Holiday Gifts Ideas for Your Pets

There’s always that last-minute gift panic when you haven’t been able to think of the right gift for that special someone in your life. We know how it goes. Especially for those furry special someones out there. They never come right out and tell you what they want for Christmas, and sometimes they don’t even help out with a few hints. So it’s up to you to spend a little time thinking like your pet and considering what might make them happier, healthier and more comfortable this year. Our Woodbridge Animal Hospital team has a few ideas for holiday gifts for pets…

Weather-Related Gifts

Here in Northern Virginia, we have that crazy climate where it can be 60 degrees on Christmas Eve, then we wake up Christmas morning and it’s 18 degrees and there’s snow everywhere. If you have a short-haired pet that needs his or her daily walk, this can be a real challenge. So one of our holiday gifts for pets could be a snug-fitting sweater or pet jacket he or she can wear on those days, or if you are planning to go anywhere cold this winter. Some pet booties can also help, especially if you are walking on surfaces that have been salted to melt snow and ice as these substances can irritate your pet’s feet (and stomach if they try to clean their paws off later).

Comforting Holiday Gifts for Pets

If you have a pet who suffers from arthritis or any other painful condition that makes it hard for him or her to get comfortable, consider getting a new bed that provides better support. If your pet gets stressed out by all of the holiday festivities, deck his or her crate out with a fluffy new blanket and plush toy. There is even some evidence that cats and dogs can be calmed and comforted by music. If you have to leave your pet alone for prolonged periods of time, have a playlist queued up on your stereo just for them. Maybe even read a story in your own voice to have played while you are away to provide some extra soothing.

Toys, Toys, Toys!

Chew toys are common holiday gifts for pets, but always be extra careful when selecting one of these. Make sure there are no small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed or choked on. Consider toys that provide some intellectual stimulation (like a Kong that your dog has to puzzle the treat out of) or physical activity (like a laser pointer for a cat to run around the house after). An activity center for cats to climb on and scratch is always a fun idea, as are balls and Frisbees for dogs.

Holiday Treats

There are hundreds of different pet treats out there that you could give to your pet for the holidays, but instead of picking up the first box of treats you see, consider something extra special for your pet. Some local shops sell and make healthy treats and cookies for dogs and cats that you could try. Try to avoid treats that are filled with empty calories and sugars that can damage your pet’s teeth and cause them to put on a few holiday pounds of their own. And as always, avoid treating your pet with people food. Foods like chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chicken and turkey bones, unbaked bread doughs, sweets flavored with Xylitol, avocados, macadamia nuts, etc. are toxic to pets!

The Gift of Time

What the majority of pets really want for Christmas is to spend happy time with you. So consider a new leash and collar for walking or Frisbees and tag toys that will take both of you outside for some exercise and fun together. Make a commitment to yourself and your pet that you will spend more time together playing and exercising in the upcoming year. It’s a healthy gift for both of you!

A Word of Caution about Giving Pets as Gifts

Please do not give pets as gifts. As romantic as the notion may have been made by countless children’s movies, many pets that were given as gifts were given to people who were not prepared to take on the responsibility. In that case, the pet ends up in a shelter or on the street homeless. Adopting a pet should be a full-family decision and requires a lot of planning a preparation!

What is the best gift you ever got your pet? Are you still struggling to come up with a gift for your buddy? Give us a call at Woodbridge Animal Hospital anytime: (703) 897-5665.

Dr. Jim McDonald
Woodbridge Animal Hospital
2703 Caton Hill Rd.
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: (703) 897-5665