The holidays are upon us! It is the season for joy, laughter and fun. It is also the season of decorating, and boy, do we have some great decorating and gift ideas for you. It is always fun to decorate for the family, but what about for your pet? Anasazi Animal Clinic, located in Gilbert, Arizona, knows the value of pets in your family. We strive to provide the best health care so that you are your pet can experience the best life together during the holidays and year-round. We found some great pet-themed holiday project ideas we would love to share!
Pet Decor for the Holiday
Don’t want to leave your pets out of the fun as you deck the halls this year? Here are some great DIY ideas that will bring the family pet into the holiday merriment.
*Salt Dough Ornaments: This is a great way to include your pet in the festivities and create fun ornaments that are a memorable keepsake: an imprint of their paw to hang on the tree: Ingredients: 1 cup salt, 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, ½ cup water, paint (optional), parchment paper, straw for hole punch. Directions: Combine all the ingredients and mix. If the dough seems too dry, add more water. Split the dough into several parts. Shape the dough and place on a baking sheet, covered with parchment paper. Gently push your pet’s paw into the dough circles. Use a knife to cut clean edges around the imprint, then make a hole at the top of the ornament with a straw. Bake at 200 degrees for 3-6 hours until dry. Allow it to cool completely before painting.
*Candy Cane Dog Treats: A fun gift, treat, or decoration for your pup! Ingredients include: 3 cups whole wheat flour, ½ cup powdered milk, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 large eggs (set one aside for egg wash), 1 tsp. peppermint oil, red food coloring (optional). Instructions: Whisk all your wet ingredients together until well combined. Add dry ingredients, one at a time, stirring between each addition to incorporate. Knead dough on floured surface for 2-3 minutes. Divide dough in half, make a well in one half, and add the peppermint and food coloring to it, working it in and adding food coloring until desired color is reached. Place both dough rolls back into bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm the dough. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover a cookie sheet in foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Whisk egg for wash in a small bowl. Remove dough from refrigerator, and break each dough color up into an equal number of pieces (the size of each depends on how big you want to make each treat). On a piece of wax paper (to prevent sticking), roll each ball into a small snake-like shape. The dough will still be somewhat sticky and that is normal. Twist one of each color together and bend the end to create a hook shape. Place your “Candy Cane” on the foil-lined baking sheet. Brush each with egg wash. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
These are just a couple fun and quick, easy activities. We all love to incorporate our pets into the holidays, as they are not just pets, but family. You can also make pet ornaments with photos of your animal, or modify the salt dough ornament project by using a cat, dog, or bone-shaped cookie cutter. There are many ways to embrace your pet during the holiday season! Anasazi Animal Clinic is excited about providing great healthcare to keep a spring in your pet’s bounce and joy in your life together.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/08/2017) (Flickr)