The holidays are a fun time to spend with family and friends, but they can also be a fun time to spend with your Shih Tzu!
Whether you’re trimming the tree or enjoying a holiday feast, there are lots of ways to include your precious Shih Tzu in the festivities!
Here are 12 Fun ways to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu:
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1. Include Your Shih Tzu in Holiday Activities
One fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to include them in holiday activities. This could mean taking them for a walk or hike to see Christmas lights, playing fetch with them in the snow, or even teaching them some fun tricks to show off to family and friends.
Whatever holiday activities you enjoy, there is likely a way that you can include your Shih Tzu in the fun!
If you are planning on taking your Shih Tzu out to see Christmas lights or going for a hike, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance and dress them appropriately.
It is also important to make sure that they have a good leash and collar that fit well, as this will help to prevent them from getting lost or injured while out and about.
When it comes to playing fetch in the snow, it is important to make sure that the snow is not too deep for your dog. Shih Tzus are small dogs, so they can easily get buried in deep snow.
If the snow is too deep, it is best to find a different spot to play fetch or teach your dog some new tricks indoors.
2. Make Holiday Theme Dog Treats
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to make holiday-themed dog treats! This is a fun activity that you can do with your kids or grandkids, and it is a great way to show your dog some extra love during the holiday season.
There are many recipes for holiday-themed dog treats online, so you are sure to find one that your Shih Tzu will love. Some fun ideas include gingerbread dog biscuits, peanut butter and jelly dog treats, and even doggie candy canes!
When making holiday-themed dog treats, be sure to use safe ingredients that will not harm your dog. For example, many recipes call for chocolate, but chocolate can be toxic to dogs.
If you are unsure about whether or not an ingredient is safe for your dog, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before using it in a recipe.
3. Make a Stocking for Your Shih Tzu
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to make a stocking for them! This is a great way to show your dog how much you love them, and it is also a fun way to involve them in the holiday festivities.
When making a stocking for your Shih Tzu, be sure to use safe and durable materials that will not harm your dog. For example, you may want to use a sturdy fabric that can’t be torn apart.
You will also need to make sure that the stocking is big enough for your dog to get their head through, as this will help to prevent them from getting stuck and getting out all the goodies inside.
You can purchase some nontoxic paint and help your Shih Tzu dip his paw into it and add his pawprint to really personalize their stocking.
Once you have made the stocking, you can fill it with fun things for your dog, such as toys, treats, and even a new collar or leash. This is a great way to show your dog how much you care about them and to make sure that they have a fun and safe holiday season!
4. Dress Your Shih Tzu as Santa Claus
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to dress them up as Santa Claus! This is a great way to get them involved in the holiday festivities, and it is also a fun way to show off their festive spirit.
When dressing your Shih Tzu as Santa Claus, be sure to use safe and comfortable materials that will not harm your dog. For example, you may want to use a soft and fluffy fabric such as cotton or fleece.
You will also need to make sure that the costume is not too tight or constricting, as this could cause your dog discomfort.
Once you have the costume, you can take fun pictures of your dog in their costume and even share them with your friends and family.
5. Decorate Your Shih Tzus Dog Crate
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to decorate their dog crate!
When decorating your Shih Tzu’s dog crate, be sure to use safe and durable materials that will not harm your dog. For example, you may want to use nontoxic paint or stickers.
You will also need to make sure that the decorations are not too small or sharp, as this could cause your dog to choke or hurt themselves.
You can string lights around the dog crate, or you can even put a small Christmas tree toy inside.
6. Watch a Pet Friendly Holiday Movie Together
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to watch a pet friendly holiday movie together! This is a great way to bond with your dog and to get them into the holiday spirit.
Pets love watching TV, especially when other dogs are on the screen. You can sit back and relax while eating the festive foods you cooked while waiting for the clock to strike midnight as you hold your pet on your lap.
On Netflix, you’ll find a plethora of dog movies as well as Christmas-related selections!
Once you have selected a pet friendly holiday movie, pop some popcorn and snuggle up with your Shih Tzu to watch it!
7. Take a Holiday Photo with Your Shih Tzu
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to take a holiday photo together! This is a great way to show off your dog’s festive spirit and to make lasting memories.
When taking a holiday photo with your Shih Tzu, find a photogenic spot that is safe for your dog.
For example, you may want to choose a spot that is not too crowded or noisy. You will also need to make sure that the area is well lit so that your Shih Tzu’s photo comes out looking great.
Most dogs don’t like the flash of a camera, so natural lighting is best.
If you have a fireplace, that will make for a pretty picture, but be careful of the fire. You don’t want your dog to get too close and get hurt.
Once you have found the perfect spot, snap a few fun photos of you and your Shih Tzu together!
8. Make a Shih Tzu Friendly Holiday Dinner
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to make them a special holiday dinner!
When making a Shih Tzu friendly holiday dinner, be sure to use safe and healthy ingredients that will not harm your dog.
For example, you may want to use lean meats and vegetables. You will also need to make sure that the food is not too spicy or salty, as this could cause your dog discomfort.
You can even get creative with the presentation of the food! For example, you may want to shape the meat into fun holiday shapes or make vegetable designs.
9. Visit Family and Friends with Your Shih Tzu
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to visit family and friends with them!
When traveling to visit family and friends with your Shih Tzu, be sure to prepare and plan ahead.
Once you have arrived at your destination, take some time to introduce your Shih Tzu to everyone if they have not met before. This is a great way to make sure that they are comfortable and ready to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
10. Host a Pet Party
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to host a pet holiday party!
When hosting a pet party, be sure to invite all your dog’s friends! This is a great way to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time.
You will also need to make sure that the party area is safe for your dog, as this could prevent accidents from happening.
Have a festive picnic in the park or have a cozy holiday theme party at home.
Be sure to take lots of pictures and have fun!
11. Support Local Animal Shelters
Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to support local animal shelters!
This is a great way to give back to the community and to help animals in need.
There are many ways that you can support local animal shelters.
For example, you may want to donate food, toys, or money. You may also want to volunteer your time to help care for the animals.
No matter how you choose to support local animal shelters, your contribution will make a difference in the lives of animals!
12. Snuggle with Your Shih Tzu
One of the best ways (and my personal favorite) to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu is to simply spend some good ole quality time with them!
There is nothing more special than snuggling with your dog and having that one-on-one time together.
So, take some time to cuddle with your Shih Tzu this holiday season! They will love the attention and they will certainly appreciate the snuggles and kisses.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! 12 fun ways to celebrate the holidays with your Shih Tzu.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure to spend time with your dog and show them how much you care!
That’s really all that matters.
They will certainly appreciate it and love you that much more for it.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
