Party 4 Paws!

Christmas is a very busy but wonderful time of the year! Why not include your dog in the fun and festivities and throw a dog Christmas party! Take a break from shopping, gift wrapping and cooking and invite a few dogs over (of course, you should invite their humans too)!

There are many types of droolicious treats that you can serve to your furry guests. Dog friendly gingerbread cake and peppermint Christmas chews are sure to please. While you are at it, purchase some holiday print cellophane bags and fill them with holiday goodies! Guests always appreciate party favors…or in this case, holiday doggie bags.

If you have some extra money to spend (I know it’s tough around the holidays) purchase jingle bell party collars for your guests to wear and take home. The pups will look adorable and the jingling of bells will create a festive and fun atmosphere. If jingle bell collars are too expensive, go to the dollar store. They often carry red and white Santa hats which will look just as adorable and won’t empty your wallet.  

As for music…your party would not be complete without the sound of cats and dogs caroling. Yes, there is a music cd available that is titled: “Christmas Caroling Dogs and Cats - Santa’s Furry Friends.” Can you think of more appropriate music for your dog Christmas party? I didn’t think so! Ok, the cats singing may annoy the doggie guests, but they’ll get used to it. Just in case, you may want to have regular Christmas music available as well.

A Few Warnings

To make sure that all of your dog party guests stay safe, I must mention a few things. Tinsel and garland, both  popular holiday decorations, can be hazardous to dogs. If ingested, they can get wrapped up in the intestines and cause serious health problems. Play it safe and don’t let the dogs play tug-o-war with tinsel or garland.

Make sure to have plenty of fresh water available for your guests. Do NOT let the pups drink out of the Christmas tree stand! The water in the stand may have fertilizer and bacteria in it which could cause stomach upset and diarrhea if ingested. Yuck!

Certain plants, such as lilies and poinsettias, can cause stomach irritation if eaten or chewed on. While beautiful and decorative, it’s best to keep these plants up high and out of doggie’s reach.

If you just don’t have the time to throw a dog friendly Christmas party but you still want to include Fido in the festivities, then you may want to consider getting his picture taken with Santa! On the weekends, many rescue groups set up shop at local pet stores (such as Petco or PetSmart) and for a small donation will take your dog’s picture with Santa. Can you say FUN!!! Whatever you decide to do this holiday season….make sure to stay safe…but more importantly….have a HOWLING good time! Merry Christmas! Come back soon as I will be posting the recipe for the YUMMY dog friendly gingerbread cake within the next few days! WOOF!

Filed under: Party Ideas on December 2nd, 2008