The festive season is a wonderful time of year for the whole family to spend quality time together and have fun, and that includes our pets!

Whether you are going away on a holiday together or staying at home for the festivities, it’s important your furry family members doesn’t miss out on the celebrations!

We’ve come up with some pawsome ideas to make the festive season memorable (and safe) for you and your four-legged friend.

1. Take photos with your pets

Holiday photos are a wonderful way to make long-lasting memories with your pet and to spread some joy in a frame for the home, a social media post or personalised holiday card!

Why not set the scene with Christmas or festive decorations and/or dress up in festive colours. Santa or elf hats are quite popular, although keep in mind that not all pets are comfortable wearing clothes and accessories.

You can take photos using a camera or a smart phone – try a selfie together without bringing the Christmas tree down. Alternatively, ask a friend or a professional photographer to do the job. If you can’t find anyone to help at home, you can always register for SantaPaws Pet Christmas Photos at some of the local pet store.

2. Dress up your pet in holiday outfits

Nowadays there are plenty of Christmas and festive themed outfits and accessories for pets to wear – from festive pet sweaters, shirts and jackets (mind the summer heat) to colourful ribbons, neckties and Santa hats.*

Be aware that some fabrics, such as wool, nylon and faux fur can cause itchiness. Feathers (whether in direct contact with your dog’s skin or not) can also be extremely irritating to the skin and a potential choking hazard!

Remember to always supervise your pet when they are wearing outfits and accessories and make sure the outfit isn’t too tight. If your pet doesn’t tolerate dressing up, there’s always photoshop!

3. Get crafty with your pet

With your pooch at your feet, try your paw at making a DIY advent pet calendar or stocking with a few materials and tools that you can find online or any hardware store.

Online you’ll find a variety of Christmas stocking patterns and step-by-step guides to create a pet advent calendar that your furry friend will enjoy every day till Christmas!

Why not get the kids involved to create a photo album displaying all the festive photographs you took earlier!?

4. Write a letter to SantaPaws

We all know what a good boy or girl your furry friend has been all year (apart from chasing the neighbour’s cat or using the couch as a scratching post), so how about writing a letter to SantaPaws! If you have kids, you can get them to write the letter for your furry kid.

In your pet’s words, ask for a new toy, comfy bed or yummy treats to fill your pet stocking – might as well confess to chewing mum’s shoes. (SantaPaws already knows!)

Post your furry friends letter to SantaPaws at North Pole 999. For more details, visit Australia Post!

5. Buy your pet presents

Christmas is a puurfect time to spoil your pet with a special gift! Hang a stocking or wrap little presents to place under the tree and open together on Christmas day.

How about a new scratching post for kitty, a comfy bed for your pooch, a dangling toy for your parrot or a bungalow hideaway for your bunny or guinea pig?

For ideas, search Christmas pet gift guides online, visit your local pet store or get your paws on a special deal at PetCulture!*

6. Listen to music together!

Music can also bring out fun festive moments for pets and owners to share!

In fact, according to a Guide Dogs survey, dogs enjoy listening to Christmas music with favourite songs being ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!, Jingle Bells and ‘All I Want for Christmas’ by Mariah Carey.

7. Make a tasty holiday treat!

A big part of celebrating Christmas is sharing delicious festive foods and treats with your loved ones and your pet is no exception!

With a variety of pet friendly recipes to drool over, it’s important to make sure the ingredients are safe before giving it to your pet. You might also like to check out PetSure’s webinar on the 12 perils for pets at Christmas to be prepared for the unexpected.

Want some pet friendly recipes ideas? Check out these PetSure Pup Treats. Recipe source: tastythriftytimely.com

Spending time together with the family including your pets during the festive season presents a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bond between your family and your furry friends. Whether you play hide and seek with your curious kitty, get crafty or howl to Jingle Bells with your pooch or train your puppy to do tricks for treats, it’s being together that counts

* Pet Culture Group Pty Limited (PetCulture) is a related company of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure). PetSure does not earn a commission on any affiliate links that lead you to products and services provided by PetCulture.

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