How to Celebrate Lunar New Year with Your Dog in Singapore

Introduction

Lunar New Year is an exhilarating time in Singapore, filled with vibrant festivities, rich traditions, and heartwarming reunions. 

As we usher in prosperity and good fortune, our loyal canine companions should not be excluded from the celebrations. If you're wondering how to celebrate Lunar New Year with your dog in Singapore, you're in for a treat! 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a joyful and safe celebration for you and your four-legged friend.

How to Celebrate Lunar New Year with Your Dog in Singapore

Setting Goals: Lunar New Year Resolutions for You and Your Dog

As the new year approaches, why not set goals for you and your pup to pursue? It can be something as simple as decluttering old toys, going on walks more, or indulging in healthier dog treats.

You can also include the community when making goals, like organising a party with paw parents you know or joining an animal marathon to test your and your dog's endurance. 

Listing down potential pursuits for the new year with your pup is an excellent way of putting your best foot forward. Not to mention that setting goals offers the chance to bond in more unique ways these coming months.

Dress to Impress: Traditional Attire for Your Pooch

One of the most delightful aspects of the Lunar New Year is donning traditional attire. Dressing up your dog in festive costumes not only adds to the celebratory atmosphere but also makes for adorable photo opportunities. 

Before buying the cutest traditional outfit you see, check a few factors to ensure maximum comfortability. First, the size. Shops commonly give clothes dimensions, so why not measure your pup to see what size option fits them most? 

You also want to check the material used for the clothing since you don’t want anything too restrictive. Cotton is the most popular option for dogs because it’s a breathable fabric. On the other hand, silk is a big no-no since it stains and rips easily.

Paws and Prosperity: Dog-friendly Lunar New Year Treats

Indulging in delectable treats is another highlight of the festivities, and your dog should not miss out! Now, most Lunar New Year dishes aren't dog-friendly, but your pup can still indulge. How? You can prepare tangerines and mandarines for them as a tasty snack.

Another option is to take certain ingredients and prepare them in dog-friendly ways. Let's take fish as an example. Fish is traditionally served during Lunar New Year celebrations, but most recipes include ingredients that can be toxic for dogs.

What you can do is debone your choice of fish and then steam it, skipping the Shaoxing wine and aromatics. Serve it with vegetables like carrots and cucumber and some crumbled Pro Immune treats for boosted nutrients, and your dog will have a hearty meal to eat with the family. 

Lunar New Year Walk: Exploring the Festive Atmosphere

If your pup feels cooped up and wants to explore, why not take them for a leisurely walk? Chinatown is decorated beautifully this time of the year, and many dog-friendly cafes are open, like fieldnotes at Niel Road, with nature-inspired sweets.

You can also watch the upcoming parades, but make sure your pooch can handle the crowds and the noise. Keep them on a leash to ensure their safety amidst the festivities.

Like always, bring your walk essentials when you do go out during the holiday. Your pup's water bottle, cooling wipes, and favourite Dr. Shiba treats should be ready for a successful outing. 

Safe Spaces: Creating a Calm Retreat for Your Dog

The Lunar New Year celebration can be overwhelming for some dogs, with the noise and excitement potentially causing stress or anxiety. As early as now, you want to create a calm retreat in your home.

This safe space should have a comfy bed, their favourite toys, and a nearby water and food bowl. To make it more accessible, you can install a small storage box to easily grab their essentials, like kibble, vitamins, and Dr. Shiba supplement treats. 

Lunar New Year Games: Fun Activities for Your Dog

Celebrating Lunar New Year with your dog doesn't have to be limited to daily walks and unique dishes. You can also plan activities that can occupy and enrich them during celebrations.

Lunar New Year Sniffdown

For example, you can make homemade no-bake treats using sweet potato puree, Greek yoghurt, oats, and Dr. Shiba's Happy Tummy treats. Combine and let it set. Then, you can use a small mooncake press to create dog-friendly mooncakes for your pup.

Once ready, you can hide these treats around your home and let your dog sniff them out. This activity keeps them busy and guarantees they get nutrients from healthy snacks. You can even organise it with other paw parents and make it a pack celebration.

Paw-tluck Celebration

Are you part of a community of paw parents who live nearby? This Lunar New Year, consider planning a potluck party so that all fur babies can enjoy time together.

After all, there's no better way to ring in the Lunar New Year than with adorable fur babies, delicious food, and great company. Just assign everyone a dish to bring, and before you know it, you'll have a feast fit for kings, queens, and furry friends.

Gong Xi Fa Cai: Spreading Good Fortune with Your Dog

Ah, the joyous cry of "Gong Xi Fa Cai" fills the air during the Lunar New Year, symbolising wishes for prosperity and good fortune. Now, imagine the delight of spreading this good fortune with your furry friend! 

You can do so, but not with money, obviously. If you have spare red envelopes, why not stuff a few Dr. Shiba Happy Tummy treats inside and offer them to your pet? It's a delightful way to involve them in the tradition and see their tails wag with excitement!

You can also embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year by spreading good fortune to others! For animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter or community centre with your pup. Another option is to donate to a charity focusing on animal welfare.

Safety First: Ensuring a Safe Celebration for Your Dog

While celebrating the New Year, remember to prioritise your dog's safety. Here are some additional safety measures to enhance the well-being of your furry friend:

• Keep chocolate, alcohol, and any other toxic substances out of reach. Additionally, check every treat offered to your pet and make sure they're dog-friendly.
• The loud noises from fireworks can be distressing for dogs. Always keep them indoors during firework displays and guarantee they have a quiet space to retreat to.
• Secure a collar and identification for your pet when leaving the house. The hustle and bustle of festivities can increase your dog's risk of wandering off.

Lunar New Year Memories: Capturing Moments with Your Dog

Treasure the moments spent celebrating the Lunar New Year with your pup by taking photos! Film cameras have recently gone back in style, but you can also use the ever-popular Polaroid. Photos with your phone or digital camera work, too!

If you have a puppy, you should take as many photos as possible. After all, your fur baby is constantly changing and growing, so pictures can also act as milestone reminders. 

Final Thoughts

Celebrating Lunar New Year with your dog is a heartwarming and joyous experience, filled with meaningful traditions, delightful activities, and unforgettable moments. 

By prioritising your dog's comfort, safety, and happiness, you can create a memorable and enriching celebration that strengthens your bond with your beloved canine companion.

Dr. Shiba greets you and your pup a happy Lunar New Year! Our functional supplement treats are always here to support your pooch, ensuring that they're in top form for more holidays. Shop today!