For many people, New Year’s Eve is a time to stay up late, drink champagne and watch the ball drop at Times Square. If you’re a proud owner of a Shih Tzu, you may be wondering how you can include your furry friend in the festivities.
From watching the ball drop to dressing up in festive attire, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading for all the details on how to have a wonderful and pet-friendly New Year’s Eve.
Here are 7 fun ideas to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your Shih Tzu:
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1. Have a Special Feast
One of the best parts of any holiday is the food, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. While you’re preparing your own feast, be sure to set aside some special treats for your Shih Tzu.
Whether it’s their favorite kibble or a few extra slices of turkey, they’ll be sure to appreciate the gesture.
If you’re feeling extra festive and adventurous, you can even make your Shih Tzu their own little cake. There are plenty of cake recipes online that are specifically designed for dogs, and it’s a great way to show them how much you care.
Don’t forget to include your Shih Tzu in any family traditions or activities you have planned. They’ll love being a part of the fun, and it’s a great way to create lasting memories.
2. Dress Up Your Dog
One of the great things about Shih Tzus is that they’re small, which makes them the perfect candidate for dressing up in festive clothing.
Pet approved party hats, bandanas, and even bow ties are all great options. You can even find New Year’s Eve themed sweaters and shirts that will keep your Shih Tzu warm while they ring in the New Year.
If you really want to go all out, you can even give your Shih Tzu a complete makeover. Believe it or not there are actually dog-friendly salons that offer New Year’s Eve-themed packages.
From glittery nail polish to temporary tattoos, your Shih Tzu will be ready to party in style.
Dressing up your Shih Tzu is a great way to get them involved in the New Year’s Eve festivities.
Bonus points if you dress up yourself to match!
3. Play Some Fun Games
Just because your Shih Tzu may not stay up until midnight doesn’t mean they can’t have a good time. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog that will keep them entertained well into the night.
One popular game is to hide treats around the house and see how long it takes your Shih Tzu to find them all. You can also set up an obstacle course for them to navigate or teach them a few new tricks.
Whatever games you decide to play, be sure to have plenty of treats on hand to reward your Shih Tzu for their efforts.
They’ll love the attention and the chance to show off their skills.
4. Host a Small Dog Friendly Gathering
If you’re not planning on going out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, that’s perfectly fine. You can still have a great time by hosting a small gathering at your home.
Be sure to invite any of your friends who also have Shih Tzus or other small dogs. This way, everyone will be able to enjoy the festivities without worrying about their dog being stepped on or getting lost in the crowd.
You can decorate your home with New Year’s Eve decorations, like streamers and balloons. Don’t forget the refreshments! Serve up some dog-safe cocktails or mocktails for your guests to enjoy.
5. Make New Year’s Resolutions Together
One of the best ways to start off the new year is by setting some resolutions. What better way to do that than with your Shih Tzu by your side?
There are plenty of things you can resolve to do together, like taking more walks, trying out a new dog park, or signing up for obedience classes.
You can also resolve to spend more quality time together, like snuggling on the couch or taking a trip to the beach.
Whatever resolutions you decide to make, be sure to write them down and hang them up where you’ll see them every day.
This way, you’ll be reminded of your goals and motivated to stick with them.
6. Watch a Movie Together
One of the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve is by snuggling up with your Shih Tzu and watching a movie. There are plenty of great options out there that are specifically designed for dog lovers.
You can always go with a classic like “The Wizard of Oz” or “Lady and the Tramp.” Whatever movie you choose, be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand for you and your Shih Tzu to enjoy.
Popcorn for you is always a good choice and you can try making some dog-safe snacks like homemade peanut butter biscuits or meaty treats for your fur baby.
Your Shih Tzu will love munching on their favorite snacks while they enjoy the movie.
7. Watch the Ball Drop Together
One of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is watching the ball drop at Times Square. There’s no reason why your Shih Tzu can’t join in on the fun.
There are plenty of ways to watch the ball drop without being in Times Square. You can tune into a live broadcast on TV or stream it online.
Cuddle up and don’t forget to give your Shih Tzu a kiss at midnight!
New Year’s Eve Safety Tips for Your Shih Tzu
As you prepare to celebrate the new year, it’s always important to keep your Shih Tzu’s safety in mind.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your dog safe and sound during the festivities:
- Avoid using fireworks around your Shih Tzu. The loud noises can be very frightening for them.
- Keep your Shih Tzu on a leash at all times. This will help you keep them close by and prevent them from getting lost in the crowd.
- Be careful with your Shih Tzu’s food and drinks. Many common New Year’s Eve snacks and beverages are not safe for dogs, so it’s best to keep them away from the buffet table.
- Stick to your usual routine as much as possible. New Year’s Eve can be a chaotic time but try to keep things as normal as possible for your Shih Tzu. This will help reduce their stress levels and make them feel more comfortable.
- Have a safe space for them to retreat to if they need it. If your Shih Tzu starts to feel overwhelmed, provide them with a quiet space where they can go to relax. This could be their crate or a room in your house that’s away from the noise and commotion.
Final Thoughts
New Year’s Eve is a great time to spend with your Shih Tzu. There are plenty of fun and safe things you can do to celebrate the occasion.
With these tips, you and your Shih Tzu will have a great time ringing in the new year!
Shih Tzus are great company and make for a fun New Year’s Eve. Just be sure to keep their safety in mind and you’ll have a great time.
Thanks for reading and wishing you and your Shih Tzu a very happy New Year!
