The holiday season is upon us. The tree is decorated. The gifts have been bought, and the cookies are about to be baked. As soon as she wakes up each morning, Tatiana informs me of how many days we have left until Christmas. At the last count, we are only 8 days away! Even the dog, Winston, is getting in on the excitement of the holidays. All the extra packages being delivered to the house has him worked up into a tizzy. This post is sponsored by Rachael Ray Nutrish. However, all opinions are my own.
The holidays can be a stressful for your pets, but can also be a very special time for them too. When you’re celebrating your holiday traditions, don’t forget to include your four-legged family members. Use these ideas to make the holidays special for your pet.
How to Make the Holidays Special for your Pet
Get your pet involved in community events
Many animal shelters host holiday events for pets complete with activities and games. Check with your local pet stores to see if any are offering pet pictures with Santa. Just yesterday, we took Winston to visit with Santa at our local pet store. He had so much fun visiting with all the other dogs.
Maintain their daily schedule
With all of the hustle and bustle before and during the holidays, your pet’s daily routine can be disrupted. Pets don’t like change, so keep their daily routine as regular as possible. Something as simple as deviating from a pet’s feeding schedule, walks and even playtime can cause them to become anxious. You’ll find that sticking to a routine as much as possible will be good for you too.
It is particularly important to stick to your pet’s feeding routine. My pup, Winston, is a master beggar. I’m such a sucker too which doesn’t help at all. It is difficult to not give in when he is dancing around the kitchen for a tasty holiday treat. Making sure to stick to pet’s regular feeding time as much as possible, and don’t over-indulge him on holiday treats. Winston sticks to eating Rachael Ray Nutrish wet dog food. That way, if I happen to let him have an extra treat or two, I know he is still eating nothing but wholesome ingredients at mealtime.
Include your pet whenever possible
Our pets love nothing more than spending time with us. If you can, bring your pet with you when you travel for the holidays. Animals enjoy colorful and bright decorations like we do. Take a walk to look at neighborhood Christmas lights with your dog. If your dog enjoys going for rides in the car, take him with you to ride around and look at light displays.
Don’t forget presents for your pet
Giving gifts is a big part of the holiday season. This year, include your pet in the gift-giving. Pick out a special stocking for your pet and fill it with their favorite treats and some new toys. Winston will be getting some Nutrish Soup Bones. Or splurge on something big that your pet needs such as a new bed or a scratching post for your cat.
Lots of cuddle time
Knowing that the holidays can be busy, be sure to make your pet feel special and include lots of petting and cuddle time for him or her. Your pet will surely appreciate it and thank you with lots of nuzzles and kisses!
You might also be interested in reading about how Rachael’s Rescue is helping animals in need. Also, some ways to help your local animal shelter or rescue.
A lot of great ideas! We got our doggie a new pet bed. She loves it.
Love these ideas! I hate to admit sometimes our fur baby gets lost in the holiday shuffle. He always gets lots of presents though!
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing for the pet lovers like me.
This is the first year that I bought something for our cat. I’m so excited to give it to him! These are wonderful ideas.
You just reminded me I need to get my pets something. I thought I was done shopping! oops!
Totally agree with all your points. Pets are part of the family too – they should get to enjoy the festivities 🙂
Louise x
I love these ideas! I do think I’m going to give the pets a fun holiday this year! I’ll have to plan a few things!
We have two granddogs, and just the other day while video chatting with the grandkids, I was showing them the new stockings I had bought, and was letting the 6 of them pick out who gets which ones, and immediately our almost 7 year old granddaughter asked us where Lulu and Tank’s stockings were at…so obviously I had to go out and purchase 2 more stockings, and lots of goodies to fill them with!
Cuddle time is a big hit with my two dogs. My kids are always making sure we give them a few present on Christmas, they are members of our family too 🙂
Come to think of it, our dog has been a bit more anxious lately and I bet it is due to all of the guests we have been welcoming. I am sure some extra cuddles would calm him down quite nicely.