Whether writing Christmas cards in front of the fire with jingle bells playing in the background, or a family member popping round for a cup of tea and a mince pie; the festive season is always a family and friends filled time of the year. Even with all the merriment, it’s important to remember that they are numerous pets friendly and focused activities to enjoy. Don’t forget they enjoy getting into the seasonal spirit just as much as we do!

Our pets are part of our family, and we want include them in as many of our holiday traditions as possible. In fact, a recent study by PR Newswire found that 96 percent of the people they surveyed would rather spend Christmas with their dogs than with their in-laws. So this guide aims to give you some ideas of how to bond with your pet and make the most of this special time of year.

#1: Christmas Jumper Shopping

Nothing screams ‘CHRISTMAS’ than festive jumpers and seeing people wearing them sure does brightens up everybody’s day. It’s commonplace to see them worn into work, but lest we forget our four legged companions need them too. Believe me, there isn’t anything cuter than your dog in a knitted jumper.

We are proud to announce that PetLondon has the most exhaustive list of pet Christmas jumpers in the UK; with a range to rival that of any high street shop. Most of the jumpers size from XS to XXL, and we have something for everyone. Pet’s need to keep warm too!

This years’ highlights include: a cute snowdog and snowman scenescape sweater, a santa claus red cable knit jumper or a LED light-up extravaganza.

The stylist apparel is sure to delight visiting family and friends, why not use your beloved dressed up pooch as the mascot for some Christmas carolling. Whether it be a dancing penguin jumper, or a holiday themed costume is bound to add extra sparkle and cheer with a special canine courier service for those local neighbourhood Christmas cards deliveries.

#2: Writing Christmas Cards

In recent years the fashion, just like our cousins over the water is to include a Christmas family photo as the front of tens of cards sent to distance relatives and friends across the globe. The classic ‘family’ look has to include a mantle piece with holly, a Christmas tree with your choice for decorating the top and of course matching outfits.

We have listened to our customers, and found a couple of adorable dress up costumes for your pooch. Our fun and fabulous 3D Santa and 3D Elf costume are perfect to get everybody involved into the holiday humour. By placing the front legs and securing the upper half of the costume, your pet transforms into a real life walking character, perfect for a photo or a video to place on an e-greetings message.

#3: Exercising & Entertainment

As the nights turn colder and darker and tasty treats tempt us at every corner, it comes as to no surprise sweatpants become the clothing of choice. To help yourself keep the pounds off, we suggest some playtime with your pet. The combined mental and physical stimulation will create fond memories as you see your pets’ delight, as you play together with our uniquely designed and festively themed toys.

For those who don’t feel guilty and want to snuggle on the sofa watching Elf, Home Alone or the Secret Life of Pets. Why not indulge your pet in some Stripy Christmas PJs, They are made from a warm and thick plush type material for the ultimate in warmth and comfort. The ribbed sleeves provide a cozy fit.

For this season, we have some incredible toys!

Bungee Ball Tug Toy – Santa & Elvin the Elf

It has been specifically designed to incorporate a range of toss, tug and fetch games. The head is a bumpy rubberised ball with high quality squeaker, with body being a super stretchy stuffing-less covered in a soft material for a unique shape.

Super Squeakers – Snowman & Elvin the Elf

These toys combines the best of stuffingless and squeaker toys. The toy body itself is a super durable thick plastic squeaker, with the added benefit of being robust. The cutest designs are very eye-catching either in a circle head show or a bone shaped themed designs

Holi-Yay Squeal Ball – Rita Reindeer & Simon Snowman

These large wacky textured play balls are made from tough rubber with a bumpy surfaced texture and covered in a high quality PLUSH material and a satisfying squeel. Available in two differing designs: Simon the Snowman with crinkly brim hat or Rita the Reindeer with heart shaped nose, soft red antlers and crinkly ears.

#4: Arts & Craft

Wish your pet a Merry Christmas with our festive and fun Christmas stocking. Handmade personalised gifts are always a lovely touch at this time of the year. Our bright red fleece style stocking with green stitching along the edges makes for an opportunity to  customise your stocking alongside the bones and paws decorations and stuff inside their favourite toys and treats. There are all sorts you can do, from customising a bed or blanket. Just make sure it’s dog safe first!

#5 Bake your heart out

From our friends at Pretty Fluffy, have put together this amazing gingerbread biscuit for dogs using the finest ingredients. They can be bundled together as a gift, put on the Christmas tree or just given for being a good boy! They make about 20 medium gingerbread.

YOU’LL NEED

1 and 1/4 Cups Water
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Molasses
2 Tablespoons Honey
3 Cups Organic Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 Tablespoon finely chopped Fresh Ginger
—
2 Large Bowls
Mixing and measuring utensils
Rolling Pin
Gingerbread Cookie Cutter

TO MAKE

1. Get two large bowls. In one bowl combine the water, olive oil, molasses and honey. In the second bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves and finely chopped ginger.
2. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until all are combined.
3. Divide the dough into two, wrap and refrigerate for minimum 3.5 hours.
4. Once chilled, remove dough from fridge and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness (less than a centimetre).
5. Pre-heat oven to 180 C (350 F).
6. Use your Gingerbread Cookie Cutter to cut out the biscuits. Place on baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

We hope this inspired you to bond with your dog this Christmas. Please let us know if you have any ideas of your own!