All is relatively quiet on the pet food front, so let’s celebrate the season with some timely topics. There have been some regulations added in Japan, China and the US have made an agreement regarding product safety, and we are all still waiting for the FDA’s big news on pet food safety… So, enjoy the holidays and we’ll be back in full swing after the New Year.
Gift ideas for your pets and your pet loving friends
I am big on health and fitness, especially as a veterinarian seeing the detrimental effects of obesity on some many of our pets. So, here are a few gift ideas that will help keep you and your pet fit and healthy as we move from 2007 to 2008.
1. Update a favorite toy or chew toy: With concerns about lead in pet toys, maybe it’s time to update that worn out squeak toy. An added bonus…a new toy may keep your pet from chewing on everyone else’s gifts! Hot toys this year: Busy Buddy Twist and Treat for dogs (approximately $7) and The SmartCat Tick Tock Teaser for cats (available for about $17).
2. Fill up the treat jar with something new: We know you love to sneak those little tid-bits to your best friend! But, many of the holiday foods and snacks aren’t very good for dogs or cats and could cause major medical problems. Play it safe with some healthy, pet appropriate treats and remember to avoid giving too many treats of any type! You can even send a gift of treats to your pet’s best friend…visit DoggieDeliveries for ideas that range from $10 to more than $100 for some gift baskets.
3. Time to get in shape! Just like us, our pets have problems with being overweight. So, how about a new leash and collar as an incentive to walk more during the holidays? Couch potato owners can exercise their dogs with GoDogGo, an automatic fetch machine for your dog! Be prepared to pay for your laziness. GoDogGo starts at $150! Cat owners can help exercise their pudgy kitty with “Da-Bird”, an interactive cat teaser complete with feathers and 36” wand at a more reasonable $7-10.
4. Appropriate foods for every life stage: We know our pets need to lose weight, so how about a low calorie food to help start the New Year off right? Is your pet older? A senior diet may be better than the regular maintenance diet you have been using. Remember, start the new food slowly and mix it in with the old food to avoid digestive problems.
I always knew my grandma was smart, but she gave me a great gift idea for those on my list who really don’t need anything (at least not anything I can afford!). She donates to a local pet charity in the name of her daughter-in-law every year. Pet shelters and humane organizations are always in need of money to buy food, blankets and to provide veterinary care for the pets they are housing. Consider making a charitable donation to a pet based charity (tax deductible too!).
