Each December, I love keeping with my Christmas tradition of skipping real estate talk and sharing something fun instead. And before I dive in, I want to take a moment to thank all my amazing clients, past and present, and everyone who reads my articles. Your support means so much to me.

So, this year’s fun article is all about our four-legged friends. If there’s one member of the family who never complains about holiday chaos, never minds the extra wrapping paper on the floor, and never turns down a snack, it’s the dog. With three dogs in our home, it’s always been so much fun to include them in the Christmas festivities, so let’s talk about the art of spoiling your dog at Christmas, because if anyone deserves a little holiday indulgence, it’s the furry family member who loves you unconditionally all year long.

DECK THE PAWS: TURN YOUR HOME INTO A DOGGY WONDERLAND

While many of us decorate with color-coordinated ornaments and Pinterest-worthy garlands, your dog has their own priorities: “Can I sniff it? Can I eat it? Can I knock it over?” Decorating with your dog in mind can add a whole new layer of festive fun. Hang a special stocking just for them and fill it with toys, treats, and maybe a squeaky Santa that will mysteriously lose its squeaker by Dec. 26.

Add a little fashion statement with a Christmas bandana or a cozy holiday sweater. Just avoid anything too tight or anything with dangling pieces — this is a celebration, not an emergency vet visit!

SPOIL THEM WITH GIFTS THEY ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT

Sure, your dog would be happy with an empty water bottle wrapped in paper, but Christmas is the perfect excuse to go all out.

Here are some fan-favorite doggy gift ideas:

An extra-plush holiday bed. Perfect for long winter naps and to keep them from claiming your freshly washed blankets.

A new puzzle toy. Keep their brain busy while you wrap your gifts (or attempt to, while they “help”).

Treats made just for Christmas. Think dog-safe gingerbread biscuits or peanut-butter snowflakes.

A subscription treat box. Because Christmas joy doesn’t have to end in December.

A giant festive chew bone. Just prepare yourself for the proud parade they’ll do while carrying it around the house.

BAKE THE TREATS, SKIP THE CALORIES (WELL… SOME OF THEM)

Christmas is basically a month-long buffet for humans, cookies, fudge, grandma’s secret everything. And while your dog shouldn’t join you in devouring sugar cookies and peppermint bark, you can whip up festive, dog-safe treats. When you make some treats, make extra, put them in cute Christmas tins and bring them to holiday parties where you know the hosts are dog owners.

Try these easy homemade delights:

Sweet potato chewies. Slice, bake, done. Your dog will think you’re a culinary genius.

Pup-friendly peanut butter cookies. Just peanut butter, oats, and a little water. Shape into stars or candy canes for bonus holiday points. Frozen yogurt bites. Greek yogurt, banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A little messy, but incredibly dog-approved.

LET THEM UNWRAP A GIFT

They love the crinkling sound. Add some beef jerky when wrapping it up and they’ll know exactly which wrapped box is theirs.

FINISH WITH A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE

At the end of the day, the best way to spoil your dog for Christmas isn’t with toys or treats, it’s with time, affection, and attention. Dogs live every day like it’s Christmas morning because the joy of being with their favorite person never gets old.

HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER AND PUMPKIN DOG TREATS

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon water, or more if necessary (Optional)

Original recipe (1X) yields 25 servings

1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Combine flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl; stir with a spatula until combined.
3. Transfer mixture to a work surface and work it with your hands until mixture starts to come together. Add 1 teaspoon water at a time (only if needed) to help make the dough workable, but don’t add too much as it should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
4. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until dog treats are golden brown and crunchy, about 40 minutes. Let cool before serving to your dog.

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