Season’s Greetings! Are you still working on your holiday shopping? Don’t forget to pick up a few things for your canine companion! Fido deserves to be spoiled a bit, for all of the love, laughter, tail wags, and affection he provides. We all know that Man’s Best Friend is very fond of toys, treats, and bacon, but what else do you think would be on your pup’s holiday list? A local Cedar City, UT vet offers some suggestions in this article.
Beds: Always A Great Holiday Gift For Dogs
Making sure that your furry friend can sleep comfortably is very important. A thin pad won’t protect Fido’s bones and joints from chilly floors, and won’t offer much support during all those naps.
Orthopedic beds are pretty much the standard these days, especially for larger pups and senior dogs. That said, many pooches do have their own preferences when it comes to beds. For instance, if your pup likes to stamp down his bedding before he gets comfy, he may like a beanbag bed, which will let him arrange his sleeping spot exactly the way he likes it. If your furry pal tends to stretch out as he’s dreaming of bacon and squirrels, he may just want a plain bed, as raised edges may cramp his sprawly dog style. Pooches with thin fur may appreciate a heated or thermal bed, whereas small dogs and nervous pups often like the added feeling of security that beds with raised edges provide.
Stocking Stuffers For Fido
This probably goes without saying, but chews and treats are always good stocking stuffers. You can also add some small grooming supplies to your pet’s stocking. Fido may not be too excited about paw balm, but he will appreciate the benefits of having smooth paw pads instead of rough, cracked skin. Dental products and brushes also fall into that category. Be sure to ask your vet for recommendations!
Gifts For Active Dogs
Is your canine companion a bouncing ball of fur? If you have an active, energetic pup, look for toys and gifts that will keep him entertained. Automatic ball launchers are a great choice for pooches who love to chase tennis balls. Just be sure to pick something that’s the right size for your pet. These can be dangerous for large breeds, as they can choke on balls meant for smaller pups.
Does your canine buddy have a habit of running off? Whether Fido just can’t resist chasing squirrels or is just that dog who always wants to see what’s happening down the street, this can be challenging for owners. It can also be dangerous! Consider getting GPS-enabled tags, to help you keep track of your furry runaway. (Training, leashes, and fences are also key here.)
Gear For Fido
Pet products have come a long way since the basic leash and collar. Most of our canine pals prefer harnesses. These are sturdier and more comfortable, and also don’t restrict Fido’s breathing. If you often walk your canine buddy at night, take advantage of holiday sales and pick up a leash with a built-in flashlight. If you and your pup enjoy hiking, you may want to look for a harness that will allow your furry pal to carry some of his things. Another great gift for the doggo on the go? A water bottle with an attached dispenser.
What Are Suitable Holiday Gifts For Puppies?
Our four-legged friends never stop being charming, but they are ridiculously cute as puppies. During that adorable toddler stage, little Fido is pretty much a chewing machine. You’ll want to look for sturdy toys that will hold up to all that gnawing. Kong toys are a great option for these, but they aren’t the only choice out there. Ask your Cedar City, UT vet for tips.
How Do I Choose Safe Gifts For My Dog?
Always put Fido’s safety first. Don’t get anything with small parts or sharp edges: these are serious choking hazards! We also advise checking the label before buying anything. Try to stick with items made in North America: products overseas are not subject to the same quality standards. In fact, studies have found several unsafe substances, including PVC, BPA, chromium, bromine, and phthalates. Brightly colored items may contain dyes, though many pet product manufacturers do use non-toxic ones.
Choosing Gifts For Your Dog
When picking out gifts for Fido, consider his size, age, and breed. A stocking full of tennis balls may be a great option for a Golden Retriever, but won’t get much use from a Pomeranian. Your cute pet’s tastes will also change over time. Puppies need lots of chew toys, as well as playthings that keep them active and entertained. A senior, however, may prefer something that’s soft on his mouth, or perhaps a puzzle toy that offers mental stimulation.
Fido’s personality also factors in here. Some toys are fine for some pups, but unsafe for others. For instance, stuffed animals are very popular with our four-legged friends. Many dogs play with them without issue. Others? Not so much. Some pooches make a point to remove and try to eat the squeaker, which is not safe for them to consume.
We’d also advise being careful with rawhide. Dogs that are strong chewers can break off pieces, and may even ingest them. That’s not only a serious choking risk, it can lead to serious gastrointestinal injuries or blockages if the piece is swallowed. Ask your Cedar City, UT vet for more information.
Holiday Gifts For Dog Lovers
Don’t forget about Fido’s furry buddies! If your friends and family members have pooches of their own, why not send small gifts to their pups? This can be a really sweet gesture. Homemade dog treats are a good option for this. There are some great recipes online! Just stick with safe ingredients. You can also offer store-bought snacks, of course. Gift cards to pet stores are also a safe bet. If your loved one has a heart for charities, consider making a donation to an animal rescue in their name, or perhaps in memory of a beloved pet.
What Does Fido Really Want For Christmas?
If your canine pal could write out a Christmas list, it would probably look something like this:
That’s not exactly wrong. However, it’s not entirely accurate, either.
Fido’s number one request? To spend time with you. Our canine friends get very, very attached to their humans!
Don’t forget that the holiday season can be stressful for pets. Changes and disruptions can be quite scary for our canine pals. All the commotion, decorations, events, travel, and schedule changes that the holidays bring can be quite a lot for Man’s Best Friend to cope with. Be sure to carve out some quiet quality time with Fido. Remember to snap some cute photos of your furry best friend playing with his new things!
All of us here at Cedar Veterinary Clinic, your Cedar City, UT pet hospital, want to wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season. Please feel free to contact us for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs.
