Gifting for pets is uniquely enjoyable because you don’t have to worry whether they will like the gift or provide a gift receipt for returns. Pets love and appreciate you unconditionally, and gifts are only a bonus for them. Still, if you want to spoil your furry pal this year, the Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team has ideas for practical, fun, and tail-wagging options. Here is our pet gift guide for 2023. 

#1: An orthopedic pet bed

Bedding is an underrated but necessary gift for pets. Most dogs and cats spend more time snoozing than they do awake, which makes a comfortable place to sleep a top priority. A pet bed with orthopedic support can be pricey, but the benefits are worth the cost. Choose a bed with durable, washable covers, supportive and long-lasting foam cores, and a size that fits nicely in your designated space.

#2: An indoor feline climbing gym

Indoor cats can easily become bored and frustrated with limited space and activities. They may sit by the windows or doors and long to go outside, or express their discontent with behavioral problems, such as urinating outside the litter box. The solution to this cabin fever is to add vertical space, which you can do in a stylish and sleek way with strategically placed shelves and perches. Choose a wall that could use some extra interest, and add sturdy, cat-size shelves in progressively higher locations. For safety and comfort, line the shelves with cushy, non-slip rubber mats and secure them in place.

#3: Safe chews and treats for pets

Who doesn’t like a good treat or chew for the holidays? The choices are endless, but many of them are unsafe for routine consumption. Animal bones and hard antlers from deer or elk can break your pet’s teeth. If you’re looking for a long-lasting chew, try rubber or nylon versions. For edible chews, ingredients and digestibility matter. Traditional rawhide can cause intestinal issues in dogs who swallow large pieces rather than chew them. Instead, opt for highly digestible versions treated with perforations or enzymes, or choose a rawhide alternative with minimal ingredients and low fat content.

#4: Insulated pet outerwear

It’s no secret that Ontario winters are cold! A warm new coat is always appreciated by dogs who have medical issues, thin hair coats, low body fat, or advancing age. Local pet stores may have good options available for small dogs, but if you’re looking for higher quality or shopping for a larger dog or one with awkward proportions, turn to online retailers such as Chilly Dogs or Spark Paws.

#5: Custom pet collars and tags

Let your pet’s style shine by purchasing a unique, custom-made collar and identification tag set. Shopping through sites like Etsy ensures you support a small business and purchase a unique product you can feel good about. Collars and identification tags also help Good Samaritans identify and return your pet if they get lost.

#6: Matching holiday human and pet pajamas

OK, so this is a gift geared more toward the human family than your pet, but dogs who like an extra layer of warmth may not mind the imposition. Matching jammies are great for holiday cards and making early holiday mornings more festive and fun. Only dress pets in soft, stretchy, well-fitting clothing, and remove the item if your pet tries to chew or pull at it. If you want to branch out from pajamas, you also can find matching hoodies and other gear made for humans and their furry pals to wear out and about town.

#7: Food puzzle pet toys

Food puzzle toys are excellent for solving many of your worst pet cabin fever problems. Most puzzle toys are designed to hide food inside and allow pets to either slowly lick a treat out from the center or find ways to free the trapped food inside. You can feed entire meals in inexpensive puzzle balls, keeping your pet busy for far longer than if you fed them from a bowl. Puzzles engage your pet’s senses and brain, so they feel as if they did something even if they are stuck indoors.

#8: Pet experiences

They say to find real happiness, you should invest in experiences rather than material objects. Although we can’t comment on whether pets reflect on fond memories in the same way as humans, they certainly know how to enjoy the present moment. This holiday, invest in a fun activity you both enjoy, such as a dog sport, training class, outdoor social event, or indoor meet-up.

Your pet’s holiday experience is enhanced simply with the gift of your presence, but material things are sometimes good, too. With the Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team’s 2023 gift list, you have a great starting point to find gifts that truly spoil them. Contact us for more ideas, or to schedule your furry pal’s next routine veterinary visit.