Hanukkah

Spanning over eight days and nights, Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC, after the Maccabean Revolt successfully freed the Jews from oppression by the Seleucids. It’s also known as the Feast of Dedication or Festival of Lights, so named because it involves eating fried foods, lighting a menorah, and special prayers.

It’s the perfect time to gather together with your friends and family, and that includes the four-legged members of your inner circle! Your pets can easily take part in all of your favorite traditions. And for those few events that aren’t appropriate for your dogs (chocolate gelt is a no-go for Fido), some simple modifications let you get back to what matters most.

So if you’re looking to celebrate with everyone this year, here are five ways to include your pup in Hanukkah traditions.

Holiday Treats

During Hanukkah, each food served represents a different part of Jewish tradition. They all share a rich history, marked by tragedy and celebration in turn. Some dishes are usually reserved for Hanukkah, while others are also commonly enjoyed during other holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat, and Passover.

But while these foods are delicious and quickly devoured by two-legged guests, they’re very unhealthy for dogs. So instead of taking scraps from the table for your favorite furry family member, consider the dog-safe alternatives below.

Instead of…	Try…
Latkes	Plain baked potato
Brisket	Lean beef
Sufganiyots (jelly donuts)	Dog-safe donuts
Applesauce	Apple slices
Kugel	Boiled eggs
Chocolate gelt	Carob “chocolate” chips

There are many foods that are safe for dogs, either pre-made or easily baked by even novice cooks. If you decide to DIY your dog treats, you can even customize the recipes to include your pup’s favorite ingredients.

Festive Outfits

Want your dog to look their best for Hanukkah? Consider festive outfits and accessories like a yarmulke and tallis or adorable menorah hat. These canine-friendly outfits are specifically designed for easy movement and a comfortable fit.

In case these outfits aren’t your dog’s style, you can also look into a festive new collar and lead set or other fun accessories, such as neckwear or tutus. Whether your pup wants to look winter-chic or cold weather cozy, you’re sure to find something they’ll love.

Eight Presents

Hanukkah lasts for eight days and nights, marked by gifts from your loved ones. And the only feeling better than receiving gifts is giving them! If you want your pets to participate in this wonderful activity, there are two primary ways:

• Give them eight presents – If you want to spoil your pet, this is a great way to do it! Treats, leashes, outfits, and more are all examples of wonderful and practical presents.
• Have them give eight gifts – Help your pet give back by gifting others eight presents! Wrap the presents up and have your pet hand-deliver (paw-deliver?) them.

You don’t have to give your pet eight presents or vice versa, of course. One or two will also be just as meaningful and appreciated. No matter what many gifts your pet is involved in, this is a great way to include them in one of the most beloved Hanukkah traditions.

Doggy Dreidels

Regular dreidels are often a choking hazard for dogs. Beyond that, they’re simply not meant to be chew toys! So if your dog is feeling left out, you can buy your dog their own plush dreidel toy.

Dreidels not your dog’s preference for fetch? No problem! There are plenty of other pet toys to meet your pup’s needs. You’ll find squeaky, plush, and rope toys, perfect for gentle or rough players. There are even toys with a hidden surprise inside for super chewers.

Themed Menorahs

Since they’re a fire hazard as far as your pets are concerned, menorahs should be kept safely out of reach. But that doesn’t mean that your pup can’t join in this time-honored tradition! You can buy them their own mini-menorah or pick out an animal-themed menorah for yourself.

And if you prefer a more traditional approach, your pet can still gather around at a safe distance with the rest of your family and friends to watch you (or someone else) light the menorah.

Safety Tips

If your pup wants to join in the festivities, there’s no reason why they can’t. Every activity that commonly takes place during Hanukkah is either already pet-friendly or easily tweaked. But in your eagerness to include them, don’t forget to protect your pet. Here are some safety precautions you should make sure to follow:

• Holiday Treats – If you’re unsure if a food is safe for your dog, always exercise caution. Do your research to make sure any treats you want to surprise them with are non-toxic and healthy. If your pet has an allergic reaction or seems otherwise unwell, make sure to consult your veterinarian.
• Festive Outfits – Outfits and accessories should always be comfortable for your dog. Make sure to observe sizing guides and instructions so that your pet can easily sit, walk, and lay. The costumes also shouldn’t prevent them from drinking or eating. If your pet expresses discomfort at any time, make sure to promptly remove the outfit.
• Eight Presents – There’s nothing wrong with gift-giving, as long as the gifts are appropriate for both people and pets. For example, if you’re giving your pet a special new treat, make sure it won’t accidentally trigger any food allergies. Similarly, if you’re giving a diffuser to someone with pets, make sure the scent is non-toxic.
• Doggy Dreidels – Along with dreidels themselves, many of the small pieces used while playing with dreidels are choking hazards for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach of pets and small children. If accidentally swallowed, consult with your veterinarian and closely watch your dog.
• Themed Menorahs – Obviously, the biggest concern with menorahs is the fire hazard. To avoid this, make sure any active candles are kept safely out of reach and away from flammable materials like curtains. If on a table or other piece of furniture not secured to the walls or floor, make sure it’s stable and won’t be easily knocked over.

Besides loving your pets, keeping them safe should be one of your highest priorities. This is also true for any guests you have over for Hanukkah. While your dog choking or accidentally starting a fire would be unpleasant for you and your pet, it would also undoubtedly be distressing for friends and family. To make sure everyone has a good time, follow the safety tips above.

Celebrating With Pets

Since pets are part of our families, it’s only natural that you’d want to include your dog in your holidays, especially those as important as  Hanukkah. Thankfully, it’s very easy to do so! Though some traditions will need to be modified to make them pet-friendly, your dog can stay by your side for each of the eight days of observance.