» Animals Matter: Choosing the right gift for your pet.
Today’s retailers are tuned into our relationship with our pets and produce a dizzying array of Christmas and Hanukkah-themed toys this time of year. From stuffed menorahs to holiday sweaters and candy cane-shaped squeakers, there are toys and treats available everywhere for our pets.
And boy, are we ever buying buying them. In the most recent survey by Rover.com, 95 percent of those surveyed reported buying holiday gifts for their pets.
So, how do you choose a good gift for your pet? Let’s break it down into three categories: the practical gifts, the must-haves, and the gotta haves.
Practical gifts are things your dog, cat, turtle, lizard, guinea pig, rabbit or other pet needs, but won’t get excited about receiving. These gifts include water or food bowls, ID tags, litter boxes, food or litter storage containers, collars and leashes, nail clippers and grooming brushes. It could even include training classes or a gift card for pet supplies if you are shopping for someone else.
I buy a new collar for my pets every December. It’s sort of like getting socks or pajamas as a kid; not exciting for your pet, but things they always need and look good in.
The must-haves are things you know that will make your pet super happy, like tennis balls for retrievers, jingly toys for a parakeet’s cage, a feather or catnip toy or cat tree for a cat and puzzle toys for dogs to keep their minds active. Must haves may also include special food treats, from their favorite store-bought treats to specially baked goodies available at an area bakery that caters to canines.
The gotta-have gifts are fun things that make you go “oooh, I gotta have this,” but your pet doesn’t necessarily need. These gifts may include a laser light toy that entertains your cat on a timer or automatic water and food dispensers, so your pet never misses a meal when you’re stuck in traffic.
New technology is exciting and may include a treat cam that lets you talk to your pet when you’re away and allows you to dispense treats from your smartphone. You can shout through the treat cam at your couch potato and get them moving around the room. But then you probably have to give them a treat, so it defeats the whole purpose of fitness.
For that, there are fetch machines that can keep your dog busy for hours and activity trackers that keep an eye on your pet’s fitness level. And there’s video cameras that let you livestream your pet’s activities when you are away.
Don’t stress if you don’t have the money to buy fancy gifts. Pets love bonding with their owners more than anything, so bring a smile to their face by just spending time together.
Send your pet questions, tips and stories to cathy@petpundit.com. You can read her Animals Matter blog at http://blog.mysanantonio.com /animals and follow her at @cathymrosenthal.