Gifts for you and your canine companion
Here are some of the best presents for pet lovers—and their pets!—whether you’re shopping for yourself, as a stocking stuffer for your pet, or for your fellow dog and cat owners.
Personalized presents are always a hit—from socks to face masks, everyone like receiving a gift that has an image of their pet!
Dogs enjoy testing out new treats. Zesty Paws’ cranberry pet treats not only taste nice, but they’re also healthy for your pet’s renal health.
No cat can resist the charm of a floppy fish toy—it will keep them entertained for hours.
For additional ideas, check out the finest presents for dog lovers and gifts for cat lovers to make it a very meowy Christmas.
Keeping your dogs safe over the holidays
Although pets can have a lot of fun during the holidays, pet owners must also think about their safety. While the holidays are frequently associated with huge parties and a lot of activity for people, what is enjoyable for us can be unpleasant for pets. PuroClean’s John Otero, a property damage restoration and home safety specialist, offers these ideas on how pet owners can keep their furry friends safe during the holidays.
If you’re throwing a party, here’s what you should do: “If your pet is shy or gets stressed in crowds, you may want to put them in a secured room or crate before guests arrive,” adds Otero. “They’ll be more at ease and won’t be alarmed by loud noises.” Make sure to include a favorite toy or gift for added comfort.” Learn how to calm your pet’s anxiousness during the holidays.
Be cautious at doors: Even if your pets are used to visitors, Otero advises keeping a tight check on them, especially at entrances. “Your pet may still become terrified, and if an exit door is opened, he or she may escape and become lost.” Try practicing “doorbell etiquette” with your pets before the holiday crowds arrive, and encourage excellent behavior with toys or goodies.
Pets should be kept away from decorations: “Sparkling decorations and candles are likely to attract the attention of your pet—especially cats,” explains Otero. “Always keep Christmas decorations like pine cones, ornaments, and fake snow out of reach of your pet, as they might make them sick if consumed.” Also, keep in mind that cats (and certain dogs) enjoy chewing on electrical cables. According to Otero, you can avoid this temptation and lessen the risk of shock or fire by unplugging your tree lights, decorations, and candle lights before leaving the house.
Take it easy on the people’s food! We’re well aware of the situation. It’s difficult to ignore the puppy dogs peering up at you from under the table. But, as Otero points out, oily, fatty holiday foods can make your pet quite unwell. Walnuts, roasted bones, chocolates, raisins, yeast dough, and fruit pits are all harmful to pets during the holiday season. (Spoiler alert: these are common foods that are poisonous to dogs and cats.) Remember to keep all leftovers in a closed container so that pets do not become curious and decide to help themselves. However, you do not have to deprive your pets every festive delight. Here is a list of Thanksgiving meals that pets can enjoy—in moderation, of course.