The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating cherished memories. As you deck the halls and bake the treats, don’t forget to include your beloved pets in the festivities. We’ve gathered up a few tips and tricks on fun and safe ways to make this holiday season pawsitively merry for both you and your furry friends!
Make Some Homemade Treats:
Nothing says love like homemade treats! Spoil your pets with special holiday-themed snacks made just for them. You can even use your holiday cookie cutters to make them extra festive. (Just be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies your pets may have, and consult your vet if you’re unsure about specific ingredients.) Here are a few of our favorite recipes for dogs, cats and rabbits:
For Dogs:
Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Homemade Holiday Dog Treats (from Lemons and Basil)
Gingerbread Dog Cookies (from Gone to the Snow Dogs)
Cranberry, Lentil and Oat Dog Treats (from I Don’t Have Time for That)
Carrot Latkes Dog Treats (from Proud Dog Mom)
For Cats:
Tasty Tuna Cat Treats (from Kitchen Cat)
Carrot and Catnip Kitty Cat Treats (from Epicuricloud)
Spinach and Chicken Cat Treat (from Popsugar)
For Rabbits:
Carrot Cake for Bunnies (from BeChewy)
Bunneh’s Bunny Rabbit treats with Banana and Oats (from Food.com)
Raisin Wheels (and more!) (from Archie’s Angels Rabbit Rescue)
Choose Pet-Friendly Decorations:
While you’re busy decorating the house, consider your pet’s safety and happiness. Opt for pet-friendly decorations that won’t pose a threat to curious noses and playful paws. Here are a few tips to make the decor both festive and safe:
Ditch the tinsel: While tinsel looks festive, it can be ingested by your furry friends who are enthralled by the sparkle.
Select safe ornaments: Choose pet-safe tree ornaments, made out of non-toxic and unbreakable materials, especially for those lower branches. If you have glass ornaments, put them at the top of the tree, out of reach of curious paws!
Keep holly, poinsettias and mistletoe out of reach: While these plants are very festive, they are actually harmful to animals, if ingested. Make sure to hang up high, or skip them altogether.
Never leave candles unattended: If you’re lighting a menorah or other cheerful candles, make sure you keep an eye on the flames, and extinguish if you are leaving the room, or opt for LED candles instead.
Give Fun and Festive Gifts:
Include your pets in the gift-giving tradition by selecting presents specifically designed for them. From cozy beds to interactive toys here are a few of our favorite things:
For Dogs:
Interactive: Outward Hound Hide N Slide Dog Toy
Cozy: The Original Calming Donut Dog Bet
Just for Fun: Squeaking Tortilla Chips
For Cats:
Interactive: Cat Treat Puzzle
Cozy: The Cat Ball Bed
Just for Fun: Pull-A-Partz Sushi Cat Toys
For Rabbits:
Interactive: Sniff n’ Snack Treats Foraging Puzzle
Cozy: Bunny Lounger Pillow
Just for Fun: Willow Ball Chew Toy
Spend Quality Time:
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be hard to slow down and savor the special days. What your pet wants most of all is to spend some quality time with you! So don’t forget to stop and make time for some fun and snuggles. Pawsitively merry celebrations await you and your pets!