Eight nights of glowing candles, delicious traditional foods, family gatherings, and meaningful traditions make Hanukkah a special time of year.
But while your dog may be excited about the extra attention and tempting holiday treats, some familiar parts of the celebration can also pose unexpected risks to curious pets!
In this guide, we'll cover how to celebrate Hanukkah with dogs, plus fun activities your pets can join in.
RELATED: 8 Ways to Create a Calm Space for Pets During Holidays
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah With Dogs Safely
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil.
Families celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah), saying prayers, singing songs, eating traditional foods, playing games, and observing other customs.
And because dogs are important members of many households, it's natural to want to include them in family celebrations!
However, candles, fried foods, chocolate gelt, decorations, and gatherings can pose hazards for your pet, so stay vigilant while having fun!
1. Night One: Keep Your Dog Safe During the Menorah Lighting
The first night of Hanukkah begins with lighting the hanukkiah. Right off the bat, candles and open flames don't exactly mix well with pets.
Curious pets may burn their noses, paws, or fur, and excited tails can knock off candles and cause a fire.
Unlit candles may also attract dogs that could attempt to chew or swallow them. Yikes!
How to Keep Your Dog Safe
To keep your dog and your menorah safe, make sure to:
Place the hanukkiah on a stable, heat-resistant surface beyond your dog's reach.- Keep candles away from curtains, decorations, and other flammable materials.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- If possible, keep your dog in another area while lighting the candles.
- You can also use an electric or LED menorah for additional decorative lighting, while keeping traditional ritual candle-lighting separate.
Let your dog relax on a comfortable bed nearby, at a safe distance, while the family gathers to celebrate. Better yet, set up a calm space for pets where they can retreat when the holiday stress gets into them!
2. Night Two: Prepare Dog-Friendly Hanukkah Treats
I mean… what holiday doesn't revolve around food, right?
Similarly, traditional Hanukkah foods are an important part of the holiday, particularly foods fried in oil, which aren't exactly healthy for dogs.
Here are traditional Hanukkah foods that dogs should definitely avoid:
- Latkes (often contain onions, salt, and significant amounts of oil)
- Sufganiyot or jelly doughnuts (high in fat and sugar; some fillings or sweeteners may be hazardous)
- Chocolate gelt (chocolate is toxic to dogs)
- Brisket (may contain garlic, onions, excess fat, and seasonings)
- Fried Food (high-fat foods can trigger gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis)
- Baked goods with raisins (raisins or grapes are toxic to dogs)
Make a Separate Hanukkah Treat for Your Dog
Prepare a special batch of dog-friendly homemade treats so your dog doesn't feel left out while the whole family enjoys traditional Hanukkah foods!
You can make:
- Small homemade pumpkin dog biscuits
- Plain cooked sweet potato (Try this sweet potato jerky!)
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken
- Dog-safe peanut butter treats made without xylitol
- Small amounts of plain cooked potato without onion, garlic, or added fat
Remember, treats should generally account for no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories!
Also, if your dog ate something they shouldn't, contact your veterinarian right away, or the following:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
RELATED: How Many Treats Are Too Many For Dogs?
3. Night Three: Give Your Dog a Hanukkah Gift
Gift-giving is part of many modern Hanukkah family celebrations, and good news for your dog, because this is something they can participate in without guilt on your part!
You can gift your pup with practical and enriching gifts, like this Hanukkah-inspired squeaky dog toy set.
Other toys or stuff to give your pet are:
- Puzzle feeders
- Snuffle mats
- Comfortable dog beds
- New harnesses
- Interactive treat dispensers
- Personalized collars
- Dog-friendly treats
Whatever you choose, make sure the toys fit your dog's size and chewing habits. Avoid toys with small, detachable parts (choking hazard), and remove ribbons, strings, or wrapping materials before letting your dog play with them.
4. Night Four: Play a Dog-Friendly Dreidel Game
Dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game that can inspire a fun activity for dogs.
While the family is playing, set up this simple scent game for your dog!
- Place three or four sturdy, dog-safe containers on the floor.
- Hide a small treat under one container.
- Allow your dog to sniff and find the treat.
- Reward them when they identify the correct container.
- Repeat a few times, keeping the game short and enjoyable.
Scent work is a great activity for dogs because it provides mental stimulation and creates positive family interaction for everyone!
RELATED: 7 Best Games to Play With Dogs
5. Night Five: Dress Your Dog for Hanukkah Photos
Hanukkah-themed photographs can become treasured family memories for the years to come. Make it extra festive by dressing your pup in a Hanukkah costume or a blue-and-white Hanukkah bandana!
Whichever you choose, make sure it's comfortable, well-fitted, and has no loose parts your pet can swallow.
Also, remove them if your dog shows signs of stress or discomfort.
You can still take a festive photo and have a memorable Hanukkah without the costume.
And don't forget to reward your dog with treats and praise when they stay still long enough for a family photo!
6. Night Six: Include Your Dog in Family Gatherings
Family gatherings are a meaningful part of many Hanukkah celebrations, but unfamiliar visitors and increased activity can overwhelm some dogs.
Before the party starts, make sure to:
- Exercise your dog before guests arrive
- Provide a quiet resting area.
- Keep food and drinks out of reach.
- Ask guests not to feed your dog table scraps.
- Supervise interactions with children.
- Allow your dog to retreat whenever they need a break.
You can apply this tip to other holiday celebrations or gatherings you're planning at home!
Recognize Signs of Holiday Stress
If you see any of the signs below, your dog may already be getting uncomfortable or feeling stressed.
- Excessive barking
- Pacing
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Lip licking
- Repeated yawning
- Tucked tail
- Avoiding interaction
If so, let them retreat to a quiet corner or room to decompress!
7. Night Seven: Enjoy a Hanukkah-Themed Walk or Outdoor Adventure
Give your dog an opportunity to enjoy the season beyond indoor festivities! Why not take a relaxing walk together before the evening's candle lighting?
You can do outdoor activities or outings with your dog to celebrate Hanukkah. You can:
- Take an afternoon winter walk.
- Explore a dog-friendly park.
- Visit a pet-friendly outdoor holiday display.
- Enjoy a short neighborhood walk.
- Take seasonal photos outdoors.
But because it's likely to be cold, slippery, and darker than usual, take several precautions!
8. Night Eight: Celebrate Your Bond With Your Dog
- Donating to an animal rescue organization
- Supporting a local shelter
- Contributing food or pet supplies
- Volunteering with an animal welfare group
RELATED: 10 Ways To Help Shelter Animals Without Adopting
FAQs About Hanukkah with Dogs
1. Can dogs eat potato latkes?
Traditional latkes often contain onion, salt, and oil, making them unsuitable for dogs.
Plain cooked potato without harmful ingredients is a safer occasional alternative.
2. Are Hanukkah candles toxic to dogs?
Plain Hanukkah menorah candles are typically made of standard paraffin, beeswax, or vegetable wax, and are generally non-toxic if a dog licks or swallows a small piece of wax.
But more than the candle itself, the more immediate hazards are burns, gastrointestinal upset from ingesting wax, and potential obstruction.
3. Can dogs eat challah bread?
A small piece of plain, fully baked challah may not harm many healthy dogs, but raisin-containing versions are dangerous.
Raw yeast dough is also hazardous and requires prompt veterinary attention.
RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Bread: 15 Bread Types (Safe or Not?)
4. What should I do if my dog eats chocolate gelt?
While chocolate gelt is typically made of milk chocolate, which is less toxic than dark or baking chocolate, it can still make a dog sick, especially smaller dogs or if they ate multiple pieces or the foil wrappers.
Contact your veterinarian immediately or animal poison control for guidance rather than waiting for symptoms.
5. How can I keep my dog calm during holiday gatherings?
The best way is to create a quiet retreat, maintain familiar routines, offer enrichment toys, limit overwhelming interactions, and recognize early signs of stress!
Celebrate Light, Love, and Hanukkah with Dogs!
Hanukkah is a time for celebrating tradition, family, and togetherness.
And for households with dogs, the eight-night celebration also offers opportunities to create special memories with your four-legged companions!
Just remember to prioritize your dog's safety, choose treats, clothes, and activities appropriately, and respect their comfort. Dogs don't need to participate in every activity to be included in the holiday.
How does your family include your dog in Hanukkah celebrations? Share it with us in the comments or on our socials!
You can also read more dog and holiday guides below.
