It’s hard to believe that Christmas is a week away! The malls are packed with shoppers buying presents for their loved ones, including their pets. I have some clients who put up stockings on their fireplace with the names of all their two-legged and four-legged household members, and there are even a few gifts under the Christmas tree that are addressed to Fluffy and Kitty. While I have never personally bought Christmas gifts for my furry babies, with all the cool pet gifts on the market, I may just have to this year.
I have seen pet gifts ranging from Doggles, which are UV safe dog goggles, to backpacks for outdoorsy dogs, to homespa gift sets for pampered pooches, to collars adorned with jewels for the fancy pet. The most beautiful collar I saw was covered with Swarovski crystals and pearls, each one unique and handcrafted especially for the aristoCAT.
If you’re thinking about getting something for the furball in your life and have an unlimited amount of money, you can get the most elaborate gifts that you can ever imagine. However, most of us living in this “ruff” economy, are on a budget and prefer to give more reasonably priced presents to everyone our list. Luckily, pets are not nearly as materialistic or “catty” as we are, so whether or not they have something to open on Christmas morning, they will still love you all the same.
The best gift you can give your pet this Christmas and year-round is love, affection, attention, proper veterinary care and for the many homeless pets nationwide, a forever home. If you are extemely financially strapped but still want to give your pet a present, you can let them play with things that you have around the house. My cat Onyx loves rolling the tops of my Bath and Body Works body sprays in between his paws and my dog Digi is a fanatic for old tennis balls.
As pet parents, we love our pets like family and want to treat them like family, so if you decide to get your fuzzy kid a gift this Christmas, whether it is jewelry, clothes, toys or a bed, be sure that it will not cause harm by strangulation, choking, poisoning or obstruction. Examine all toys and gifts carefully for potential hazards and supervise play at all times. If you want to buy a new toy for your pet as a gift, give those especially made for pets and not children’s toys because of all the small parts and other possible pet-harming components.
Our pets deserve to enjoy the holiday cheer just like everyone else. By giving them safe presents, you can ensure that their christmas is a purrfect one.
