Here are some things you can include your furry friends in this holiday season:
Holiday Photos: You can create lifelong memories by taking holiday photos including your pets.
Christmas Outfits: Dress up your pets! We strongly recommend keeping an eye on your pet during the entirety of them wearing any outfits, hats, etc. however. Please make sure that nothing worn around the neck is restrictive to your pet’s throat – especially our brachycephalic (smooshed face) friends – as this can cause issues with airway supply. Also consider your location, as some regions are still warm come Christmas time and you do not want your pet’s outfits to cause them to overheat. Never leave your pet unattended while dressed in a costume.
Create Ornaments: Animals are part of the family too. Incorporate your pets in the decorating by placing an ornament front and center of your pet on the tree. You can get the whole family involved to create homemade ornaments that represent your four-legged friends! There are also many customizable options now available if you prefer that professional touch.
Donate to Animal Shelters: Donations are not always monetary, although many shelters could always use extra help for veterinary care, supplies, food, etc. However, they also struggle with the lack of personal attention that each animal receives. Taking the time to volunteer can dramatically improve the mental well-being of these animals and help them to be more adoptable. In turn, these animals may have an easier time finding their forever home. Creating a long-lasting relationship between an animal and a human is a priceless gift this holiday season.
Making Yummy Treats: Part of celebrating the holidays is the food! Everyone enjoys a sweet treat; our dogs and cats are no exception. You can buy fun pet-inspired cooking molds online to create your treats. Here are a few ways to safely make their holiday more tasty. Please remember that some foods/ingredients are toxic to pets. Please refer to our Christmas safety blog to ensure none of your sweet treats end with Fluffy in the emergency hospital. See below for some tasty at-home treats to make this holiday.
Yummy Recipes:
Single Ingredient Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients:
- Cut up 2 or 3 sweet potatoes.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. No need to apply any non-stick sprays.
- Cut your sweet potatoes into lengthwise slices using a sharp knife. Try to cut them about ⅓ of an inch thick.
- Bake for 6 hours, flipping once during the cooking time. After 6 hours, turn off your oven and leave the chews in the oven as it cools.
- Store sweet potato chews in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Treats
Frozen Peanut butter banana treats: All you need is four simple ingredients: Peanut Butter – creamy, natural, and unsweetened (make sure it does not include xylitol!), banana, lite coconut milk – dairy free, coconut Oil – a healthy fat.
Directions:
- Using a cooking silicone mold, place small cut-up pieces of banana and place them in each opening.
- Pour the coconut milk over the banana, careful to not overfill.
- Combine peanut butter with melted coconut oil. Drizzle this mixture over the top of your banana/coconut milk molds. If the mixture is too thick, you can melt down the peanut butter as well.
- Place the molds into the freezer for about 2 hours or until completely frozen.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Be sure to only give these as an occasional treat.
