November 13, 2024, 10:47 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Advent calendars for dogs and cats have been on the market for a long time. But there are big differences in quality and price. PETBOOK author and dog health consultant Philine Ebert explains how you can make your own unique Advent calendar.
Is an advent calendar for dogs and cats truly worthwhile? After all, the animals don’t really understand the meaning behind it. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy it. Every year on December 1st, my dog Bailey eagerly waits in front of the enigmatic box, eager to open a new compartment with me each day. At the slightest rustle and crackle, he sits in anticipation, barely able to contain his excitement for the discovery and treats within. One thing is certain: the Advent season wouldn’t be complete without an Advent calendar for our cherished four-legged companion! So here are a few ideas on how to make your own Advent calendar for your dog or cat.
Overview
- Where does the Advent calendar tradition actually come from?
- Why a DIY advent calendar for cats and dogs is worthwhile
- Advent calendars for cats and dogs made from bags or paper rolls
- Advent calendars crafted from ceramic tins or gift boxes
- Advent calendar made of cardboard or wood that you can fill yourself
Where does the Advent calendar tradition actually come from?
The Advent calendar originated at the beginning of the 19th century as a Christian tradition during the Advent season. What began with small pictures behind the doors has developed into unusual variants with contents ranging from sweets to toys or accessories.
The 24 little surprises, which sweeten the time before Christmas for children and adults and shorten the wait for presents, are now an integral part of the pre-Christmas period. As soon as the first gingerbread appears in the supermarkets, you will find an ever-growing selection of different Advent calendars in all designs and variations. They are now also widely available for our pets.
Why a DIY advent calendar for cats and dogs is worthwhile
There are many ready-made Advent calendars for cats and dogs on the market. The quality of the contents varies greatly depending on the price segment. As a health consultant for cats and dogs, I scrutinize the ingredients in the snacks and treats offered in these calendars with a discerning eye.
In fact, there are already great, healthy, and varied versions on the market, which we have already enjoyed a lot, especially because they rustle so well before you open the door. Yet, Bailey’s preference is for the homemade version, filled with his all-time favorite goodies.
A homemade Advent calendar gives you the freedom to choose not just the type of treats for your dog or cat’s daily surprises, but also their size and quantity. I have put together a few ideas for you below:
Advent calendars for cats and dogs made from bags or paper rolls
For this great, exciting, and individual calendar, a roll or bag is filled every day. Play mice, small bones, or treats can be perfectly hidden in the rolls. If you like, you can bake cookies, cakes, or treats for the Christmas season and fill the calendar with them.
What you need:
- 24 toilet or kitchen paper rolls, plain paper or sandwich bags, paper beverage cups
- 24 snacks, treats, cookies, toys, accessories, and gifts
- 24 number stickers (preferably natural paper) or colored pencils for labeling
- 24 clothespins made from natural wood
- A string for hanging (only natural products, no plastic gift ribbon) or a basket for filling
The rolls may be affixed to a cardboard box, and cups can be assembled into a pyramid using a non-toxic adhesive. Simply hang the bags on the string with the clothespins out of reach of the cat or dog and open a surprise together every day.
Another great decorative idea is a wooden board (in the shape of a dog or bone, for example) with small hooks on which to hang the presents. This not only looks charming but also allows the wooden board to serve a purpose beyond Christmas, such as a coat rack.
By using paper bags or cardboard rolls, the four-legged friends can unwrap the surprises themselves. Cats, in particular, love to fish the gift out of the roll themselves.
Alternatively, you can, of course, also use reusable cloth bags or pouches. You can also sew these yourself from cotton fabric and refill them every year. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the contents are securely packed and that the Advent calendar is kept out of the dog or cat’s reach. This way, the animals cannot help themselves and swallow parts of the fabric bag or the string.
Advent calendars crafted from ceramic tins or gift boxes
A completely sustainable idea for an animal Advent calendar, which is also ideal for rodents or birds, is a beautiful Christmas tin made of ceramic, cardboard, or metal. This is filled with a new surprise every day. For example, with a soft treat or – in the case of small animals – with a tasty treat such as vegetables or fruit.
You can celebrate the anticipation of opening the box every day by rattling and rustling it. You can personalize the box with the animal’s name and Christmas motifs and use it again and again.
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Advent calendar made of cardboard or wood that you can fill yourself
An appealing alternative is a self-fillable calendar crafted from cardboard or wood. You can easily make one yourself from cardboard, which can even be printed with a photo of your four-legged friend. Place 24 small boxes inside and fill them as you wish.
For those less adept at crafting or short on time, a pre-made calendar is also an option. These are available as a wooden house with drawers, for example.
My tip: one for all!
“As I don’t have much time (or crafting talent), I fall back on Advent calendars from the shops. There are Advent calendars for cats and for dogs. Initially, I made the mistake of buying two calendars. However, since the dog calendars are typically quite generous, and one compartment’s contents are too much for my small dog, my two cats and the dog now enjoy a shared Advent calendar. However, you should make sure that the contents are suitable for both of them. Moreover, this has the advantage that we have a calendar with mostly ‘healthy’ snacks such as dried meat.”