The holiday season is coming up, and that means there will be plenty of festivities to engage in! Your entire family, including your pets, will want to join in the holiday fun. Why not consider planning some holiday activities with your dog while in Washington, D.C.?
Dogs are a part of our family, so it makes sense to include them in our plans. There are plenty of dog-friendly holiday events in D.C. that you can do with your dog. Celebrate Christmas or the season with your dog while ensuring your pets have safe, winter fun.
Know Before You Go: Weather and Safety Considerations
The most important thing to consider before taking your dog out during the holiday season is to ensure the weather is tolerable for both you and your pet. A lot of pet parents don’t want to attend pet holiday activities in Washington, D.C. when it’s freezing out!
But if you do, you want your pet to be prepared.
The weather in December and January can be cold and windy. This is why we have a few tips on how to attend winter events for dogs in D.C. safely.
- If it’s too cold for you, then keep your pet inside. But if it’s tolerable, make sure to keep your home humidified before you leave. Once back inside, towel dry your pet and wash/dry their feet and stomach to remove salt and ice. However, you can avoid using ice melt chemicals on sidewalks, as they can irritate paws.
- Never shave your dog’s fur in the winter, and when outside, protect them with warm coats and booties.
- Keep track of how much time you spend outside with your dog. You can take your dog walking in Washington, D.C., during winter, but don’t overdo it.
- Bring water! Even in winter, you need to stay hydrated, and so does your pup.
- Finally, avoid any crowded or noisy events. Dogs may become overwhelmed by the noise and crowds of people around.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to attend some holiday-themed events!
Attend Dog-Friendly Holiday Events and Markets in DC
Winter may be full of cold days and nights, but one great thing about winter is the holiday season. There are plenty of pet-friendly Christmas or holiday events in D.C., such as taking holiday photos with pets or parades.
Visit the Downtown Holiday Market to do some shopping, attend some tree lightings, and take a chance to see the public light displays around the area.
Checking up on local events can go a long way toward helping you find things to do with your pet. Ledger Union Market has a list of some places to bring your dog that are pet-friendly. Also consider visiting Washington.org for a longer list of pet-friendly restaurants, parks, patios, hotels, and activities.
Remember to follow our earlier safety tips to ensure your pets have a safe holiday in D.C.
Dress Up Your Dog for Holiday Photos or Parades
One fun activity for the holidays is taking pictures. Pictures let you relive the memory year after year, and it’s no different with your pets! So why not get some holiday photos with your pets in D.C.?
Check out local community events to find pet-friendly photo booths or opportunities to take photos with Santa. Join local parades that welcome leashed pets with open arms. Ensure that your pet is dressed warmly while outside.
Dog sweaters are a great way to keep your dog warm. They should be well-fitted and not restrict any movement, allowing them freedom as well as warmth. Breeds that don’t have thick coats or struggle in colder temperatures, like smaller dogs or those with short fur, will benefit greatly from sweaters.
The sweater needs to be the right size and fit. Even if it’s too baggy, the dog can get tangled in it and get hurt. Properly measure your dog to make sure you get the correct size. Also, look for sweaters that have a built-in hole for the leash or harness attachment, like this one, making it easier for you.
Host a Pet-Friendly Holiday Gathering at Home
Even if there are pet-friendly Christmas events going on in D.C., it might be too cold, or you simply don’t want to go out. This is where having a pet-friendly holiday at home can work.
Keep things calm with soft music and no firecrackers. Your dogs will appreciate you keeping things quiet as well as being comfortable with them. Buy their favorite snacks and decorate to make your home fit the holiday season.
Always double-check the food and decorations beforehand. Some foods are dangerous to pets, such as chocolate, sweets, baked goods with artificial sweeteners, table scraps (gravy, sauces, dressing, and meat), and unbaked yeast dough, which can cause painful bloating.
For decorations, don’t use breakable ornaments or those made from salt-based dough or food-based materials. Tinsel, ribbons, and wreaths look great, but they should be kept out of reach. Candles, as always, are a fire hazard and best avoided.
Accidents can happen, so consider searching places like Yelp for a list of nearby emergency animal hospitals.
Take Winter Walks to Enjoy the Holiday Spirit Together
Even in winter, your dog is going to enjoy going on walks. There’s no reason to avoid walks. You just need to do it safely.
- Take walks through well-decorated neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Georgetown, or Logan Circle.
- Use booties or paw balm to keep your dog’s paws safe during walks. Boots are the safer option, but some dogs can take a while to get used to them. Using paw balm or petroleum jelly-based products can also help in the meantime or if your dog doesn’t adjust to the booties. Once you get inside, make sure to wipe it off!
If you can’t take your dog for a walk, contact Metro Mutts Dog Walking in DC. We will make sure your pet is kept safe and comfortable during the walk.
Can’t Join the Festivities? Let Metro Mutts Walk and Play With Your Pup
Metro Mutts is here to tend to your pet’s needs. People get busy, and we understand! This is where Metro Mutts comes in. During the busy holiday season, we can help ensure your dog receives their regular walks without any disruption to their schedule.
Book a midday walk or pet sitting service while you attend events or travel. Our local team takes the safety of pets very seriously and will ensure that during their walk, they are active, safe, and happy.
Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season
From festive markets and photo ops to cozy gatherings at home, there are so many ways to include your dog in Washington, DC’s holiday fun. Just remember to keep them warm, safe, and happy throughout the season. Make this holiday season joyful for your pup, too.
Book a winter dog walk with Metro Mutts DC today and give your dog the gift of fresh air, movement, and loving care.
