Pet Digest

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 19: Winter Grooming Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season Winter grooming isn’t just about looks — it’s essential for your dog’s comfort, skin health, and mobility. Between dry indoor air, snow-packed fur, and household heating systems pulling moisture from the environment, your dog's coat and skin work extra hard this time of year. Day 19 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog series focuses on keeping your dog clean, moisturized, and winter-ready. 🧼 Why Grooming Matters More in Winter Cold weather changes everything about your dog’s coat and skin. Indoor heat can cause dryness, while outdoor snow leads to matting and moisture issues. Grooming isn't just about appearance — it supports mobility, prevents infections, and helps detect health changes early. For dogs who struggle wi...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 18: Snow & Ice Safety for Dogs Winter weather can be magical — glittering snow, crisp air, and the cozy feel of bundling up for a seasonal walk. But under that beauty are hidden dangers for dogs, from road salt to ice melt, frostbite to slipping injuries. Day 18 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog countdown covers everything you need to know to keep your dog safe, warm, and confident outdoors all winter long. ❄️ Cold Weather Risks: What Dog Parents Should Know Some dogs love the snow, while others prefer to stay indoors. No matter their size or coat type, winter presents health risks: Frostbite — often affecting ears, paws, and tail tips Hypothermia — especially for small, thin-coated, or senior dogs Paw pad burns — from salt and chemical ice melt Slipping injuries — torn ...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 17: Christmas Morning Feeding Tips Christmas morning is one of the most exciting moments of the season — for kids, adults, and yes, for dogs too! With wrapping paper rustling, breakfast cooking, and emotions running high, your dog’s normal routine can easily get disrupted. Day 17 of our countdown gives you simple, healthy strategies to make sure Christmas morning is joyful and safe for your pup. 🎁 Keep Breakfast Normal — Routines Matter Your dog has a feeding rhythm that keeps digestion running smoothly. A sudden high-fat “special breakfast” can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Stick to your dog’s regular meal and feeding schedule — consistency prevents stress and tummy upset. If you want Christmas morning to feel special, try one of these safe upgrades: A sprinkle of unsweetene...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 16: Safe Holiday Plants & What to Avoid The holidays bring beautiful decorations, cozy winter scents, and of course — classic festive plants. But many of the plants that symbolize this season can be surprisingly dangerous for dogs. Day 16 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog countdown is all about helping you create a beautifully decorated space… without putting your dog’s health at risk. 🎄 Popular Holiday Plants: Safe or Not? Below is a helpful breakdown of the most common Christmas plants and what dog parents need to know: Poinsettias Poinsettias often get a dramatic reputation, but they’re actually mildly toxic rather than dangerous. The sap can cause drooling, mild vomiting, or skin irritation, but severe reactions are rare. These plants don’t have to be banned from your home — just ke...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ³ 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 15: After-Party Care — Transitioning Back to Routine Once the parties are over, dogs benefit from a gentle return to normal. This post helps you reestablish routines, clean up potential hazards, and support your pup’s emotional reset after busy days. 🗓️ Re-establish Routine Return to regular feeding and walking schedules gradually. Keep nap and bedtimes consistent to rebuild rhythm. 🧹 Holiday Cleanup Safety Check floors and under furniture for ribbons, hooks, tape, and small toy pieces. Dispose of leftover food and store trash securely to prevent scavenging. 🎧 Emotional Reset Offer quiet enrichment: snuffle mats, gentle chews, or a short scent game. Extra pats, calm walks, and fewer guests for a d...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 14: Holiday Guests & Pet Manners — Boundaries, Safety & Happy Greetings Having guests over during the holidays is joyful, but it’s an environment where boundaries matter for everyone’s safety and comfort. This post covers preparing your dog, teaching polite greetings, and tips for kids around pets. 🏡 Clear Boundaries Designate where your dog can greet guests and where they should not go (e.g., kitchen during serving). Use baby gates or closed doors to limit access when needed. 👋 Teaching Polite Greetings Ask guests to ignore dogs until the dog sits calmly—reward calm approaches. Practice “sit” and “place” in short sessions before gatherings. 👶 Kids & Dogs ...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 13: Winter Safety Walks — Enjoy the Outdoors and Stay Safe Winter walks are magical, but cold weather introduces hazards. This post covers paw protection, visibility, avoiding ice hazards, and alternatives when it’s too cold to stay outside long. 🧤 Protect the Paws Use dog booties or paw balm to protect against ice melt and salt. Rinse paws after walks to remove salt and chemicals. 🧥 Dress for the Weather Coats for short-haired or senior dogs, and extra layers for small breeds. Watch for shivering — it’s a sign to head indoors. ⚠️ Avoid Dangerous Spots Keep clear of frozen ponds and rivers. Stay on maintained paths to minimize hidden hazards under snow. 💡...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 12: Thoughtful Gift Ideas — DIY, Enrichment & Stocking Builders Gifts that engage your dog’s brain give them longer-lasting joy. This post collects DIY ideas, enrichment toys, and stocking stuffer suggestions that prioritize safety and mental stimulation. 🎁 Enrichment & Puzzle Toys Snuffle mats to hide kibble and encourage foraging. Easy food puzzles — rotating toys, muffin-tin puzzles, and treat-dispensing balls. Slow feeder bowls to support digestion and calm eating. 🧶 DIY Gift Ideas Braided fleece tug toys from old T-shirts. Cardboard roll treat puzzles (toilet roll or paper towel tubes). Frozen smoothie pops (plain yogurt + pumpkin + banana in molds). ...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 11: Holiday Traditions You Can Share With Your Dog Traditions make the holidays memorable. Including your dog safely in these rituals strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. Below are creative, safe ways to adapt common traditions for your pet. 🍪 Baking Together (Dog-Friendly) Make a batch of dog cookies with oat flour, pumpkin, and xylitol-free peanut butter. Form matching shapes so your dog gets a “special” cookie while you enjoy yours. Cool treats fully and store in airtight containers to keep them fresh. 🎄 Decorating with Care Add a pet ornament to the tree — a painted pawprint or tiny stocking with your dog’s name. Keep breakables up high and use shatterpro...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 10: Cozy Rest & Relaxation – Finding Calm During the Holiday Buzz The holidays are joyful, magical, and full of love—but for our pets, they can also be loud, bright, and unpredictable. Between guests coming and going, wrapping paper crinkling, and the smells of festive foods filling the air, it’s easy for both humans and dogs to get overstimulated. Finding balance during all the excitement isn’t just good self-care—it’s essential for your dog’s well-being too. Day 10 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog is all about slowing down, finding peace in small moments, and helping your pup rest and recharge even while the world sparkles around them. 🐶 Create Quiet Corners Imagine if every time y...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 10: Cozy Rest & Relaxation – Finding Calm During the Holiday Buzz The holidays are magical and noisy at once, and dogs feel that energy. This post is about practical ways to create pockets of calm during the busy season so your dog (and you) can enjoy the festivities without getting overwhelmed. 🐶 Create a Quiet Corner Pick a consistent, low-traffic spot for your dog’s retreat. Add a comfy bed, familiar blanket, a long-lasting chew, and a favorite toy. A small white-noise machine or soft instrumental holiday music can help mask sudden noises like the doorbell or loud laughter. 🕯️ Keep Routines Predictable Maintain mealtimes, short walks, and a regular bedtime when possible. When you mus...

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 Day 9: Build Your Dog the Perfect Stocking — Enrichment Gifts That Keep Tails Wagging! We love filling stockings for our family — but what about our dogs? This year, make your pup’s stocking more than just treats and toys. Focus on enrichment! Dogs thrive when their brains are challenged and their senses engaged. From puzzle feeders to DIY scent games, these thoughtful stocking stuffers will bring joy long after the wrapping paper’s gone. 🎁 Why Enrichment Matters Enrichment toys and activities don’t just keep your dog busy — they help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and prevent destructive boredom behaviors. Think of it as mental exercise that pairs perfectly with your indoor activity routine . 🐶 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for S...

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 Day 8: Stay Active (Even Indoors!) — Fun Winter Workouts for You and Your Dog As the snow piles up and holiday treats take over, both you and your dog might feel like curling up on the couch. But staying active is one of the best gifts you can give each other this season. A little movement keeps joints healthy, digestion happy, and spirits high — especially during long, cozy winter days. 🐾 Movement Keeps You Both Merry Exercise helps regulate your dog’s metabolism and prevents unwanted weight gain that often sneaks in during colder months. Even short bursts of play can make a big difference. If you’ve noticed your pup getting a bit sluggish, try spreading out small activity sessions throughout the day — 10 minutes here and there can really add up. 🏡 Indoor ...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 🎄 Day 7 – Healthy Holiday Eating: How to Keep Both You and Your Dog Feeling Merry (Not Miserable) The holidays are filled with food, laughter, and temptation — for both humans *and* dogs. From rich meals to endless snacks, it’s easy for everyone in the house to overdo it. But the truth is, what we eat (and feed) this season can make the difference between a joyful celebration and a night of tummy aches. Let’s compare how you and your dog can both enjoy a balanced, happy holiday without feeling sluggish, bloated, or regretful. 🍽️ Humans vs. Dogs: Holiday Health Tips Side-by-Side 🎅 Humans: How to Avoid the Holiday Food Hangover Don’t skip breakfast. Skipping meals to “save calories” backfires — you’ll eat faster and more later. Watch portion size...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 🎅 Day 6 – Santa Paws Approved: DIY Gifts & Safe Wrapping for Your Dog There’s nothing like watching your dog’s tail wag as they tear into a Christmas present just for them. But before you wrap up that toy or bake those biscuits, it’s worth making sure everything inside (and outside!) the gift is dog-safe. 🎁 1. DIY Gift Ideas That Dogs Love Homemade gifts aren’t just affordable — they’re filled with love (and fewer unknown ingredients). Try one of these easy projects: Peanut Butter & Oat Treats: Combine oats, peanut butter (xylitol-free), and a touch of honey. Roll and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. Perfect for cookie cutters shaped like bones or stars! No-Sew Fleece Tug Toy: Cut three strips of fleece, braid them tightly, and knot both ends. Great for teething puppie...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 🎁 Day 5 – Home for the Holidays: Traveling Safely with Your Dog Whether it’s a snowy drive to Grandma’s or a cross-country flight, holiday travel can be exciting — and a little stressful — for everyone. For your dog, it’s a big change in sights, smells, and routines. Day 5 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog series is all about how to make that journey safe, calm, and comfortable — so everyone arrives full of cheer. 🚗 1. Road Trips: Safe and Stress-Free If you’re driving to your destination, your dog’s comfort starts before you even leave the driveway. Buckle up: Use a crash-tested seatbelt harness or secured crate to keep them safe in case of sudden stops. Plan rest stops: Every 2–3 hours, let your dog stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water. Temperature ...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 🎅 Day 4 – Company’s Coming! Helping Your Dog Stay Calm During the Holiday Hustle The holidays are filled with laughter, family, and good food — but for our dogs, it can also be a sensory overload. New smells, unfamiliar people, loud voices, and busy energy can all make even the most social dog a little uneasy. Today, we’ll explore how to prepare your pup for visitors, set expectations with guests, and keep everyone (four- and two-legged) feeling at ease. 🏠 1. Set the Stage Before Guests Arrive Before the first knock at the door, take a few moments to “dog-proof” your hosting area: Remove breakables or food from low tables where tails or noses might find them. Set up a quiet retreat space with your dog’s bed, toys, and water. Use a white noise machine or soft holiday music to muffle the extra commotion. Thi...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 🎁 Day 3 – Festive Foods: Sharing Is Caring, But Safety Comes First 🍗 Introduction: The Season of Sharing The holidays bring out the giver in all of us. From turkey dinners to cookie platters, we want our dogs to feel included — because sharing is caring. But when it comes to food, safety must come first. Dogs can enjoy the holidays with us, but not everything on the table is fit for paws and tummies. Let’s look at which festive foods are safe to share, which to avoid, and how to include your pup in every bite without risking their health. 🦃 1. Safe Holiday Foods to Share (in Moderation) Your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the flavors of the season! There are plenty of safe, healthy options — just remember, small portions and no added seasonings. Turkey or chicken (plain, skinless, ...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 2: Decor Safety 101 — Avoiding Hidden Hazards in Your Holiday Home Decking the halls is one of the best parts of the Christmas season, but it can also be one of the riskiest times for pets. From twinkling lights to shiny ornaments, every festive touch adds potential hazards for curious noses and wagging tails. Today we’re diving into how to decorate safely without losing your holiday sparkle. 🎄 The Tree: Centerpiece or Temptation? Most dogs find Christmas trees irresistible. The smells of pine, the dangling ornaments, and the new “indoor forest” all beg to be explored. Unfortunately, trees can topple, needles can irritate stomachs, and additives in tree water can be toxic. Secure your tree: Anchor it to a wall or ceiling hook using fishing line or wire. Skip the additives:...