Advent calendars are all the rage lately. Who doesn\u2019t enjoy opening a little treat every morning in December? But there don\u2019t seem to be many surprise-a-day deals for dogs in the holiday season. Why not create your own advent calendar for dogs? The season is well underway, so here are 20 ideas you can use to provide your canine with holiday cheer this December.<\/p>\n
Just saying the magic word, W-A-L-K, is sure to get their tails swinging. An extra walk will provide your dog with added mental stimulation, and it will help maintain their overall physical health, too. For tips on walking your dog in the winter<\/a>, check out our blog.<\/p>\n Who doesn\u2019t love cute pet photos for the mantel or the socials? Find a festive corner in your dwelling and stage it with pet-friendly holiday items<\/a>. Use the timer feature on your camera or ask a friend to snap a few pictures after staging is complete. Your dog will enjoy the additional bonding time and you\u2019ll adore the memorable photos.<\/p>\n Training usually involves socialization and, dare we say, T-R-E-A-T-S. Teach your dog new tricks<\/a> like how to walk on a leash, shake or roll over. You could even refine some of their behaviors<\/a> that you\u2019ve been meaning to get a better handle on. Dogs will enjoy the treats and positive affirmations for a job well done.<\/p>\n It\u2019s time to make a trip to your local pet store. Pick up a couple of treats for your canine and hide them around the house as a tasty surprise. Be sure to remember where you placed the treats just in case you need to help your dog find them later. Alternative: instead of hiding treats throughout the house, pick up an interactive toy that you can hide treats in.<\/p>\n Watch a holiday movie with cute on-screen pets. There are plenty of options to choose from such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas<\/em>, Lady and the Tramp<\/em> (they began their romance on Christmas after all) or The Dog Who Saved the Holidays<\/em>. Your dog might not pay attention to the movie the entire time, but they\u2019ll appreciate the snuggles.<\/p>\n Speaking of holiday snuggles\u2026 Get out the warm blankets, hot cocoa (for yourself, not for your dog<\/a>) and let your dog know there\u2019s a free lap for cuddling. Holiday celebrations or travels can be a little overwhelming for our pets, so all the extra snuggles and love can reassure them everything is alright in their furry world.<\/p>\n After putting up your holiday tree, consider decorating a separate tree just for your dog. Pet-friendly tree decorations include:<\/p>\n Short on space or time? No worries. Consider a holiday tree tapestry instead of a pet tree. It can double as a cute holiday photo backdrop.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let your holiday decorating stop short of your dog\u2019s designated space. Place a festive blanket or holiday-themed toys in your dog\u2019s go-to niche. Take it a step further and swap out your dog\u2019s bowls for more festive pet food containers! There\u2019s no such thing as too much holiday spirit.<\/p>\n Get out the mixing bowl and Google dog-friendly treat recipes. Bake your canine some yummy goodies that will have them licking their lips and barking for more. Avoid non-dog-friendly ingredients<\/a>, but don\u2019t forget to add a pinch of love.<\/p>\n Spread the holiday cheer and invite a few of your dogs\u2019 favorite playmates (and their owners) over for a small party. Ask each pet owner to bring an inexpensive pet gift so you can play a white elephant game. Bonus: chasing friends and playing around will provide your dog with additional exercise for burning off any holiday goodies, too. If you have any doubts about your dog\u2019s social skills<\/a>, we can help!<\/p>\n Your dog is always up for helping. So turn on the holiday music and pull up a dog bed or chair to include your canine in present wrapping or tree decorating. They\u2019ll likely want to sniff all the new-to-them things, but that\u2019s part of having a pet. Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog during this event so they don\u2019t eat wrapping paper or tape while helping you.<\/p>\n If your dog enjoys dressing up, this idea was made for them! Many businesses sell human pajamas along with matching pet pajamas or bandanas. Dress up in matching outfits and look snazzy for an evening. This idea could double as a great holiday card opportunity. Keep that camera ready. Make sure that any clothing your dog wears is the correct size and dog friendly.<\/p>\n Allow your dog to pick out their own present this holiday season. Most pet stores allow your canine to shop alongside you as long as they\u2019re on a leash. Look up store policies prior to visiting. Your dog will feel special picking out a toy they get to take home. Just remember that it might be hard for your dog to wrap their head around the idea of a \u201cpresent.\u201d There\u2019s a strong chance they\u2019ll want to play with it all the way home as opposed to waiting for the big day.<\/p>\n Treat your dog with their monthly flea, tick and heartworm medicine<\/a>. Despite the frigid temperatures, many pesky parasites are still active during the winter. This gift provides your dog with the protection they need when going outside. Bonus: preventing parasites from entering your home also keeps you and your family safe \u2014 it\u2019s a gift that gives to everyone.<\/p>\n Most animal shelters are in constant need of supplies or financial support to care for the cats and dogs under their roof. Call your local animal shelter and see what they currently need. Then make a donation on behalf of your dog.<\/p>\n By now, your dog might agree that it\u2019s time to relax and unwind this holiday season. Run the bath or grab the pet wipes to get your canine smelling fresh. Next, brush out their fur, paying special attention to their head, chin or back. Lastly, lay out a cozy blanket for them to snuggle up in to round off the pampered evening. They\u2019ll feel like royalty by the end of the evening.<\/p>\nGift #2: Holiday Portrait Session with Your Dog<\/h2>\n
Gift #3: Teach Your Dog a New Trick<\/h2>\n
Gift #4: Favorite-Treats Surprise<\/h2>\n
Gift #5: Watch a Dog-Friendly Movie<\/h2>\n
Gift #6: Offer Some Holiday Snuggles<\/h2>\n
Gift #7: Make a Holiday Tree for Dogs<\/h2>\n
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Gift #8: Make Your Dog\u2019s Space a Festive Space<\/h2>\n
Gift #9: A Baking Extravaganza<\/h2>\n
Gift #10: Time for a Paw-ty<\/h2>\n
Gift #11: Let Santa\u2019s Little Helper\u2026Help<\/h2>\n
Gift #12: Looking Snazzy<\/h2>\n
Gift #13: A Present-Picking Pup<\/h2>\n
Gift #14: Prevent Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms<\/h2>\n
Gift #15: Make a Donation in Your Dog\u2019s Name<\/h2>\n
Gift #16: A Doggy Spa Night<\/h2>\n