Happy Pet Holidays
Some ideas to make your pets happy!
Dear Cat and Dog Loving Friends,
If your holiday shopping list includes furry family members (and of course it should!), here are some of my ideas to make tails wag and whiskers twitch this holiday season.
Pets don’t care about designer labels or price tags. Pets care about fun, comfort, and time with loved ones. In my opinion, the best gifts for dogs and cats are ones that stimulate their minds, encourage healthy engagement, and deepen the bonds that you share with them.
I particularly love toys that encourage mental stimulation. It’s even more important in the winter when our pets aren’t exercising as much outside. I recommend puzzles that offer treats after your pet has successfully solved the puzzle. I like snuffle mats, which are made of different textured fabrics, scents and have puzzles built in. They encourage foraging behavior and calming play and keep dogs busy, engaged and mentally challenged. Treat dispensing balls encourage natural foraging behaviors and slow down fast eaters. Appropriately sized ones also work great for cats. Feather cat teasers, ribbon wands and laser lights help cats tap into their natural hunting instincts. They are also a great way to bond with your cat through play.
Chewing is a natural stress reliever for dogs. Rubber or nylon chews that encourage chewing but don’t get ingested are perfect. Always make sure that chews are the right size for your dog. If it is too big it won’t be engaging and if it is too small, it may be a choking hazard. It’s best to limit the amount of time your dog gnaws on soft plush toys or tennis balls since they file down their teeth. If your dog tries to remove or eat the soft padding inside a plush toy, purchase flat ones that don’t contain the stuffing.
Winter is also nesting season and after all this stimulation perhaps a new bed, plush blanket or memory foam orthopedic bed would be a nice present to make your pet’s favorite nap spot even more inviting. For cats who especially enjoy cozy hideaways, consider a cat cave or covered cat bed. It’s also in a cat’s nature to scratch and mark with their claws so a new scratching post, or wall mounted scratch pad would be “purrfect” to give them an outlet for their cat appropriate behavior.
Edible gifts are always a favorite but choose wisely. Look for protein- based treats with no artificial ingredients. Stay away from artificial colors since your pets are more concerned with taste than appearance. And remember, treats should be just that and not a replacement for a balanced diet.
If it’s too late to buy something, a great gift is one that builds on your bond. Have a new training session, by letting your dog go on the walk they want to go on, and spend quality, focused time with your pet. Your time and attention is the most meaningful gift of all.
Please share your favorite pictures of your pets with their holiday gifts through the message button below. And if you are looking for holiday gifts for your pet-loving friends, take a look at my book, Pets and the City, available at your local bookstore and through Amazon.
My very best wishes for a happy holiday and a great new year!
Dr. Amy