Fun Ways To Incorporate Your Fur-Babies Into The Holiday Festivities.
After all, they are family, too!
No matter how hectic things get during the holiday season, it is important to carve out time to do activities with your pet! Keep these activities in mind that will be fun for you, your pet, and the whole family.
Get Some Fresh Air
Sight-see the holiday decor with your pet!
Take a walk to enjoy the neighborhood decorations and lights with your pet. Before heading out, keep the temperature and weather in mind to determine the length of your walk. Your pet may need a coat or boots too.
Romp around in the snow.
Most dogs love playing in the snow, which can be combined with any outdoor chores that you may need to get done. When you return inside, make sure you wipe off your pet’s paws, ears, face and coat! You don't want ice wedged in places that can cause frostbite.
Picking out the perfect Christmas Tree.
Finding that special Christmas tree is a fun outdoor activity that can be even more memorable if you take you furry friend with you! Many tree farms welcome pets on a leash! Again, just be sure to keep the weather in mind before you head out.
Wagon rides and sledding.
Dreaming of a white Christmas is just a part of the holidays. If a snowstorm does come your way, grab your coat (and maybe your pet's coat too) then head outside for a snow day. If your pet is the brave type, you might be able to hold onto them while you sled down some smaller hills.
If you're looking for something more mellow, a walk in the snow is plenty of good exercise for them.
PHOTO WITH SANTA AND YOUR PET:
Check your local pet supplies stores for designated days to get an image of you and your pet with Santa Claus.
Sledding or wagon rides
Part of the fun around the holidays is the hope of a white Christmas. If a snowstorm does come your way, grab your coat (and maybe your pet's coat too) and head outside for a snow day. If your pet is the brave type, you might be able to hold onto them while you sled down some smaller hills.
On the other hand, just taking them for a walk in the snow is plenty of good exercise for them. For an even more festive spin on a traditional walk, find a neighborhood (maybe yours) that has several homes decorated with colorful lights.
Stay In And Play
Recharge together. Play together. Love each other.
There are tons of holiday activities that we do indoors as a family, so why not include our four legged friends. They'll love it.
Binge watch festive movies together.
Snuggle up on the couch with a cozy blanket and your cat or dog to binge watch some pet-friendly holiday movies like “A Dog Named Christmas” or “The Nine Lives of Christmas.”
Bake for all members of the family.
Fresh baked goodies are one of the most appealing parts of the Christmas season. Bake some healthy treats for your pet so they don’t feel left out, and it may also prevent them from hijacking your baked goods. Dog-friendly gingerbread cookies or sweet potato with salmon treats for your cat are great options.
Don’t forget to spread some joy and make extra to share with your dog’s and cat’s friends too!
Create an ornament for your pet.
A clay paw print with his/her name on it to hang it on the Christmas tree is an adorable idea. You could also have a special Christmas ornament made with your dog’s picture. This can become a yearly tradition!
Opening gifts can be fun for all.
Furiously unwrapping gifts to see what Santa brought Christmas morning is always a blast. Allow your pet to join in on the fun. Pamper your pet with wrapped toys and take a moment to watch as they joyfully unwraps his gifts. Or, put their presents in a bag or a box, and let them sniff away. Keep your camera close to capture those important pictures and videos to remember for years to come.
Something Extra Special
Many dog shelters have holiday events and this will allow your dog the opportunity to play with other less fortunate dogs and create a special holiday moment. You may even be tempted to adopt one of these lovely pets. Wouldn’t that be a special Christmas memory?
While visiting your local animal shelter, make a donation in your pet’s name to help homeless dogs and cats in your community this holiday season!