The most wonderful time of the year is finally here! The Christmas countdown has started – everyone is busy getting ready for the festivities.
Celebrating the holidays with your dog can be fun…and a bit stressful. The holiday season is such a busy time that it’s easy to forget to make time to spend with your fur buddy. Your dog will appreciate extra love and attention during this season when holiday traditions can seem confusing and routines are thrown out of whack.
Here are 10 ways to celebrate Christmas with your fur baby.
1. Take your dog shopping with you
Shopping with your dog can be a lot of fun and help reduce your stress-level, not to mention all the smiles you will bring to the faces of others. There are a surprising number of stores that welcome dogs even if they are not service dogs. Here are 110 dog-friendly places to take your dog shopping in Colorado Springs.
2. Look at Christmas lights
Christmastime is a great opportunity to take your dog on a walk or car ride to look at the sparkly neighborhood decorations. Your dog will enjoy getting out with you and viewing the lights. Be careful, however, about some of the giant inflatables. Your dog may feel threatened by them so just steer clear of the decorations that seem to upset him or her.
3. Bake some healthy dog treats
Be careful about feeding your dog human food; many of the traditional holiday human treats are not good for your dog. Instead, make some healthy, easy homemade dog treats.
4. Share with your friends and neighbors
After you’ve baked up a storm of healthy dog treats, consider personally delivering some treats to your doggie friends in the neighborhood. This is a good opportunity to say hello and spend a few minutes with neighbors while hand-delivering a few select Christmas cards to people you are close to throughout the year.
5. Dress up (at least a little)
We all love to dress up a bit in holiday attire and there’s no reason to leave your dog out of the fun. There are adorable costumes and a dazzling array of festive collars available that your fur baby can wear to dress things up a bit. It’s always amusing to dress your dog up in cute outfits but just be careful to not force him or her to wear something he or she isn’t comfortable wearing.
6. Take family photos and videos
Capture special holiday moments, making sure your pup is right in the middle of the action. Your dog loves being the center of attention, so find ways to incorporate him or her into your pictures.
7. Read together
Many families have a tradition of snuggling up with hot cocoa and reading the Christmas Story or another traditional holiday tale. Most dogs love to be read to, and having everyone together for this activity will be enjoyable for everyone.
8. Plant a memory
One holiday tradition is to plant a live Christmas tree in the yard every year and take a family photo showing how the trees have changed and grown over time. Our dogs are only with us for a few short years; having special memories to reflect on makes our life with dogs that much sweeter.
9. Open gifts together
The most exciting time is when your family opens gifts. The excitement and feeling of togetherness all leads to love. Your fur baby is curious and will want to see everyone’s gift. Consider wrapping gifts for your dog and including them in the fun. Want some ideas of toys to get your dog? Check out this post that includes tips on what to look for (and avoid) when purchasing toys for your dog or puppy.
10. Spend time together
Spending quality time with your dog is heart-warming and relaxing. It can get hectic over the holidays, but after the craziness settles down, take some time to relax and hug your dog. Your dog wants nothing more than to spend time with you.
Take the time to include your dog in your Christmas festivities. When it comes to Christmas, dogs are a very important part of our family – and the fun!
Need a place for your dog to stay during the holidays? Canine Campus books up fast so call today at 719-448-9600 to make your reservation!
In what ways do you include your dog in Christmas? Please post in the comments…
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