8 Holiday Activities for You and Your Pet

The holiday season is a time to share with family and friends, but don't leave out your best furry buddies! Fido and Fluffy may not be able to help you shop for gifts, but you can find plenty of fun holiday activities to do with your pets. Here are a few to get you started.

1. Bake Yummy Holiday Pet Treats

Everyone loves to eat during the holidays, including your pets. If you love to cook, baking something just for your dog or cat is a fun way to show your love. However, it's essential to choose your recipes and ingredients carefully. Not everything safe for people is safe for pets. Here are a few tips for trying new recipes for your dog or cat:

• Talk to your veterinarian before feeding your pets anything that's not part of their ordinary diet.

• Look for recipes that use natural ingredients such as pumpkin puree, deboned chicken, and eggs. Just as in human treats, the less processed the elements, the healthier the finished product.

• Please don't overdo it by giving your pets too much of something new all at once. Let them try a small bite or portion first so that you can see how their digestive system will react.

• Watch your pets closely after they try a new treat. Contact your veterinarian if you see any signs of an allergic reaction, upset stomach, lethargy, or other signs of distress.

If you decide that baking isn't for you, check out these ready-made goodies .

2. Watch Holiday Classics on Television

Okay, so your pets probably won't pay much attention to what's on the screen, but they're sure to love an afternoon cuddled up on the couch with you while you binge watch some holiday classics. Choose an old black and white feel-good film like "It's a Wonderful Life" or a cartoon great like "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (who doesn't love Snoopy?). Add a warm blanket and some comfy socks for you and your pets, and you may never want to leave the couch again.

3. Make a Stocking for Your Pet

Arts and crafts are great ways to pass the time. You can make your pet an adorable stocking to hang on the mantle for Santa, and it's probably easier than you think. Just draw and cut out your pattern on plain white paper. Pick your favorite material and cut out the two sides. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can sew the two sides together. If not, glue works just as well. Once it's all put together, paint or decorate and fill it with yummy pet treats and toys! If creating one yourself doesn't excite you, check out this stocking .

4. Set Up a Holiday Photo Shoot

Grab your camera or your phone and take the cutest shots in the world for this year's holiday cards. How about a festive sweater for your dog or a shiny new collar for your cat? Your best furry friend in adorable pajamas in front of the tree makes the cutest holiday greeting ever! If you're running short on time to get cards printed and mailed, opt for an electronic version instead. You can have them ready to go in minutes without paying a penny in postage.

5. Check Out the Christmas Lights in Your Neighborhood

When the holidays roll around, the lights come out of the storage bins all over the country. Almost every neighborhood has a street or two with a fantastic display of holiday lights. When you hop in the car to go check them out, take your dog along. He may not understand the colors and the symbols, but he'll love to ride along with you. For safety, be sure to use a car harness or carrier that's appropriate for your pet.

6. Open Gifts Together

Before the household gets too busy, set aside time to let your pet open gifts from you. Wrap up a delicious-smelling chew, a ball full of catnip, or a squeaky toy they can't resist and let your pet try to open it. Even if she needs a little help from you, opening her gift is a great way to stimulate her mind, and the result is sure to be a cute overload! Grab your phone and capture the moment in video and pictures to remember forever.

7. Enjoy the Weather, Whatever It Is

A walk with your pet is a sure-fire cure for cabin fever. If you're lucky enough to see a white Christmas, take your dog outside to experience the thrill of plowing through the drifts. If the holidays are warm where you are, take your pet out for a stroll before the day gets too busy. For safety's sake, make sure your pet is wearing a leash unless you are in a secure area. Even your cat can enjoy some time outside with an appropriate cat leash .

8. Have a Holiday Howl-Along

One of the great joys of animal companions is that they don't care if you can't carry a tune. Belt out all those Christmas tunes you love so much to your heart's content while you wrap presents with your pet by your side. If your pet likes to sing along, even better. A spiffy caroling hat is just right if you take your show on the road.

As with all things, take your pet's personality into account when planning your holiday activities. The hustle and bustle may be too much for some animals. However, pets enjoy being with their people, so whatever creative traditions you make with your furry friends are sure to be loved as long as they include time together.