What to Give Your Dog this Holiday

Dogster recently posted a blog on Four Presents Your Pooch Won’t Mind Finding Under the Tree, and the list is great. The first is the gift of comfort, and every pooch would love some comfort! Dogster recommends giving your dogs plenty of bedding options for both health benefits as well as simple comfort. The second is the gift of warmth and safety, and items include a dog blanket, LED collar tags, and booties for cold, snowy days. The third is the gift of play, and Dogster talks up the benefits of good toys. The final item is the gift of nom, which is the gift of wonderful dog treats. I especially like this one, given the earlier post on making your own treats. These are great items, and your dog is sure to love any of them. Let me add one more, and this one could be really important. Consider the gift of routine or the gift of familiarity. Instead of boarding your dog when you travel or going to the doggy daycare, consider the benefits your dog gets from being in his or her own environment, with familiar toys, smells, bedding, and all those great things that Dogster put on the holiday gift list. Your dog experiences less stress and, therefore, potentially better health in familiar surroundings. Dogs thrive on routine, and they benefit from having a job – even if that job is only to guard the items they got under the tree. To make the plan work, instead of paying for boarding or daycare, hire a pet sitter or dog walker. What a great gift to give your dog!