When we think of Christmas, it's usually a time when we spend valuable time and make lasting memories with our nearest and dearest. As we all gather on Christmas day to cook a delicious Christmas dinner, relax by the fire, and chat and exchange gifts with our friends and family, our beloved dogs are always by our side, soaking up the festive cheer with us.

But why stop there? There are ways to celebrate Christmas with your dog to make it extra special for them as well! From dog Christmas treats to presents and more, there are plenty of ways to include your dog in the festive fun and ensure it's a day they never forget!

 

1. Go on an extra-long morning dog walk

During this time of year, the mornings are dark, and the temperatures are cold. Although it may be very tempting to stay indoors in the warmth and cosy up with a hot drink, getting up early to take your dog on an extra-long walk is a great way for them to start Christmas Day. Before heading out, check the temperatures outside, as frosty conditions can be risky for some dogs. For some dogs, their breed, age and health can make long walks dangerous when temperatures drop below -4℃ and -6℃. It's best to keep the walks short (around 10 to 15 minutes) or wait for the temperature to get warmer during the day. Additionally, you should avoid walking your dog altogether when temperatures drop below -10℃.

If the temperature outside is suitable, wrap up in warm clothes and consider a dog coat or jumper for your four-legged friend. Pack some of their favourite treats and set off on your and your dog's morning adventure!

 

2. Bake homemade dog Christmas treats

During the Christmas festivities, we all love to indulge a little more than usual, with many delicious foods, sweets and chocolates. However, it's essential to be cautious as many of these festive treats, such as chocolate, can be harmful to your dog. Instead, baking a batch of homemade dog Christmas treats is a fantastic and safe way to allow your dog to have their share of indulging in something festively scrumptious.

 

3. Buy Christmas themed toys

Although it isn't necessary, treating your dog to a Christmas dog toy is a fun way to sprinkle the festivities into their playtime. There are various options, such as Santa Claus plushies, candy cane rope toys, and squeaky Christmas puddings, to make your dog's Christmas extra special.

Not only do these toys bring a festive touch to your dog's collection, but they also help keep them entertained during the holiday excitement. Interactive toys or chew toys can be especially helpful for dogs who need a distraction or mental stimulation whilst you're busy unwrapping gifts or preparing Christmas dinner.

 

4. Decorate your dog's place

When it comes to decorating your home for Christmas, there are a few ways that you can decorate your dog's place to give it a festive touch. If you want to go all-out with your Christmas decorating, consider treating your dog to a Christmas-themed bed shaped like a sleigh or Christmas pudding. Alternatively, if you want a toned-down version, you can opt for a dog bed in festive colours, such as red, white, or green. For dogs who find comfort in their crate, a Christmassy crate cover can transform their safe place into a holiday haven. Finally, a festive blanket can be perfect if you're looking for something simpler!

Whilst you're decorating, it's crucial to prioritise safety. Decorative items like fairy lights or tinsel in your dog's space can pose a risk as your dog may attempt to chew through them. If your dog bites through a wire, it may lead to electrocution or a fire hazard, whilst if tinsel is ingested, it can cause digestive blockages.

 

5. Buy Christmas themed dog treats

If you're not much of a baker like myself, opting for Christmas-themed dog treats is a fantastic alternative. These treats often come in festive packaging or are shaped into something Christmassy!

With so many options available, it's important to read the ingredient list on your dog treats carefully. Try and choose a Christmas treat that is healthier or a natural dog treat to ensure that your four-legged friend is enjoying treats that are not only tasty but are nutritious too!

Check out Skipper’s Christmas dog treat options for festive and healthy choices your dog will love:

Fishmas Biscuit with Salmon & Cinnamon Have a fintastic Fishmas, with love and biscuits! Dive into the festive spirit with our Fishmas Biscuit, a festive treat that’s swimming with flavour! This crunchy biscuit is made from 89% Whitefish, 10% Salmon and 1% Cinnamon.	Luxury Whitefish & Cranberry Cubes A luxurious treat with a sprinkle of festive cheer! Reel in the finest this holiday season with our Luxury White Fish Cubes with Cranberry. Made from 96% Whitefish and 4% Cranberry creates a delicious and nutritious reward your dog will love.	Tasty Turkey Slices A slice of turkey to delight your dog's taste buds! Treat your dog to something truly special with our Tasty Turkey Slices, crafted from 60% Turkey, this treat delivers festive flavours and wholesome goodness in each bite.

 

6. Capture festive moments

Photos and videos allow us to preserve cherished memories for years to come. Christmas is one of the perfect times to capture these special moments with both your two-legged and four-legged loved ones! Get a photo or video of your dog enjoying the festivities, whether that's of them unwrapping gifts, playing with their new toys or snuggling by the fire.

To make the occasion even more memorable, consider setting up and decorating an area of your home that is specifically to capture some high-quality Christmas photos. You can do this with some fairy lights, a cosy blanket and a Christmas tree in the background.

 

7. Include your dog in the festive countdown

The countdown to Christmas is one of the most exciting parts of the festive season. Many of us have Advent Calendars filled with our favourite chocolates, and getting your dog their very own Advent Calendar couldn't be easier.

These days, there's a wide variety of Advent Calendars specifically made for dogs, featuring tasty and safe treats to make every day leading up to Christmas extra tasty for your dog.

Why not treat your four-legged friend to Skipper's Advent Calendar, filled with high-quality, all-natural treats that are sure to get their tail-wagging?

Skipper's Christmas Advent Calendar A treat a day is a countdown in play towards a merry FISHmas day! A treat-filled advent calendar is the classic go-to as a countdown to Christmas day. Your furry family member can join all the festive fun with their very own FISHmas advent calendar. To make each day a little tastier, our selection includes 3 of our popular delicious fishy treats; Fish Skin Cubes, Luxury Whitefish Cubes and Salmon Supremes.

 

8. Cook your dog their very own Christmas dinner

If you're the one in charge of Christmas dinner this year, why not create a small, dog-friendly serving as a special treat? It's a great way to include your dog in the festive feast whilst the rest of you gather to eat.

When preparing a plate for your dog, you must ensure all the ingredients, such as meat, vegetables and mash, are left unseasoned. This can be done by setting aside a small piece or two of Turkey before you add the seasoning to the meat. Similarly, pick out vegetables you plan to share with your dog before seasoning or adding butter. Safe vegetable options include carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, and green beans.

 

9. Give your dog their own Christmas cracker

In the UK, Christmas crackers have been a tradition to have at Christmas since as early as the 1800s. Just before everyone tucks into their Christmas meal, crackers are pulled, paper crowns are worn, and jokes -often hilariously terrible-are shared.

During your festivities this year, you can grab your dog their own Skipper's Christmas Cracker with a delicious treat inside! Giving your furry friend their very own festive surprise to enjoy!

Skipper's Christmas Cracker A FISHmas Surprise of Flattie delights! Before the delicious Christmas dinner, the crackers are pulled, hats are worn, and jokes are read. There’s no better way to involve your pooch than to have their very own cracker! Our Christmas Cracker contains a delicious surprise of our beloved Fish Skin Flatties. There’s no crack, no pop, no bang. Only a delicious surprise your pooch will try as the festive day nears an end.

 

10. Donate and support animal shelters

Not all dogs are fortunate enough to have loving homes this Christmas. By donating to either a well-known charity or a local animal shelter, you can help brighten the season for these dogs in need. Charities like Dogs Trust highlight how donations can provide the dogs with an extra dinner or a new toy. Additionally, donations can help provide medical care or checks for these dogs and other animals at the shelter.

Whether it's a monetary donation, supplies like food or blankets, or even volunteering your time, every little bit can make a big difference in giving these animals the love and support they deserve.