Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Furry Loved Ones

December 1, 2022December 1, 2022
by ruthmacpete

Our pets give us so much love and joy all year round, they deserve a holiday gift to show them how much we appreciate them. How do you pick the perfect gift? Our pets can’t tell us what they want and there are so many pet products to choose from. In order to make shopping for your pet a little easier this holiday season, I’ve put together my annual list of some of my favorite pet gift ideas.

Treats
Who doesn’t love a treat? Treats always make great gifts and stocking stuffers for your pets and your friend’s pets. My dog’s love Artisan Inspired® Handcrafted Biscuits. They are handcrafted and made with real meat, veggies, and fruit, and most importantly to your dog they are available in irresistible flavors like barbeque chicken, and maple bacon and blueberry. For Jerky lovers, try Artisan Inspired® Culinary Jerky Bites. They come in drool-worthy flavors like smoked beef brisket or slow roasted pulled pork. You can find all of these treats at your local grocery store or Walmart.

Toys
Toys are another great gift for your pets. Dogs and cats love to play and toys bring out the puppy and kitten in your pet. Toys not only keep your pets entertained, but they also help keep your pet busy so they stay out of trouble when you are away from home.

Chew toys
Nylabone Gourmet Style Chew Toys are long lasting, flavored chew toys that are great for strong chewers. They come in different flavors and sizes so you can find the perfect chew toy for your pooch.

Tug toys
Nylabone doesn’t just make chew toys. They have a new line of creative play toys. They come in several fun shapes that your dog can pull, grip, twirl, and fetch. My dog’s favorite is the Tuug toy. Marley’s always in the mood for a game of tug of war.

Puzzle Toys
Entertain and educate your dog with an interactive and engaging puzzle toy. Brightkins makes several puzzle toys to prevent boredom, especially when your dog is home alone. They are designed to keep your dog busy and their mind stimulated. Their Surprise Party! Treat Puzzle rewards dogs with a treat whenever they figure out how to open these treat-filled presents! It can also be used as a slow feeder. Brightkins also makes interactive pet training tools to make training your pooch fun.

Cat toys
Let’s not forget about your feline friends. Catit makes a wide range of gifts for your cat. I love how Catit’s stylish cat tree looks in my home and my cats love to climb up and lounge from high above. Catit also makes cute scratchers to keep your cats happy and to save your furniture and curtains. Finally, Catit makes a variety of toys to keep your cats entertained. My cats love the award-winning Catit Senses Mushroom. It has a motion sensor and auto-mode to keep my cats entertained while I am away. Finally, don’t forget about catnip. What cat doesn’t love playing with a catnip?

Clothes
Keep your dog warm and fashionable this winter with a cute sweater or hoodie. Grumpy Dog Club is an apparel and accessory line designed exclusively for small to medium sized dogs who want to dress to impress. They offer a wide selection of fashionable hoodies (including holiday themed hoodies), shirts, bandanas, and decorative dog tags. You can even have your dog’s name embroidered on many of their items. Their clothes are all made-to-measure, limited-release clothing and made in the USA. If you are looking for the perfect holiday outfit, be sure to check out their winter sparkle or holiday sequins short sleeve shirts. Your dog is sure to be the best dressed in either of these two outfits. Check them out at: www.grumpydogclub.com

Good Health
The most important gift you can give your pet is the gift of health. Make sure your pets receive regular check-ups from their vet. All pets should be seen at least once a year; and pets older than 7 years old should be seen every 6 months. These examinations allow your veterinarian to ensure your pet is protected against preventable diseases and helps them stay ahead of potential health problems. Routine veterinary care is the best way to ensure your pets will live a long and healthy life.

For Pet Parents
It’s tough leaving your pet home while you’re at work. Catit’s Mouse Camera is the perfect gift for pet parents who want to check on their pets while they away from home. It has a built-in microphone and speaker so you can listen and talk to your pet. It may be a Mouse Camera but it can also be used for dogs. It’s great for pet parents who can’t get enough of their pets or those who want to spy on their fur-babies while they are away.

For Pet Loving Kiddos
What do you get for the kid who loves animals? If they are like most kids and want to be a vet when they grow-up, check out my picture book Lisette the Vet. The book is about Lisette, a little girl who loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. When something happens to the new class pet, will Lisette overcome her fears to save the day?
Available at: Amazon or for a signed copy at: www.lisettethevet.com

Hopefully these gift ideas will help you find the purr-fect gift for your furry friend. Even if your pet is sometimes a little naughty, they always deserve to be on the “Nice” list.

Blog

Everything You Need to Welcome Your New Dog

June 8, 2020September 27, 2021
by ruthmacpete

Dog adoptions have reached record levels during the COVID pandemic. If you are thinking about adopting a new dog and being part of this nationwide trend, make sure you have everything you need to welcome your need canine companion into your home. While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement, adopting a dog is a big deal. In order to promote a smooth transition, it is important to prepare your home for the new addition. Preparing for your new furry friend means buying essential supplies, making your home pet-proof, assigning pet care responsibilities, finding a veterinarian, and taking additional steps to ensure smooth transition.

Make sure you have all the essentials:

• Food & Treats-Find out what kind of food your puppy or adult dog was eating and buy the same. Switching foods abruptly can lead to diarrhea, or worse, your new dog may refuse to eat it. If you wish to change their diet, be sure to gradually transition your dog by slowly mixing in the new food. Likewise ask if your new pooch has any favorite treats you should have handy for training and encouragement.

• Bowls–
Food and water bowls are available in a variety of colors and styles. They can be made of plastic, ceramic, or metal. When choosing bowls for your dog, pick based on your dog’s size, desired durability, and your personal sense of style.

• Tags and Microchips– As a veterinarian who has worked at an animal shelter, I have personally witnessed what happens when a lost pet is brought in without an ID tag or microchip. Without a way to reach-out to their family, the odds of reuniting them are slim. Make sure your new dog has an ID tag and microchip. They can make the difference between reuniting with your lost pet or them becoming another lost dog statistic.

• Collars, Harnesses & Leashes– You will also need a collar and leash to bring your new canine friend home and for walks, outings, and veterinary visits. A collar is also essential to attach their ID tags. If your new pup pulls on the leash or has a delicate neck, consider getting a harness too. When choosing a collar, leash, and harness, make sure they are the right size and pick based on your pet’s needs (i.e. strength, durability, ruggedness). Otherwise, have fun and choose something that matches you and your dog’s sense of style. Susan Lanci Designs has an extensive collection of high quality, super fashionable collars, harnesses, leashes, and other accessories. Many are even bedazzled with real Swarovski crystals for extra sparkle!

• Dog Bed–
You want your new pooch to feel welcome and at home. Buy them their own bed to make them feel more secure in their new environment. Harry Barker has a large selection of cozy, comfortable, and easy to maintain beds.

• Crate– Buying a crate is also a must do. Crate training your new pup will make housetraining easier. Besides helping with housetraining, crate training will help your pup feel secure while you are away and will keep them out of trouble. There are many options, from utilitarian wire crates, to plastic crates If you’re not crazy about adding a crate to your home décor consider getting a “furniture crate” that seamlessly fits into your home décor and can double as an end table. Don’t forget you’ll need a bed for your pet’s new crate. Susan Lanci Designs has collection of plush beds for small to medium-sized dogs that look great and can fit easily inside a crate.

• Toys– Finally, don’t forget about toys to keep your new pooch entertained. I recommend choosing a variety of toys (these are some of my dog’s favorites from RuffWear) to find out what your pet prefers. Bouncy balls, chew toys, squeaky toys, and toys you can stuff with treats are not only fun for your pet, but also keep your dog busy and out of trouble. Otherwise your pup might decide that your favorite pair of shoes can double as a chew toy.

• Apparel– Though not technically a necessity, buying clothes for your dog can definitely be fun activity. You can choose clothes that serve a function, like jackets and sweaters to keep your pet warm during the winter and clothes that are simply fun and fashionable. Collaroy has a selection of adorable shirts, dresses, sweaters, and jackets for your dog’s wardrobe.

Be sure to check back next week for my blog about how to pet-proof your home!

Tag: dog clothes

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Furry Loved Ones

Everything You Need to Welcome Your New Dog