Celebrate holidays throughout the year with your pet!

Holidays are meant to be shared with the whole family, so that includes your pets! From New Year's to school holidays, Easter and end of year festive season, with more time to chill-ax and press "pause" on the hustle and bustle of life, it's a great time to dedicate even MORE focused time to catching up and pampering your furry friends. 

Including your pets in your holiday plans helps to strengthen your bond with them and brings extra joy to the festivities. Whether you're an active pet parent who loves hiking with your dog or a more relaxed cat owner who enjoys cosy nights in or sun-baking in the yard (slip, slop, slat always!), there’s a fun way to celebrate every holiday with your pet.

We've cobbled together a few key tips and things to keep in mind to creating a playful, safe and happy holiday for your and your pet. 

Summer holidays with you and your pet

New Year’s celebrations can be stressful for pets due to loud noises from fireworks and parties. By preparing ahead of time, you can make New Year’s Eve a stress-free event for your pet. Here’s a few tips on how to keep your cat or dog calm and safe as you ring in the New Year:

Create a Calm Space: Designate a quiet, comfortable area for your pet where they can retreat during the celebrations. Make the space cosy with their bed or blankets and their favourite Paw Pantry food to help them feel at ease.

Use Calming Techniques: Consider soft, quiet background music or white noise to help mask the sound of fireworks. Keep lighting dimmed or low and ideally windows and blinds closed to help soften any outside noise.

Distraction Techniques: Keep your pet busy with puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys. Hiding a few treats around the space can also help to distract them from the noise and keep them occupied for a while, tiring them out so the eventually sleep.

Check in on Your Pet: If you are able to check on your pet throughout the festivities, to give them a snuggle or calming pat in their calm space, this can help to ease their nerves, knowing you're close by.

Australia Day is all about spending time outdoors and soaking up the summer sun. Why not bring your dog along on the adventure? A few pet-friendly activities you could enjoy together include:

• • • Beach Outings: Many Australian beaches are dog-friendly, perfect for a fun-filled day of fetch, swimming, and lounging. Pack your dog’s essentials—water, a towel, and their favourite Paw Pantry food to keep them well-fed during the outing. Check out our blog post with Dr Claire on Beach Days With Your Dog, Sun, Sand and Safety.
      
      
    • Dog Friendly Hikes: Explore nature trails that are open to dogs. National parks and reserves across Australia offer dog-friendly paths where you and your dog can take in the scenery. Don’t forget to pack a few treats from Paw Pantry to keep your furry friend energised. Explore our blog on the Best Aussie Spots to Explore with Your Dog here for more ideas!  
      
      
    • Community Events: Check for Australia Day events in your area that welcome dogs, such as dog parades or outdoor barbecues. Your dog will love the socialisation, and you can show off their best tricks! Safety is key—ensure your dog is always leashed in public areas and make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water to avoid overheating.

A pet focused mid-year break

School holidays and Easter break isn’t just for the kids—your pets can join in on the fun too! From special dog or cat toy hunts to special treats (just not chocolate!), there are many ways to make Easter a memorable holiday for your furry friend:

• • • Dog Treat Easter Hunts: Remember chocolate is never ok to feed Fido. Chocolate is toxic to dogs so keep your doggo away from any children's Easter Egg Hunts. But in the same way, you could stage a Dog Treat Hunt by hiding dog treats throughout the yard then letting your dog head out to find these! You can set up a similar Easter Hunt for your cat using their kibble in a smaller space and letting them explore and hunt to find these. This is a great way to engage your cat and dog's natural smell and sniffing instincts and keep them active.
      
      
    • Easter Photoshoots: Dress your pet in an adorable Easter-themed bandana and set up a festive photoshoot. Make it a family event and take lots of pictures to capture the moment.
      
      
    • Special Easter Meals: Treat your dog or cat to a special Easter meal from Paw Pantry. Whether it’s a flavourful Ocean Fish pátè for your cat or a wholesome turkey and rice kibble mix for your dog, you can celebrate with delicious, healthy pet friendly food.

End of year festive cheer and your fur ball

Christmas is a time of giving, and there’s no better way to include your pets than by spoiling them with festive treats, love and fun. Here are a few ideas to make your holiday season with pets truly magical:

• • • Cat and Dog Gifts: Wrap up some of your dog or cat's favourite food from Paw Pantry and let them tear into their presents. Watching them unwrap their gifts is always a delight!
      
      
    • Festive Outfits: Dress your pet in a festive collar or bandana for some Christmas cheer. If your pet prefers to keep it simple, a red or green collar or lead can still bring out that holiday spirit.
      
      
    • Special Cat and Dog Christmas Meals: Treat your cat or dog to a Christmas feast with their favourite Paw Pantry kibble and treats. Your cat or dog will appreciate the extra love and nourishment during this special time of year.

Holiday safety tips for your pet

Holidays are fun, but they can also pose certain risks for pets. Here are some general safety tips to keep in mind so your pets stay safe during holiday festivities:

• • • Avoid dangerous foods to pets: Many holiday treats like chocolate, grapes, and certain nuts are toxic to pets. Make sure to keep these out of reach and offer healthy, pet-safe meals from Paw Pantry instead.
      
      
    • Keep your cat or dog hydrated: Especially during summer holidays is Australia, ensure your pet has access to fresh, cold water at all times.
      
      
    • Be mindful of noise levels: Loud music, fireworks, and large crowds can be overwhelming for pets. Create a calm, safe space for them, and limit their exposure to stressful environments.
      
      
    • Keep Decorations out of their reach: Keep decorations like tinsel, ribbons, and fragile ornaments out of your pet’s reach to prevent accidents. 

Every holiday is an opportunity to create lasting memories with your pets. By including them in the festivities, keeping their safety in mind, and treating them to a few Paw Pantry goodies and treats, you can make every celebration paw-some for your fur baby!