07 Ways to Include Your Dogs in Holiday Festivals

A Holly Jolly Time With Your Doggie! 

We all get together during the Christmas season to embrace each other's company over good food and long chats. Family and friends gathered around, including your four-legged family members as well. Your dog would love to be a part of your family traditions this Christmas tasting foods and enjoying the festive breeze.  

Make your doggie’s Christmas celebration special and create new memories to hold onto for a long time. As dog owners, it is your responsibility to make them feel loved and a part of the Christmas celebration. This can be anything from leaving customised Christmas dog treats for your dog to new gifts and games to play with them!  Make them a part of the gift-giving ceremony and give them the general cuddles they deserve on Christmas! 

At Petbites, we recognise the importance of giving your dog some excitement on a festive holiday.  This would be an ideal way for you to include your pet dog in your everyday activities and festivities. Our pet experts have put together a blog with seven creative ways to get your dog involved in the holiday fun this Christmas. Read through and find the most creative things that you can do to bond with your dog:  

1. Dress Up for Holiday Photos

Holiday-Themed Outfits:  Just like how we love to get dressed during Christmas or during Halloween, you can always include your dog in this diva moment.  Watch them wear the most hilarious and adorable costumes such as Santa's elf or Rudolph the rednosed reindeer and walk around the house cheering everyone.  You can always snap pictures and hold them for memories or include them in family pictures two. Christmas sweaters, reindeer antlers, or holiday bandanas are fun ways to capture adorable memories.

Holiday Cards:  Be a little creative and include your dog to your family holiday card. Your loved ones would love to see your dog grow each year with you. This can add a playful and heartwarming touch to your season’s greetings.

2. Create a Dog-Friendly Holiday Feast

Special Dog Treats:  Just like how we all love to feel special during Christmas or any other festive season, make sure your dog gets his fair share of attention! Whip up some holiday-themed dog treats or buy special festive-flavoured goodies.  You can also try new flavours or their favourite flavours to hint at an important event at your home. Pet-friendly foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and turkey can ensure that your dog enjoys their own holiday feast.

Holiday Dinner Plate:  If you are looking for other ways to include your pet dog in your Christmas dinners, you can always start small while keeping in mind the safe ingredients from the harmful ones. Serve a smaller version of your festive meal with dog-safe ingredients, allowing them to dine alongside the family.

3. Involve Your Dog in Gift-Giving

Dog Presents: Don't leave your dog out during your Christmas gift-giving. Make sure you always have something special for them too. Wrap a few dog toys, bones, or treats, and let your dog join in the excitement of unwrapping gifts. Dogs love new things, and this is a perfect way to include them in the gift exchange.

DIY Gifts: Does your dog appreciate handmade items as well? If your dog likes watching you make creative DIY gifts with you, why not create one for them too? Create handmade toys or personalised accessories like collars and beds, giving your dog a thoughtful holiday present. Watch them jump around happily as you place the collar around them. 

4. Take Them to Holiday Parades and Events

Festive Dog Parades: Why not take your dog to an event focused on dogs and dog celebrations? Most community centres host holiday parades or pet-friendly events.  You can use this beautiful opportunity to dress your dog up and take them along for the festivities, making them feel like part of the celebration.  Get a little funky and add a bow or a Santa hat to make your dog feel festive!

Dog-Friendly Markets: You can take your dog to the Christmas Market to buy Christmas balls and decorations. Some holiday markets allow dogs, so your furry friend can accompany you as you explore festive stalls. You can pick out gifts, and soak in the holiday atmosphere together. Try nibbling on some mince pies and appreciate the festive flavours together.  Be attentive with the ingredients and give your dog only dog-safe ingredients.   

5. Plan a Holiday Adventure

Festive Walks:  A simple walk around the neighbourhood would be a great sign of achievement for your dog. Take your dog on walks to watch the vibrant Christmas lights and decorations of all the houses lit, aisle by aisle. The new sights, sounds, and smells are sure to excite them.  They would also love how your neighbours would stop by to pat their heads every now and then. 

Road Trips:  Are you planning on taking the roads this Christmas? If you’re travelling during the holidays, consider bringing your dog along for the adventure.  Whether it is a family tour or a solo trip, your dog would love to be a part of any dog-friendly destinations that have holiday-specific activities for both of you! 

6. Include Them in Your Holiday Traditions

Tree Decorating: Have some extra fun with your dog and make them part of your Christmas traditions. Decorating the Christmas tree is a beautiful tradition we all love. Get your dog some homemade peanut butter or oatmeal cookies to indulge in as you all get festive and active! While they won’t be hanging ornaments, they can sit beside you nibbling on snacks or playing with the special dog-friendly ornament you reserved for them. 

Holiday Movie Night: Get your dog up on the couch and curl up with your dog for a holiday movie marathon. Include dog-friendly snacks and enjoy a cosy, festive evening together. You can also give your dog a festive dog movie to watch to stimulate their senses, making them feel excited and captivated! 

7. Host a Dog-Friendly Holiday Party

Paw-ty Time: While you are hosting parties for your friends and family, why not invite your neighbours and their dogs to celebrate a Christmas-sy paw party? A holiday get-together with other dog parents can be quite helpful in terms of bonding and celebrating festivities with your dog. Plan and prepare dog-safe treats, games, and activities to make your pup feel like a festive host. Watch them wag their tails in excitement as they see their friends visiting! 

Gift Exchange:  Improvise using creativity to host a dog-friendly gift exchange where each pup gets to “unwrap” a toy or treat.  This can help your dog create new memories that are meaningful to them. What a great way to spread holiday cheer and make your dog feel involved! 

Deck the Hallways with Your Doggie! 

And that sums up our creative list of seven ways to include your dog in your Christmas festivities! Our dogs are precious and have always been there for us when we need them. Therefore it is our responsibility as dog owners to include them in our happy moments and make it memorable with them as well.

Christmas is a beautiful time filled with vibrant colours and fascinating aromas lingering in the Christmas breeze. Your dog would enjoy hopping around all December enjoying the friendly visits from your neighbours or the smells of baking all month long! Remember to include your dog in each festivities to make them feel like family. 

Plan festive outfits, and holiday feasts for your dog, or make time and space for them in your gatherings. This can be a kind gesture to include your dogs in your space and pay attention to them when needed.  Gift your dog beautiful dog treats, dog toys, or a dog hamper featuring their favourite items.