{"id":9177,"date":"2023-12-06T14:50:37","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T14:50:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=9177"},"modified":"2023-12-06T14:50:37","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T14:50:37","slug":"7-safe-fun-ways-to-celebrate-the-holidays-with-your-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/7-safe-fun-ways-to-celebrate-the-holidays-with-your-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Safe & Fun Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Your Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Dog<\/p>\n

Even the Grinch found a way to include his dog, Max, in his holiday plans! <\/span><\/span>?<\/span><\/span> While there are many hazards and toxins that surround the winter holidays, there are still ways you can make <\/span><\/span>Christmas<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <\/span><\/span>Hanukkah<\/span><\/span><\/a>, and <\/span><\/span>Kwanzaa<\/span><\/span><\/a> fun for you and your pets. Here are just a few ideas to help inspire your holiday plans!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

1. Holiday Cards<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your family sends out holiday cards, include your pet in the family photo. Many websites also have pet-themed templates. Remember to send a card to your pet\u2019s veterinary team, too!\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Meet Santa or the Grinch<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your pet has noise or social anxiety or is reactive, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> best to skip this one. But if you have a well-behaved pet who thrives in loud and busy environments, you may want to consider finding a pet-friendly photo opportunity with Santa or even the Grinch. Many holiday events hosted by local <\/span>rescue<\/span> organizations<\/span> welcome pets<\/span>, as do some stores and malls.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"husky<\/p>\n

3. Winter Enrichment<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Just because <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> cold <\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span> mean your pet <\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span> need daily exercise! On warmer winter days, you can find dog-friendly activities such as skijoring<\/span>, <\/span><\/span>hiking<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span> or dog sledding. You could also dig a snow maze in your backyard and hide treats throughout. Of course, when <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> too cold to go outside, you can still find ways to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated with food puzzles, <\/span><\/span>nose<\/span>work<\/span><\/span><\/a>, and other <\/span><\/span>indoor enrichment<\/span><\/span><\/a>!\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

4. Homemade Pet Treats<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Find a pet-friendly recipe and make homemade treats for your pets. Before you start baking, triple-check that ingredients are safe for your pet. <\/span>I<\/span>ngredients that <\/span>are toxic to pets <\/span>include<\/span> xylitol<\/a> (check your peanut butter label), chocolate<\/a>, macadamia nuts<\/a>, raisins<\/a>, and spices like nutmeg<\/a> or allspice. Learn more about pet-friendly baking <\/span><\/span>here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"cat<\/p>\n

5. Holiday-Themed Attire<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your pet enjoys dressing up, you can find some cute holiday accessories like handkerchiefs, collars, bow ties, and more. <\/span>There are options from Etsy, as well as local vendors like <\/span><\/span>Fuzzbutt Boutique<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0If you <\/span>don\u2019t<\/span> celebrate winter holidays, consider a snowman or snowflake pattern instead!\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Gifts<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you are holiday shopping, <\/span>don\u2019t<\/span> forget to <\/span>purchase<\/span> a gift for your pet! <\/span><\/span>Here<\/span><\/span><\/a> are a few ideas for cats and <\/span><\/span>here<\/span><\/span><\/a> are<\/span> some great<\/span> vet-approved<\/span> stocking stuffers for dogs. <\/span>Also consider <\/span><\/span>winter gear<\/span><\/span><\/a> such as booties, paw balm, or a jacket. <\/span>For those with avian or exotic pets, you may also want to consider habitat enrichment ideas<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>When in doubt, ask your family veterinarian for recommendations of toys that are best for your pet\u2019s size and dental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Quality Time<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Last but certainly not least \u2013 be sure to spend plenty of time with your pet this holiday season! This can include playtime or just snuggles while watching your favorite holiday movie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"two\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope you and your pet have a safe and fun holiday season. If your pet does need emergency or urgent care, call our Contact Center at <\/span>(651) 501-3766 to determine the best course of action.<\/span><\/p>\n

More Reading:\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n