog holiday party and invite all of your dog’s closest canine friends. It’s a simple way to let your dog have a party centered around their own needs, versus the usual holiday parties focused on appeasing everyone.
Invite over all of your dog’s favorite friends and let them have their own personal party while you and their owners are able to hang out elsewhere. Try and make it fun. Make holiday treats for the party, have the dogs dress in ugly sweaters, take a party photo, and send off all the dogs with party favors to enjoy in the days to come.
