Contributed/Collaborated Post:
We are a nation of dog lovers, with around 44 percent of all households in the US owning a pet dog. That’s a staggering 78 million dogs. So it should come as no surprise that, since they are one of the family, we also love to treat them at Christmas to something special. So what can you buy the dog in your life to make their Christmas a happy one?
Soft Toys
Dogs love toys, and soft toys are good for them. Just like with babies and small children, soft toys can make a dog feel safe, and if you have to leave them on their own every once in a while, a favorite soft toy with your scent on it can help them to feel more at ease. However, also just like with babies and small children, it’s essential to buy a safe toy for your dog. Make sure there are no sharp, pointy pieces that could cause injury, and check that there are no parts (like eyes or buttons) that could come off and get stuck in the throat. Finally, check that the stuffing is safe for dogs; it could come out (especially if the toy is played with a lot), so it needs to be non-toxic.
Chew Toys
Chew toys are a fantastic gift for a dog. Chew toys are not just fun, they’re good for your dog’s health, too. Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, and it’s good for their oral health. It’s good for their mental health too – they could quickly become bored if they don’t chew on something. To save your furniture or anything else you don’t want a dog to get its teeth into, buy them a good chew toy. It will keep them entertained for a long time if you buy a quality one. Make sure you take your dog’s size into account when choosing which one to get, as if it’s too big, they won’t be able to get their mouths around it, and if it’s too small, they could swallow it.
Food
Buying your dog a special edible treat at Christmas is a lovely idea. There are many treats that are specially made for dogs, so you won’t need to buy them something that only humans should eat, which could make your pet sick. Treats for dogs should be nutritious as well as tasty, and if possible, they should be good for their teeth and tongues too. To get something really special, look out for artisan, handmade dog food that is kind to your dog’s digestive system.
A Safe Yard
If you have a yard for your dog to play in, that’s already a good thing for them – they’ll need exercise and entertainment, and a backyard can offer this, ensuring they make the most out of every day. However, it’s crucial you ensure that the yard is safe, otherwise you might need to take your pet to the vet due to injury or sickness. Making the yard safe entails checking for poisonous plants, putting up a fence so they can’t get out, or even sectioning off a piece of the yard just for them. If that sounds like a good idea, check out this buying guide for dog fences to make sure you get it right.