Happy Howlidays: How to Have the Most Festive Season With Your Pets
It's the meowst wonderful time of the year.
Daily Paws / Grace Canaan
The holiday season can be the most stressful time of the year for pet parents. From worrying if your pet will accidentally eat some of your holiday decorations, snag some holiday baked goods from the kitchen counter, taste a nibble of the new plants placed around the house, or break your great grandmother's handmade ornaments, there's a lot to worry about this time of year.
Whether your pet is more of a Santa or a Scrooge, we're walking you through everything you need to know to keep your pets safe and happy during the holiday hustle and bustle. Plus, we've rounded up festive pet-friendly holiday activities you can enjoy together and incredible gifts for pets and their people.
10 Festive Things To Do With Your Pet This Holiday Season
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We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season with our best furry friends than starting new traditions and creating special memories together. If you need ideas on what to do with your pet this holiday season, we've got you covered with ten festive things to do, including visiting a Christmas tree farm, taking pictures with Santa, playing in the snow, baking festive pet-friendly treats, and more.
23 Best Gifts for Cats and Cat Lovers
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Cats are not the easiest to shop for, often turning up their noses at a new toy in favor of the box it came in. But we've found some great cat Christmas gifts for the cat and cat person in your life that are hopefully more exciting than the box. From the newest mini cat GPS tracker to cat toys your cat will be obsessed with for more than a week, to a cat tumbler that protects iced coffee from spills and furry toe beans, one of these gifts for cat lovers (and their cat) is sure to be just the one you didn't know you were looking for.
This DIY Paw Print Ornament Will Spruce Up Your Christmas Tree Faster Than You Can Say 'Ho, Ho, Ho'
If sitting on Santa's lap isn't your pet's idea of a good time (we get it), try staying home for a little DIY fun. This paw print ornament is easy to make with just three ingredients, your favorite paint color, and a festive ribbon. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions on making this salt dough ornament, then get ready to have the sweetest decorations to cherish year after year. Just don't let your pets nibble on the dough—the high salt content makes it unsafe for pets.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holiday Hustle
It's easy to get caught up in the holiday celebrations and forget some of the things that make our holidays special could actually be harmful to our pets. From holiday food hazards to holiday plants and decorations that could pose a problem, don't enter this season without brushing up on what should stay outside the home or out of reach of your pets.
25 Best Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers
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It's not the holiday season without spoiling your dog a little bit more than usual. Whether you're shopping for your dog, your friends' dogs, or just the people in your life who love dogs, we've got something for everyone on your list. We rounded up gift options from all the popular pet retailers, Etsy, and Amazon for a list of special handmade keepsakes, puzzle toys, comfy beds, and more.
10 Ways To Give Back and Help Shelter Pets this Holiday Season
As much fun as it is to spoil our pets and loved ones with gifts this season, it's equally as heartwarming to share the love with shelter pets who are waiting for their forever homes. Shelters always need donations, whether in the form of supplies or a monetary donation, the staff and animals with be so grateful for your generosity.
Related: 8 Reasons We Love Animal Shelters & Rescues
Should You Gift Someone a Pet?
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The thought of a puppy wearing a bow and sitting under the tree on Christmas morning is something every kid (and adult) dreams of. But what happens if the recipients aren't ready for a puppy? Unfortunately, many puppies end up in shelters shortly after the holidays when people realize they aren't able to handle the long-term commitment and responsibility of caring for an animal.
No one should be surprised with the gift of a pet. Involve the potential pet parent in conversations so there’s no unexpected resentment and you know they're on board and prepared for what’s to come. Ask yourself these eight questions before gifting someone a pet this holiday season. Plus, you might prevent potential conflicts and resentment with your loved ones.
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