DIY Dog Advent Calendar

Creating an advent calendar for your fur baby might seem like an extravagant gesture, but it comes with numerous benefits that make it worth the effort. Firstly, it’s a unique way to celebrate the holidays and share the excitement of daily surprises with your pet. Each day brings a new treat or toy, making December an extra special month for your dog, making the season as special for them as it is for other family members.

Secondly, it provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. The anticipation of opening a treat each day creates moments of pure joy together. Making your own advent calendar allows you to control the quality and type of treats your pup receives. Store-bought calendars might not cater to your dog’s dietary needs, but when you DIY, you can customise every detail to suit your pet’s preferences and keep them safe and healthy.

Creating your own dog advent calendar is a rewarding experience that requires nothing more than a dash of creativity and imagination. At its core, the concept is simple, design a calendar with at least 25 separate compartments to store daily treats. Whether you choose to keep it straightforward with recycled materials or decide to craft an ornate version adorned with festive decorations, the level of complexity is entirely up to you. This flexibility allows you to truly personalise the calendar, ensuring it perfectly fits your home's aesthetic and meets your fur baby’s preferences.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to create a DIY dog advent calendar is by using a muffin or cupcake tin. This method is perfect for those who want a quick and easy project with minimal materials.

To begin, you’ll need a muffin or cupcake tin, a coloured card, and a glue gun. You can find affordable tins at your local shop or use an old one from your kitchen. You can decorate your wins with stickers and tinsel, whatever you like to make it festive and fun to look at.

Place a different dog treat in each compartment of the tin. You can mix and match various treats to keep it exciting for your pup so there are different textures and flavours for them.

Cut out circles from the coloured card to fit over each muffin hole. Use a glue gun to securely attach the circles over the holes. This way, you can easily peel them back, revealing a treat a day.

Get creative and decorate the tin with festive embellishments. Consider adding stickers, and ribbons, or painting it in holiday colours to make it extra special. You can keep it quite simple or make it as festive as you like, your pooch will love it either way.

For a more environmentally friendly option, consider using toilet paper rolls to create your furry friend’s advent calendar. This method is slightly more involved but offers greater creative freedom.

Take several toilet paper rolls and create slits at the ends of each roll so you can fold them over to form a pocket. Seal one side of the roll with glue, leaving the other end open to add treats.

Use glue to stick the rolls together in any shape you desire. A popular choice is a pyramid or a Christmas tree shape. Ensure the structure is stable enough to hold the treats. You can get quite creative or keep it as simple as you like.

Paint the rolls in fun, festive colours and add decorative elements such as stickers or stencils. This is your chance to add personal touches that reflect your holiday spirit. Making your own calendar gives you the utmost freedom to do whatever you like to make it pleasing to look at!

Once decorated, fill each roll with a treat and use the slits you created earlier to seal them. Now, you and your four-legged family member can enjoy opening one treat each day leading up to Christmas. They won’t have to feel left out anymore when you open your own advent calendar.

Selecting the right treats is crucial to making your advent calendar a hit with your fur baby. It’s important to consider your pet’s dietary needs and preferences when choosing treats and stay away from any human foods that are toxic to them. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Crunchy dog biscuits are an ideal choice for a doggy advent calendar because they are typically a suitable size for each daily surprise, providing just the right amount of treat without overfeeding your pet. Their longevity in staying fresh is another advantage, allowing them to maintain texture and flavour throughout the advent season. Biscuits are generally low in moisture content, which helps preserve their crunchy consistency, making them less susceptible to spoilage.

They come in various flavours to cater to different canine preferences, ensuring that each day offers a delightful experience for your pooch as they eagerly anticipate their next tasty nugget. Treats like Pedigree Biscrok Gravy Bones Original are always a firm favourite with canine companions or you can opt for the more luxurious Pet Bakery Cheeky Cheese Paw Dog Treats. Whatever your pet prefers, a satisfying crunchy treat always goes down well.

Incorporating a variety of treat textures in your doggy advent calendar not only adds excitement but also helps maintain your pet's interest throughout the season. Softer treats are a great contrast to crunchy biscuits, providing a different mouthfeel that many pups enjoy. These can be particularly suitable for older dogs or those with dental issues. Softer treats like Natures Menu Dog Treat are a great option for pups who may struggle with something harder.

Including smaller treats also allows you to add a few extras, surprising your fur baby with a bonus on some days. Instead of just a single treat, you can include several of these Boxby Duck Trainers Dog Treats for an extra special gift. This variety encourages a sense of anticipation and delight, keeping your canine companion engaged and happy with each new opening.

Adding special treats such as chews or natural treats to your pooch’s advent calendar can elevate the excitement your pet has for their daily gift. Chews are excellent for promoting dental health as well, as they help clean your dog's teeth while satisfying their natural chewing instincts.

Choosing natural treats like Lifestage Duck Medallions provides a high-quality protein source but also aligns with your pet's nutritional needs. These special treats can be reserved for weekends or specific milestone days to make them extra rewarding. You can make sure that even pups with sensitive tummies can join in on the fun by using single-source protein treats you know they will enjoy.

Creating homemade treats for your dog's advent calendar adds a personal and thoughtful touch to the festivities. Not only does it allow you to have full control over the ingredients, ensuring they are healthy and free from harmful additives, but it also provides an opportunity to experiment with flavours that suit your pet’s palate.

Some simple recipes include peanut butter and pumpkin bites or apple and carrot cookies, which can be easily prepared using wholesome, dog-friendly ingredients. Incorporating homemade treats means you can cater to specific dietary needs, creating tailor-made delights that your pet will love. Making these treats yourself also allows for creativity in shape and size, adding an extra layer of excitement every time your furry friend discovers a new one.

Creating a DIY dog advent calendar is a rewarding project that brings joy to both you and your four-legged friend. By making your own calendar, you tailor the experience to your pet’s tastes and dietary needs while adding a personal touch to the holiday festivities. From muffin tins to toilet paper rolls, there are numerous ways to craft an advent calendar that will keep your dog wagging their tail all December long.

If you’re inspired to make your own dog advent calendar, gather your supplies and get started today. To stock up on your pup’s favourite treats for the season at Santa-approved prices and help them feel included in the festive fun, visit us in store and online.