-
A new harness and a long walk. Collars
can cause neck and back problems, and a recent
study at the University of Minnesota vet school
says collars can exacerbate eye problems when
dogs strain against leashes. My dogs wear
easy-on, easy-off
Buddy Belt harnesses.
Whatever brand you choose, insist on comfort,
strength and perfect fit.
-
When it comes to
healthy treats, try
Smooches Gourmet Dog Treats
from The Honest Kitchen. For chews, try
Merrick Naturals. My dogs love their “Flossies.
-
Canine Genius toys
are great for
relieving boredom. Fill them with treats and let
your dog ferret them out.
-
Strollers
and heated beds are for great for older
or arthritic pets. For the beds, insist on UL
and CUL certification and a thermostat, and make
sure your dog can escape if it gets too hot.
-
New,
soft snuggly beds, like The Black Forest
Trundle Bed, are loved by many small dogs,
especially those with “puppy cuts.”
-
Safe vehicle
restraints
make wonderful gifts
for dogs and passengers alike. Unfortunately,
most are designed for sightseeing rather than
saving lives. Small to medium dogs need a
soft-sided enclosed carrier you can belt in. For
large dogs, get a padded harness/seat belt
system like
Ruff Rider.
-
Comfortable
purse-type carriers
are great for tiny
dogs. Two caveats: 1) Pretend you’re a dog.
Would you be happy inside that thing? 2) Don’t
forget to let your dog out frequently to
actually walk.
-
Programmable tags,
GPS devices and microchips
save straying dogs’
lives.
-
For dogs with working
parents, a fun day (and a promise for more) at
doggy day care or with a dog walker makes
a great gift? Just be sure to check out the
facility/walker first.
-
While you're in a giving mood, consider
donating to your local shelter (find it at
www.pets911.com)
or help
dogs serving the military in Iraq.
When wrapping your dog’s
gift (and your own), beware yarn, cord, ribbon and
tinsel.
If you spot
one end of anything stringy hanging out of either
end of the dog, DON’T PULL! Get the dog to
the vet fast! The same goes if your dog eats holly
or mistletoe decorations. They’re extremely toxic.
Enjoy a
safe and happy your holiday season with your family,
canines and humans alike. And never forget that the
gift dogs love most, the one guaranteed to merit
doggy kisses every time, is quality playtime with
you!
Jan Rasmusen is the
author of Scared Poopless:
The Straight
Scoop on Dog Care--Winner
of the 2006 Ben Franklin Award for the Best Health
Book of any kind and the USABookNews Award for the
Best Animal/Pet Health Book. This book has 89 wild
full color photos and makes a beautiful gift.
Signed
copies are available for gift giving. See the
quantity discount schedule below:
1 book $23.95 plus $4.95 shipping*
2 books $19.95 @ plus $4.95 shipping (to the same
address)*
3 to 7 books $18.95@, free shipping*
8 or more books, $15.45, free shipping*
*California residents pay 7.75% tax
If you own a dog industry business, or run a
non-profit, e-mail us for special prices.
Learn more about
Scared Poopless
Order now!
