Holiday gift giving - for people and pets!

Good afternoon dog lovers!

Do you include your dog in your holiday plans or celebrations? Do you buy gifts for your dog, or for someone else from your dog? Well, you're not alone. Believe it or not, more than half of all dog owners include them in the holiday planning. I speak from experience - both of our boys have Christmas stockings that my mother made for them using specially themed dog / holiday fabric, and we always have a little something for them under the tree. Food or treats are the biggest hits, clothing or accessories are met with a disdainful look that asks, "Is this it? Where's the food?" In any event, there are lots of you great gifts for the dog or dog lover in your life.

A few suggestions:

a photo or portrait - maybe just the dog, maybe the owner with the dog

a new leash and collar set with an appropriate theme - they're not just plain anymore! Sports teams, unique designs, causes, bling, holidays, almost everything is available. They even have collar charms, for the doggy about town! They make excellent gifts, as many owners don't replace their dog's collar and leash regularly.

a gift certificate for services: dog walking, pet sitting, grooming or training can all get pricey!

I didn't mention food as a gift because the dog on your list may have allergies or some other bad reaction to certain foods or treats. Check with the owner before feeding or giving any food or treats!


That was the fun stuff, now a few safety tips:

BEWARE of antifreeze!! It tastes and smells sweet to dogs, but it's fatal as well. Clean up any spills immediately.

Out door dogs should have adequate shelter and a heated floor mat in their "house".

Invest in those little booties for winter walks. They're a pain to put on, but not stopping every few minutes to wipe the salt from their pads is well worth it!

Treat your own walkway and driveway with a pet friendly ice melter.

Some holiday plants (poinsettas, holly and misletoe) can be poisonous. Either keep them out of reach of the dogs or invest in some of that spray that deters the dogs.

Be careful in the kitchen - raw dough is no good for your doggie's tummy. The dough will actually expand in their stomach and the yeast will begin to ferment! If you're baking bread or cookies, you might consider leaving Rover in another room - better safe then sorry!

And that should just about take care of things today. Enjoy the season, be kind to one another.

peace,

Linda