How To Bring Your Dog Into Your Holiday Traditions

Close your eyes and think back to your childhood holidays. What do you see?

You might get blurry images of festive dresses and patent leather shoes, twinkle lights adorning the living room, and piles of presents under the tree. You may even be thinking of a specific family photo that perfectly embodies the feeling of being little and enchanted by holiday magic.

But here’s what’s likely missing: your childhood dog.

As much as we loved our dogs in the ‘90s, we didn’t have great ways to include them in the holiday fun. But now we do, thanks to The Pedigree brand and Walmart. Together with beloved ‘90s star Alfonso Ribeiro, they’re making it easy to get the full holiday picture of your family, at last.

"There is so much nostalgia for the 90s all around these days, including those iconic photo studios,” says Ribeiro. “To be able to go back to that time a bit and to do it with your dog — with your family, thanks to Pedigree and Walmart, is very cool."

Keep reading for lots of fun ideas for bringing your pooch front and center as you celebrate the holiday season.

Watch Wholesome Dog Movies

For dog owners, there’s nothing better in this world than a cozy movie night. After a big day of work (for you) and walks (for them), it feels like heaven to get into sweats, pop on a movie, and cuddle with your pup while a favorite flick plays.

This season, pick a movie that features a loving relationship between a human and a dog. Grab yourself a snack, get them a favorite chew toy, and have a sweet, extra-close evening watching your dynamic play out onscreen. If you end up crying happy tears, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Capture Your (Whole) Family Portrait

Incredible news: for the first time, you can include everyone you hold dear in your holiday photo, including your beloved pup! This year, The Pedigree Brand and Walmart are making the holidays with your dog even Better Now with the PEDIGREE Pawliday Portrait Studio — a nostalgic photoshoot experience that creates enduring memories for the whole family. At select Walmart locations, pet parents can bring their pup in for a complimentary professional photo session, complete with throwback holiday backdrops, vintage festive attire, and all the delightful ’90s holiday-card energy you could ask for. Find participating Walmart locations and sign up for a slot here.

Can’t make it IRL? Your dog can still strike a pose. Pet parents nationwide can create their own festive throwback photo with their pup and submit it at Pedigree.com/Pawliday for the chance to win a hand-painted recreation of the photo or a Pedigree Brand Pawliday Gift Box.

Best of all, know that this festive campaign isn’t just an excuse to take the world’s best photo. It also celebrates The Pedigree brand’s most significant dog food renovation in a decade: PEDIGREE® Adult recipes with Vitamin GoodBites ™ pieces.

Create A Cozy, Festive Dog-Friendly Spot

Not all decorations are dog-safe (and you’ll likely need to keep some ornaments out of reach on the tree). But to help your pup get into the spirit, designate a special spot somewhere in your home and build them their own holiday corner.

You could get them a brand new, extra soft blanket or rug, add cozy throw pillows, and hang up pet-safe decorations. Populate the area with holiday-themed dog toys — squeaky candy cane, anyone? — to make it a true haven.

Besides being a sweet holiday experience for your dog all season, the area can also serve as a safe, calm spot where your pup can relax if you’re hosting large groups and they need a break from the commotion.

Take A Holiday Joyride

If your furry friend likes the car, bring them along for an evening ride to check out the best holiday lights around your neighborhood and beyond. Make sure they’re cozy (you could bring them a festive, snuggly blanket), crank the holiday radio station, and drive slowly so you can both take in the spectacle. Got a pup who prefers to walk? Amend the plan: take an after-dark walk to local spots with good lights.

Set Up A Scavenger Hunt

You’ll buy lots of presents for your dog (of course you will. And you should!). Why not give them in a way that caters to your dog’s interests?

Hide new (unwrapped) toys and treats in nooks and crannies around the house, and let them go exploring. For once, you’ll both agree that whatever they find is fair game to chew on.

Give Back To Other Dogs

Your dog has a home that’s full of love. At this special time of year, donate your time or money to give back to dogs who aren’t so lucky. Call your local animal shelter and ask how you can be helpful, since they might need dog walkers or donations of winter-friendly items that your pup has outgrown. You could also choose a local or national organization with a mission that speaks to you — like the PEDIGREE Foundation, a 501c3 philanthropic organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes — and offer your support. After all, ‘tis the season of giving for everyone — including the four-legged among us.