The holiday season is a time for family, joy, and togetherness, including our beloved furry friends. Christmas is an opportunity to create special memories with your dog, and you can enjoy plenty of fun activities together at home. From festive decorations to tasty treats, here are some delightful ways to make your dog a part of the holiday festivities.

List Of Fun Christmas Activities for Dogs at Home

Hang a Stocking Just for Them

Start the Christmas celebration by hanging a stocking just for your dog. You can find ready-made doggie stockings at pet stores, unleash your creativity, and craft one yourself. However, waiting until Christmas Day before stuffing it with tasty treats is wise, as dogs are known for their exceptional noses and might get into the stocking ahead of time.

For stocking stuffers, consider dog-friendly treats like Fetchers Candy Canes, Single-Ingredient Collagen Candy Canes, Chew-A-Bulls Dental Treats, and Collagen Chews. These goodies will make your dog’s Christmas morning extra special.

Make Doggie Holiday Treats

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious treats; your dog shouldn’t miss out on the fun. Instead of sharing your human treats, whip up some homemade doggie holiday treats. Shape them like reindeer, candy canes, or Christmas trees for an extra festive touch.

Explore recipes like frozen yoghurt popsicles, peanut butter and banana snack or Lemons & Basil’s doggie holiday cookies featuring sweet potatoes. Whichever treat you choose to give to your dog, ensure it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredient.

Get Them Their Own Christmas Tree

While decorating your main Christmas tree, consider getting a small one for your pup. Place it near their bed to create an adorable, festive corner. Be mindful of your dog’s chewing habits, and if they tend to nibble on branches, consider elevating the tree on a table or using a small fence or gate to protect it.

Add Them to Your Christmas Card

Include your dog in the family Christmas card to spread the holiday cheer. Many dog owners already do this, with 70% admitting to adding their furry friends’ names to holiday cards. Capture a festive photo of your dog, whether wearing a holiday sweater or sitting beside the Christmas tree and share the joy with friends and family.

Look at Christmas Lights

Embrace the season’s magic by taking your dog on a stroll to admire the neighborhood Christmas lights. Bundled in winter jackets, grab a cup of hot cocoa and leash up your pup for a delightful evening. It’s an excellent way for the family, including your dog, to enjoy quality time together.

Donate to Your Local Shelter

Christmas is a season of giving, and what better way to spread joy than by helping animals in need? Gather any gently used dog items your pup no longer needs, such as toys, beds, or unopened food, and donate them to your local animal shelter. Contact the shelter to inquire about their needs if you feel particularly generous.

Holiday Movie Marathon

Create a cozy atmosphere at home by having a holiday movie marathon with your dog. Put on your Christmas pajamas, turn on the Christmas lights, grab some snacks, and snuggle up with your furry friend while enjoying classic holiday movies.

Dress Them in a Holiday Sweater

Make your dog feel extra special by dressing them in a cute holiday sweater. Whether it’s a new purchase or a D.I.Y. project using one of your old sweaters, your dog will look adorable and festive. Capture the moment with photos to cherish for years to come.

Make a Christmas Blanket

There’s nothing cozier than snuggling up with your pup under a warm blanket. Make the experience even more special by creating a Christmas blanket for your dog. Check out tutorials on no-sew fleece blankets for an easy and festive D.I.Y. project.

Make Doggie Ornaments

Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree by creating ornaments with your dog’s paw print. Follow step-by-step instructions for crafting doggie ornaments using materials readily available at home. These unique ornaments will become cherished keepsakes.

Doggie Christmas Party

Bring the holiday cheer to your four-legged friends by hosting a festive doggie Christmas party. Invite other dog owners and their pets for a fun gathering. Consider organizing a white elephant gift exchange for the dogs, letting them choose surprise presents.

Bring Them to a Christmas Market

This is one of the fun Christmas activities for dogs at home. Explore the charm of holiday markets with your dog. Many markets are dog-friendly, providing a perfect opportunity for a family outing. Check in advance to ensure the market allows dogs to enjoy the festive atmosphere, food trucks, and small businesses.

Photos with Santa

Capture adorable moments with your dog by taking photos with Santa. Many places offer dog-friendly Santa meetings during the holiday season. Creating lasting memories and letting your dog experience the joy of meeting Santa is fun.

Introduce a New Dog to the Family

Consider adding a new furry friend to your Family during the Christmas season. While dogs are not “Christmas presents,” the holiday break can provide time to help a new dog settle in and receive attention from visiting Family. Ensure that you and your family are ready for the long-term commitment of caring for a new pet.

Spoil Them with Gifts

Show appreciation for your dog’s good behavior throughout the year by spoiling them with gifts. Whether it’s new toys, a cozy dog bed, or delicious treats, your dog will love the surprise on Christmas day.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

How do you make a dog-friendly Christmas dinner?

For a dog-friendly Christmas dinner, focus on lean, healthy proteins like turkey. Avoid seasonings like salt or butter. Include gently cooked veggies like unseasoned potatoes, carrots, peas, and green beans in moderation. You can also add a bit of cooked parsnip and sprouts. These ingredients provide a balanced and tasty meal for your dog without the harmful effects of certain seasonings. Always ensure the food is cooked and prepared safely for canine consumption.

How can I surprise my puppy for Christmas?

Surprise your puppy by putting their gifts and treats in a present box and placing it under the Christmas tree. Wrap the box in festive paper with a bow on top. The joyous reactions will be heartwarming when the “present” is opened. This surprise adds a special touch to the holiday celebrations and creates a memorable moment for the family and the new furry member.

How to make a Christmas calendar for a dog?

Create a D.I.Y. pet Advent calendar for your dog using tasty treats, pet toys, or their favorite food. You can hide these items in paper bags, wrap them, and hang them up.

Alternatively, let your pet enjoy a fun hunt for their daily gift. Design the Advent calendar based on your dog’s preferences and personality, ensuring a unique and enjoyable way for them to count down to Christmas.

Do dogs enjoy holidays?

Yes, dogs often enjoy holidays due to the excitement of new experiences. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and going on holiday exposes them to different sights, smells, and sounds. This can be stimulating and enjoyable for them. The change in environment, especially during camping trips, provides continuous new smells, contributing to their sensory enrichment and overall enjoyment.

Do you wrap your dog’s Christmas presents?

When giving your dog holiday presents, using unbreakable toys they can immediately play with is recommended. The purpose of letting your dog unwrap the gift is to provide them with immediate enjoyment. Therefore, wrapping toys in dog-friendly paper allows your pup to engage in the unwrapping process and discover the joy of their new playthings.