The holiday season is filled with joy, decorations, family gatherings, and delicious food. Humans aren’t the only ones who can enjoy this festive time—your pet can join the fun as well. Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends or simply enjoying a cozy moment at home, you can include your pet in the holiday festivities, which will make the season and the celebrations more special and exciting, and reinforce their membership in the family. Here are some simple ways to make this holiday season extra special for you and your pet.

Include your pet in the holiday festivities by dressing them up

If your pet is comfortable wearing clothes, dress them in festive attire, such as a cozy holiday sweater, a Santa hat, or reindeer antlers. Monitor your four-legged friend for signs of stress and discomfort, such as excessive panting or hiding, and remove the garment if they seem upset. If your pet is not a fan of dressing up, try a simple holiday collar or festive bandana.

Include your pet in the holiday festivities by making them a special treat

The holidays are a time for tasty treats, and your pet will love special snacks as much as you do. You can make homemade pet-safe treats, such as peanut butter biscuits for dogs and tuna treats for cats. Ensure you use only ingredients that are pet-safe and avoid chocolate, raisins, xylitol, onions, and garlic, since these are dangerous for your four-legged friend. Or, keep things simple, and look for holiday-themed pet treats at your local pet store.

Include your pet in the holiday festivities by capturing them in family photos

Holiday photos are a wonderful way to capture memories, and including your pet makes these moments more special. You can dress them up if they feel comfortable, or let them join au naturel. Pets make family photos more fun, and you’ll have something to remember them by for years to come.

Include your pet in the holiday festivities by giving them a gift

Don’t forget to add your pet to your holiday gift shopping list. Pets love receiving new toys, treats, or a comfy new bed. You can wrap and let them open the gift, but ensure you remove any wrapping, such as tinsel or ribbon, that may harm them.

Include your pet in the holiday festivities by spending quality time together

The best gift you can give your pet is your time. During the holidays, things can get hectic, but taking a few minutes to play, go for a walk, or simply cuddle on the couch can make your pet feel loved and happy. Pets enjoy their family’s company, so making them part of your celebrations will mean a lot, and the time together can also help you decompress during the holiday season stress.

Include your pet in the holiday festivities by being mindful of their comfort

The holiday hustle and bustle can overwhelm pets, who may become stressed by the extra noise, guests, and activity. Monitor your pet’s behavior and, if they seem stressed, take them to a quiet area where they can relax and feel safe. You can play calming music or offer a favorite toy to help lower their anxiety.

Including your pet in the holiday festivities is a great way to create fun memories and build your bond. Homemade treats, extra snuggles, or taking advantage of cute photo ops are all small gestures that can make your pet feel extra special during the season. However, should something go awry during the holiday season and your pet needs emergency veterinary care, don’t hesitate to contact our Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency team.