When it comes to holiday gifts, some people are tough to shop for. And, humans are not the only ones who can pose a gift-giving dilemma—particular pets can be equally difficult to impress. We know that your holiday shopping list is full of pets you want to shower with love, so our Neighborhood Veterinary Centers of La Marque team has compiled a list to help you out. We are sure the following safe, satisfying gift ideas for every pet on your list will inspire you. 

For the lazy Labrador—a bed for sleeping

Most dogs spend about 50% of their day sleeping, while cats sleep an average 15 hours daily, with some sleeping up to 22 hours a day. If you’re convinced your pet could win an Olympic medal for snoozing, upgrade their bed this holiday season and give them the ultimate sleep experience. You know how a good mattress improves your sleep quality, and a high quality bed can equally impact your pet’s sleep, physical health, and mobility. So, go shopping to replace that flattened and forlorn bed—you may be overwhelmed by all the choices, but look for a bed made with memory or orthopedic foam that will provide joint support and enhance your pet’s sleep quality. Then, take your gift to the next level and add a heated pet mat, especially if your pet is elderly or arthritic, because the warmth will increase their circulation and support muscles and joints.

This special gift will warm not only your pet’s body—but also their heart.

For the cool Chihuahua—a coat to keep out the cold

If you own a pint-sized pooch, you know how they are affected by the cold. They take one step outside, feel a hint of brisk air, and high-tail back inside. Help your frosty furry friend brave the cold with a warm, cozy jacket. Pets lose most of their body heat through their paw pads and ears, so look for a hooded jacket.  Also, consider matching booties to protect their paws from the ice and the chemicals in salt deicer often used on slippery sidewalks.

Another gift that will warm your pet’s body—and heart.

For the ball-loving border collie—fetch that never stops

Do tennis balls send your pet into a trance? Does your pet look for any potential fetch object, push it into your hands, and plead with you to play a game? For a fetch-obsessed pet, a chuckit! ball launcher can be a game-changer. A ball launcher helps increase the distance of your throw, so your pet tires more quickly, and you don’t have to pick up the slobbery ball with your bare hands. An automatic ball launcher is another, more high tech idea—you’ll need to train your pet to place the ball in the launcher, but once they catch on, they can entertain themselves for hours.

This gift not only is fun for your pet, but also provides needed exercise!

For the desperate-for-a-treat dachshund (or any pet)—good food that keeps them svelte

To be fair, most pets love a good treat, but some pets are especially motivated. Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total calorie intake, but you can make your pet all manner of tasty, holiday foods—simply check online for recipes. Before you begin cooking, consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet has no health issues, such as diabetes, food allergies, or a weight problem. If you are short on time, offer your pet one of the following healthy snacks:

  • Apple slices
  • Popcorn
  • Carrots
  • Rice cakes
  • Lean meat
  • Blueberries

A healthy treat is a great gift—and your pet won’t realize the tasty gift is good for them. 

For the traveling type of pet—a safe, secure journey

If your pet enjoys accompanying you on car rides, ensuring they are safe and secure is vital. Pets must always be secured in a moving car for their safety, in a crate on the back seat being the safest place. An unrestrained pet can distract the driver, and a deployed airbag can injure a pet. So, give your traveling pet the gift of safety this holiday season with a comfortable crate, after first ensuring they will accept crate travel—you don’t want them whimpering or barking during the trip. The crate should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and sleep comfortably. This gift is not only for your pet—you get the gift of their company!

We think these are all great ideas that your pet will love, but the best gift of all is the gift of good health through regular wellness screenings. Contact our team at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers of La Marque to schedule your pet’s annual wellness exam, and ensure they enter the New Year on the right paw.