Nina Cole 
The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness—not just for us but for our much love pets, so why not make this Christmas extra special by creating an advent calendar tailored to your furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, or both, these 25 days of festive fun are designed to celebrate the bond you share while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
The following is your ultimate guide to a pet-friendly advent calendar, filled with daily treats, activities, and DIY projects guaranteed to make tails wag and whiskers twitch with excitement. Furthermore, creating a festive advent calendar for your pet is a wonderful way to include them in your holiday traditions and show them just how much they are loved.
Day 1: A Festive Kickoff – DIY Advent Calendar
Start your pet’s festive journey by crafting a simple advent calendar. Use small paper bags, mini stockings, or even a muffin tin covered with numbered flaps. Fill each compartment with pet-safe surprises like treats, toys, or activity cards. Decorate it with non-toxic materials and ensure that any items you include are safe for your pet to chew or play with.
Day 2: Winter Walk Adventure
Bundle up for a lovely winter walk! If you have a dog, explore a festive walking trail or visit your local park. Keep them warm with a cosy sweater, and if its snowing or icey, be sure to check their paws for snow or salt afterward. For cats, create a mini indoor adventure by scattering toys or hiding treats around the house.
Day 3: DIY Christmas Dog Biscuits
Treat your dog to homemade biscuits using pet-safe ingredients. The following is an easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour (or a grain-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of doggie peanut butter since this is xylitol-free
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into festive shapes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes checking regularly.
You can buy doggie peanut butter here
Day 4: DIY Catnip Christmas Toys
For cats, create a simple catnip toy using felt and a sewing kit. Cut out festive shapes like stars or trees, sew two pieces together, and stuff them with dried catnip. Ensure the stitching is secure to avoid any accidental ingestion and keep needles etc out of reach of your cats/dogs.
Day 5: Christmas Photoshoot
Capture festive memories by setting up a holiday-themed photoshoot. Dress your pet in a soft, comfortable Christmas outfit or place them beside a pet-safe tree. Use treats to keep them engaged and reward them for their patience.
Day 6: Puzzle Feeder Fun
Introduce a new puzzle feeder or treat-dispensing toy. These not only provide entertainment but also engage your pet’s mind. Fill it with their favorite kibble or festive treats. Check out our amazon page for ideas
Day 7: Paw Print Keepsake
Create a lasting memory by making a paw print ornament. Use pet-safe clay and gently press their paw into it. Once dry, decorate it with paint (non-toxic, of course) and hang it on your tree.
Day 8: Festive Snuffle Mat
If you have a snuffle mat, hide treats among the fabric for your dog or cat to find. If you don’t have one, you can DIY it using fleece strips tied to a rubber sink mat. This is a great way to keep your pet mentally stimulated. Check out our Amazon store for ideas.
Day 9: Cozy Movie Night
Host a cosy movie night featuring pet-friendly films. Set up a soft blanket, bring out some treats, and cuddle up with your furry friend for classics like The Secret Life of Pets or Lady and the Tramp.
Day 10: DIY Dog Scarf
Craft a festive scarf for your dog using soft fleece or an old holiday sweater. Cut a long strip, sew the edges, and add Velcro for easy fastening. Ensure it’s not too tight or restrictive.
Day 11: Indoor Snowball Game
For a bit of indoor fun, use soft, lightweight balls to create a “snowball” game. Toss them for your pet to chase or pounce on. Cats especially love the thrill of batting these harmless toys.
Day 12: Festive Treat Hunt
Set up a holiday-themed treat hunt around your home. Hide pet-safe goodies in easy-to-find places, like under the tree or inside stockings. Make it as challenging as your pet’s energy level allows.
Day 13: Winter Wonderland Walk
For dogs, choose a scenic route where they can enjoy the sights and smells of winter. Check the weather and bundle up as needed. For cats, enrich their day with a window perch so they can watch the world go by.
Day 14: DIY Dog-Friendly Eggnog
Make a dog-safe “eggnog” treat using the following:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk or lactose-free milk
- 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt
- A pinch of cinnamon
Instructions: Mix the ingredients and serve in a small bowl. Caution: please ensure your dog doesn’t have any dairy sensitivities.
Day 15: Cat Tower Festivity
Decorate your cat’s favorite tower or perch with non-toxic, pet-safe holiday décor. Use ribbons, small stockings, or plush ornaments that won’t cause harm if chewed and always remember to supervise their play.
Day 16: Christmas Chews
Give your dog a festive, long-lasting chew free of additives or colourants. For cats, offer dental chews or dried fish treats. Always supervise chewing to prevent choking.
Day 17: DIY Christmas Bandana
Create a simple bandana using holiday-themed fabric. Cut a triangle, hem the edges, and tie it loosely around your pet’s neck. Alternatively, you can purchase one designed specifically for pets.
Day 18: Holiday Photos for Family Cards
Use today to take a photo of your pet for holiday cards. Get creative with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or a string of LED lights. Just ensure your pet feels comfortable and isn’t overwhelmed.
Day 19: Pet-Safe Wrapping Paper Play
Set aside some time for playful destruction. Give your pet a sheet of pet-safe wrapping paper to shred or pounce on. It’s a simple but delightful activity that your cats especially will love.
Day 20: Build a Blanket Fort
Use blankets and pillows to create a cozy fort. Crawl inside with your pet for cuddles, or let them explore it on their own. Cats, in particular, love small hideaways.
Day 21: Festive Kong Filling
Stuff your dog’s Kong with a mixture of their favorite kibble, peanut butter, and pumpkin puree. Freeze it overnight for an extra challenge. Cats can enjoy a similar concept with a treat-filled rolling ball toy.
Day 22: Christmas Light Walk
Take your pet on an evening walk to admire the holiday lights. Ensure they’re visible with a reflective collar or a light-up harness. For cats, set them up near a window where they can watch the twinkling displays.
Day 23: DIY Cat Tunnel
Transform a large cardboard box into a festive cat tunnel. Cut holes in the sides, add some wrapping paper for decoration, and sprinkle a little catnip inside.
Day 24: Santa’s Visit
Prepare a special “Santa sack” for your pet filled with their favorite toys, treats, and a new blanket or bed. Let them explore and unwrap their surprises under your supervision.
Day 25: Christmas Day Feast
Finish the advent calendar with a pet-safe Christmas meal. For dogs, offer turkey, plain vegetables (like carrots or green beans), and a bit of mashed sweet potato (no butter or seasoning). Cats will enjoy a small serving of plain, cooked turkey or fish, but please be mindful of any allergies.
Safety and Wellbeing Tips
- Supervise Play: Always monitor your pet during activities, especially when playing with new toys or treats.
- Choose Pet-Safe Materials: Avoid toxic plants (like poinsettias and mistletoe) and decorations (like tinsel) that could be ingested.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Treats should complement their regular diet, not replace it.
- Mind Their Comfort: Not all pets enjoy dressing up or being in busy environments. Respect their preferences and needs.
- Most importantly, always prioritise your pets safety by using non-toxic material and ingredients, ensuring that treats align with their dietary needs.
To sum up, with these 25 festive activities, your pet is sure to have an unforgettable holiday season. Whether it’s through tasty treats, fun games, or cosy moments together, you’ll create memories to cherish for years to come.
