In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget that dogs, like humans, need time to rest and recharge.
Dogs have a unique way of wiggling into our hearts, whether they’re wagging their tails in real life or bringing joy to us through the pages of a book or the glow of a screen. Over the years, countless fictional dogs have
The holiday season and chilly winter months are the perfect time to make memories with your furry best friend. At Barkwells, we know how much joy dogs bring into our lives, so we’ve compiled a list of fun winter and holiday activities you and your pup can enjoy together. Whether you’re staying cozy indoors or venturing out into the brisk air, these ideas will ensure tails keep wagging all season long!
1. Go on a Winter Hike
Bundle up and explore the beauty of winter on a dog-friendly trail. The crunch of snow underfoot and the crisp air create a magical backdrop for an adventure. Be sure to bring plenty of water, keep your dog warm with a jacket if needed, and check their paws for snow or ice buildup.
Local Tip: If you're near our Mills River or Brevard locations, the nearby Pisgah National Forest offers scenic trails that are perfect for winter hikes. Make sure to check the link to see the open sections of the trails!
2. Have a Holiday Photoshoot
Capture the festive spirit with a photoshoot featuring your pup. Dress them in a holiday sweater or festive accessories, and use holiday decorations as a backdrop. This activity is not only fun but also creates memories you can treasure forever. Bonus: Share your photos on social media and spread holiday cheer!
3. Host a Doggy Playdate
Invite fellow dog parents and their pups over for a winter-themed playdate. Provide healthy dog-friendly treats, toys, and even a mini obstacle course. If it’s snowy outside, supervised romps in the snow can lead to hours of fun.
4. Bake Dog-Friendly Holiday Treats
Get into the holiday baking spirit by whipping up some treats your dog will love. Simple recipes using pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats can create delicious snacks that are safe for your furry friend.
5. Visit a Holiday Light Display
Many holiday light displays allow leashed dogs, making this a festive outing for the whole family. Your pup will enjoy the new sights, smells, and the quality time with you.
6. Build a Snowman or Snowdog
Turn a snowy day into an opportunity for creativity. Build a snowman or a snowdog in your yard and let your pup “help” by running around or fetching sticks for decoration.
7. Cozy Up with a Movie Marathon
For those colder days, snuggle up with your dog for a holiday movie marathon. Choose classics like Home Alone or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and don’t forget a cozy blanket and dog-friendly snacks.
8. Make a Paw Print Ornament
Create a keepsake by making a paw print ornament. Use non-toxic clay or dough to press your dog’s paw into, let it dry, and hang it on your tree. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the season with your pup.
9. Explore a Dog-Friendly Town
Take a winter weekend trip to a dog-friendly destination. Stroll through shops, enjoy outdoor patios with heaters, or find a café serving puppuccinos. Asheville, Hendersonville, and Brevard are great local options with plenty of dog-friendly spots to explore.
Local Favorites: Stop by the Smoky Mountain Dog Bar in Waynesville for a unique experience where both you and your pup can relax. And don’t miss the Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery to treat your dog to some delicious dog goodies.
10. Give Back Together
Spread holiday cheer by volunteering or donating to a local animal shelter. Some shelters allow you to bring your well-behaved dog to brighten the day of other animals in need.
This winter, let the bond with your dog grow even stronger through these seasonal activities. Whether you’re exploring nature, baking treats, or just enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, the love and companionship of your dog make the holidays even more special.
Share your adventures with us by tagging @Barkwells on social media—we can’t wait to see how you and your pup are celebrating the season!
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and a delicious feast. But as we gather around the table, let’s not forget our four-legged family members. With so much food on display, it’s natural to want to share a few bites with our dogs. However, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets. To keep your dog happy and healthy, here’s a guide to what’s safe and what should be off-limits.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
1. Turkey (Without Skin, Bones, or Seasoning) - Plain, cooked turkey is safe for dogs and can be a good source of lean protein. Just be sure to remove the skin, which often has seasonings that can upset your dog’s stomach, and avoid bones, as they can splinter and cause harm. Avoid sharing any foods seasoned with garlic, as garlic is toxic to dogs.
2. Pumpkin (Plain) - Pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) is great for dogs and can even support their digestion. You can add a small spoonful to their meal for a festive treat!
3. Green Beans (Frozen or Steamed, No Seasoning) - Plain green beans are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Make sure they’re steamed and unseasoned for a healthy veggie option your dog can enjoy. You can also feed frozen green beans to your pup as a crunchy snack!
4. Sweet Potatoes (Plain, No Sugar or Butter) - Sweet potatoes are a great, nutritious treat for dogs. Just serve them cooked and plain without any added sugar or butter. Avoid candied yams or sweet potato casserole, as these contain too much sugar for dogs.
5. Apple Slices (Without Seeds or Core) - Apples can be a crunchy and sweet snack, but be sure to remove the seeds and core, which contain cyanide. Plain slices are perfect for sharing!
Unsafe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
1. Stuffing and Casseroles - Stuffing and casseroles often contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, and certain herbs. Keep these savory dishes off your dog’s plate.
2. Turkey Bones and Skin - Turkey bones can easily splinter, posing a choking hazard or causing internal injuries. The skin often has spices, butter, and fat that can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to pancreatitis.
3. Gravy - Gravy is typically high in fat and contains ingredients like garlic or onion that are toxic to dogs. Instead of gravy, try drizzling a little plain, unsalted bone broth on your dog's food to make it special. Be sure to check the ingredients list to be sure it's safe for your pup!
4. Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Cream, or Cheese - While plain potatoes are safe in moderation, mashed potatoes with added butter, cream, or cheese can be too rich for dogs and may upset their stomachs.
5. Pies and Desserts - Pies and other sweets often contain sugar, spices, and chocolate, all of which are unsafe for dogs. Even artificial sweeteners like xylitol are highly toxic to pets. Stick to plain pumpkin if you want to give your dog a taste of dessert!
6. Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages - Alcohol and caffeine are toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can lead to serious health issues. Keep all drinks out of your dog’s reach to avoid any mishaps.
A Few Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Thanksgiving
Create a Special Dog Plate: Prepare a small plate of safe Thanksgiving foods for your dog to enjoy, so they don’t feel left out when everyone else is eating.
Remind Guests of Dog-Safe Foods: If you have visitors, let them know which foods are safe and unsafe for your dog, so no one accidentally gives them a harmful treat.
Have a Cozy Place for Your Dog: Some dogs might get anxious with all the holiday excitement. Set up a comfortable space where they can retreat if things get overwhelming.
Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to include your dog in the festivities—just make sure you’re giving them treats that are safe for their stomachs! By knowing what’s safe to share and what to avoid, you’ll keep the holiday fun and healthy for everyone.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Barkwells!
