Top Holiday Tips for Pets: Festive Fun Without the Stress

Holiday festivities are in full swing, and while you enjoy the parties, cooking, shopping and travel, we are here to help you make this the best holiday EVER with our top holiday tips for pets! Read on for a bit of inspiration for last-minute gift ideas, self-care tips to get you to this year’s finish line, and even a silly snow-filled story.

If you hit a case of the holiday blues, I can totally empathize. Neon is such a comfort for me, and I suggest leaning on your pet for support (figuratively, of course, unless you have a Great Dane, in which case you can physically lean on them). Take a moment to cuddle and watch your favorite holiday movie (and if it turns into scrolling TikTok for endless funny pet videos, no judgement here), or take an after-dinner stroll to reframe and enjoy some together-time.

With visitors and travel throwing off their regular routines, the holidays can be a stressful time for our pets as well. May I suggest a bone or a Kong filled with peanut butter (xylitol-free, of course)? A rope toy is also a great way to expend some energy for dogs and hyperactive nephews alike! All three are great options to help your pets stay calm amidst the Christmas chaos. After all, a happy pet makes for a happy human!

Since Neon and I typically travel North of the border for the holidays – and I try to avoid checking luggage at all costs – Neon’s presents require a bit of forethought. The list of carry-on-approved gifts includes a chew toy that, I pray, lasts more than five minutes before being pulverized but never, ever does. I also include some offensive-smelling but delicious dried fish skin treats (those really go over big with the fam) and a cozy onesie for post-meal nighttime walks on those cold Canadian nights.

Another carry-on essential is something that will keep Neon distracted during our mealtime so we can enjoy our feast in peace. Puzzle boxes or toys that involve a bit of brain work keep her busy so she isn’t hovering around the table like a hungry hyena looking for scraps. 

I’ll never forget the first time Neon saw snow (well, the first time that I know of). I imagine she led an illustrious life in her first year before we found each other. I have suspicions that she traveled abroad and sniffed around Paris’ Champs Elysées, but that’s a story for another time. We first saw snow together in Vermont while visiting my dad. It had snowed four feet overnight, one of those true Hallmark movie moments. When I let her out for her first bathroom break of the day, she bolted only to stop dead in her tracks, wide-eyed, mouth agape like the fresh blanket of snow was a sea of sirloin.

Her shock quickly turned into uncontrollable curiosity as she jumped head-on into a snowbank and remained buried, motionless, with no (Neon) sign of a dog. When I ran to inspect the hound-shaped hole, I found her devouring snow as if it were the Spanish rice she snatched off the street that one time (don’t ask). After asking Siri if dogs can get brain freeze, I stood in awe as she ate her weight in fresh snow. I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised, though. Just like her dad, she manages to make a meal out of everything. 

As we close out 2024, I hope you take time to enjoy the little moments with your pets—whether it’s a snowy adventure, a cozy cuddle, or a shared holiday treat. From our Yummers family to yours, happy holidays to all, and we’ll see you in 2025!