Paw-some Ways to Include Pups in the Holidays - #treatsforall Giveaway

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Helen's photo op with Santa last year

 

Happy Howlidays!  I love the holiday season — the cold weather, the yummy food, and of course, all of the festivities! You know who else loves them too? My dog, Helen. I'm thinking it may be because of all the extra lovin' and gifts she gets from the family.  This will be her second Christmas with us.  Last year I took her to a pet store to get her photo taken with Santa.  She wore a cute dress and everything.  This year we plan on doing the same, and last week we created a personalized paw print ornament out of clay and hung it on the tree. 

 

It turns out that I'm not the only pet mama to spoil her pup during this time of year. That's why I love this super cute website called TheNosePrint.com from Big Heart Pet Brands (the makers of Milk-Bone, Pup-Peroni, Canine Carry Outs, and Milo's Kitchen). They really know how to celebrate the holidays with your pup!

 

On TheNosePrint.com, check out some of the fun doggy do-it-yourself ideas they've dreamed up: http://thenoseprint.com/article/diy-holiday-dog-gifts

My favorite was the Mistletreat.  Get it? (I love a good pun!) And this treat is sure to be a hit with Helen.  Slobbery kisses? Check. Yummy treat? Check. Yes, it's pretty much the best gift idea ever.

I'm also loving the homemade paw-print ornament. I've seen these with children's handprints before. Why not have your fur child make an ornament too? Other great homemade doggy gifts include a treat bouquet, a sweet treat jar, and a ho-ho-howliday treat bag. Yes, Helen is going to have a very good holiday break.

The NosePrint.com also asked 3,000 Americans about their dog-related holiday habits, including whether their dog is involved in gift-giving, stocking-stuffing, Christmas sweater-wearing, and other holiday traditions.

What they found is that Americans really LOVE their pets. For instance, did you know 71% of dog parents give gifts to their pups? Have you completed your Christmas doggy shopping yet?

According to the survey, here are the top 5 reasons people give gifts to their dog:

1. To express love to my dog: 72%

2. Because it's fun for me: 60%

3. To help my dog feel included like a family member: 54%

4. To give my dog a moment of happiness: 53%

5. To feel closer and bond with my dog: 43%

For me, I like to give presents to Helen because of all of these reasons. He's such an important part of the family — I can't imagine the holidays without her.

The study also shared how often dogs are included into popular Christmas traditions:

1. 48% of dog parents hang a Christmas stocking for their dog.

2. 43% of dog parents include a dog in a photo for a family holiday card.

3. 32% post photos of their dog on social media with a holiday message.

4. 29% dress up their dog in a holiday-themed costume or outfit.

5. 22% make or buy dog-themed holiday decorations.

For photos and instructions on how to add more dog-related fun to your home holiday traditions, check out these cool projects they have here:

http://thenoseprint.com/article/holidog-diy-5-diys-to-make-doggy-holidays-merry-and-bright

 

Finally, want to know which states have the most spoiled pups?

The 2015 TheNosePrint.com Santa Dog Index ranks states based on how much, on average, dog parents will spend on their furry kids:

Top 10 States That Spend the Most on Holiday Gifts for Dogs:

1. New Jersey: $29.61 (average gift spending per dog for state residents)

2. New York: $28.95

3. Pennsylvania: $28.75

4. Utah: $27.75

5. Georgia: $27.04

6. California: $26.07

7. Washington: $25.81

8. Florida: $25.13

9. Illinois: $24.98

10. Virginia: $24.58

Apparently, it's good to be a dog in the New York tri-state area. You can find the complete rankings of all 50 states at www.TheNosePrint.com.

Win It!

 

One person will win a Christmas doggy care package filled with some of the most delicious stocking stuffer treats for your pup.

 

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway