The holiday season is a time for warmth, connection, and joyful traditions — and for many families, dogs are an essential part of those moments. Including your pup in holiday celebrations isn’t just fun for them; it strengthens your bond, supports their emotional wellbeing, and creates memories you’ll cherish long after the decorations are put away.
Here are simple, feel-good ways to make your dog part of the festivities in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and true to their needs.
1. Start With a Holiday Morning Ritual
Just like people enjoy special traditions, dogs thrive when the day begins with a moment of connection.
Try:
- A cozy winter walk before the holiday rush
- A special cuddle session under the tree
- A small treat moment from your dog’s favourite collection
- A festive bandana to set the tone for the day
This gentle ritual helps your dog feel calm and included from the start.
2. Create a Pup-Friendly Stocking or Gift Moment
Dogs may not understand gift-giving, but they absolutely understand excitement.
Simple stocking fillers:
- A new toy or chew
- A few training-sized treats
- A cozy winter accessory (bandana, sweater, paw balm)
- A handwritten “promise” card (e.g., extra walks, adventure days)
Let your dog sniff and open their stocking at the same time as the family — it’s a shared moment of joy.
3. Involve Them in Family Photos
Holiday photos become treasured memories — and dogs make them even better.
Ideas:
- Matching bandanas
- Cozy sweaters
- Winter outdoor backdrops
- A candid moment during decorating
Take a few solo dog portraits too; they’re always heart-melting.
4. Plan an Adventure or Snow Play Session
Many pups love the energy of cold weather, fresh snow, and new winter scents.
Try:
- A snowy hike
- Backyard snow maze
- Gentle snowball toss
- A calm forest walk
Shorter bursts of movement can help keep your dog relaxed once guests arrive.
5. Include Your Dog in Food Moments — Safely
Food is a big part of seasonal celebrations, but not everything is safe for dogs.
Festive dog-safe options:
- Plain cooked sweet potato
- Small pieces of apple or pear
- Plain pumpkin purée
- A few treats from your dog’s preferred category (single-ingredient, training, dental, functional)
Avoid chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, heavy fats, and anything highly seasoned.
A designated “holiday safe-snack plate” can help keep things simple for family members.
6. Give Your Dog a Special Role
Dogs love having a job — it gives them purpose and makes them feel involved.
Holiday roles your pup can “help” with:
- Greeting guests
- Ring bearer for small family traditions
- Being the official “wrapping paper inspector”
- Sitting beside the kids during storytime
- Helping open one gift (with supervision!)
These roles build confidence and connection.
7. Create a Cozy Retreat Space for Breaks
Celebrations can be overwhelming for some dogs — especially with noise, guests, or busy schedules.
Set up a calming nook with:
- A soft bed or blanket
- Their favourite toy or chew
- A quiet corner away from guests
- Soft lighting or white noise
This gives your dog a comforting place to recharge between festivities.
8. Share a Holiday Treat or Enrichment Moment
A small, mindful treat ritual helps your pup feel part of the celebration.
Ideas:
- A holiday-themed enrichment bowl
- A snuffle mat “gift hunt”
- A long-lasting chew during family dinner
- Training treats during a trick showcase
Using different treat types (crunchy, single-ingredient, long-lasting) adds variety without overfeeding.
9. End the Day With Connection
Once the celebrations slow down, take a moment just for your pup.
Try:
- A slow wind-down walk
- A warm blanket snuggle
- A brushing session
- A gentle massage
- A final treat moment before bedtime
These quiet rituals help your dog process the excitement and settle into a calm, happy state.
10. Build Meaningful Traditions You Can Repeat Every Year
Dogs thrive on routine — and traditions are just routines wrapped in joy.
Traditions to consider:
- Annual holiday hike
- Doggy stocking unwrapping
- Matching pajamas
- A yearly photo in front of the tree
- A “12 Days of Treats” countdown
- Making a paw print ornament
Simple traditions build lifelong memories and make your dog feel truly part of the family.
Including Your Dog Makes the Season Brighter
When we bring our dogs into our festive moments — whether big celebrations or quiet nights in — we’re nurturing connection, confidence, and joy. Every small ritual, treat moment, snowy adventure, or cozy cuddle adds to their emotional wellbeing and helps them feel like the cherished family members they are.
The holidays shine a little brighter when every tail gets to wag along with them.
