Discover the best products to keep your pets happy and healthy all year long with our vet-approved holiday pet gift guide! From harnesses to supplements, we've got recommendations that will make the perfect presents for every pet in your life!
Wellness Exam Our number one recommended gift that's perfect for EVERY pet is a wellness exam! By keeping up with your pet's routine physical exams you can not only detect illness in its early, manageable stages, but you can actually prevent illness before it even starts! We pride ourselves on providing individualized wellness care at each of your pet's physical exams, informed by their specific history and tailored to their unique needs. Schedule your pet a wellness exam now!
Treats and Chews Everyone wants to spoil their pets with delicious treats and satisfying chews, but it's important to choose wisely! Many of these products available on store shelves are actually quite dangerous for your furry loved ones. Countless treat brands contain rich ingredients that can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal upset, and most chews are far too hard and pose a serious dental risk! To help you make sure you're stuffing stockings with items that are safe as well as delicious, we've compiled a list of our favorite treat and chew options:
VOHC Approved Dental Chews and Treats - The Veterinary Oral Health Council conducts testing on various dental products and puts their stamp of approval on items confirmed to be tooth-safe and effective in fighting dental disease. If you're looking for a good chew or a treat with a good crunch, the VOHC List of Approved Products is a good place to start. We love the VeggieDents for dogs and the Greenies Dental Treats for cats!
Training Treats (for dogs) - If you're looking for a low-calorie treat that still provides tasty flavor that will motivate and reward your dog, training treats are a great option! Meant to be given in higher volumes during training sessions, these treats strategically contain just 1-3 calories per treat, making them much more calorically safe than the average biscuit! Most training treats come as soft, delectable bites but there are a few crunchy options for pets who prioritize texture! Zuke's is a great soft option and Charlie Bears is a great crunchy choice.
Churu (for cats) - If you're looking for something special for your cat, Churu is a great low-calorie, high-value option. Churu is a lickable treat that is packed with flavor and moisture, with only 6 calories per tube. It's great to smear onto a lickmat or other lick-based enrichment toy for added fun, or can even be offered right from the tube as a yummy distraction during healthcare routines such as nail trims.
Sensitive Stomach - Even pets who have a sensitive stomach deserve to have yummy treats, too! And luckily there are several veterinary-approved treat options safe for pets who have gastrointestinal sensitivities. One of our favorites are Purina Pro Plan's Gentle Snackers - pets love them! Ask your veterinarian which sensitive treats would be ideal for your pet!
Specialized Diets - Is your pet on a prescription diet targeting a particular health concern such as skin allergies or urinary concerns? Ask your veterinarian about prescription treats! Many prescription diets have treats associated with the diet, so your pet can enjoy something a little extra special beyond their regular kibble or wet food!
Health and Wellness Prioritizing your pet's health and wellness is the best gift you could give them this holiday season! To ensure their care routines are the best they can be, incorporate these vet-recommend products!
Parasite Prevention - Nothing says 'I love you' more than protecting your pet from harmful (and gross!) parasites! Celebrate this holiday season with a year supply of parasite prevention for your dog or cat - they'll surely thank you! Refill your pet's existing prescription through our online pharmacy or contact our hospital to discuss getting your pet started on parasite prevention!
Ear Cleaner (for dogs) - A regular ear cleaning routine is an important part of warding off painful ear infections! When choosing an ear cleaner, it's important to stick to vet-recommended products - many over-the-counter products contain harmful ingredients that leave your pet's ear canals full of moisture and susceptible to infections! One of our favorite trusted ear cleaners is Epiotic.
Probiotics - The gut is a central hub of the body, interconnected to many of the body systems. Tending to your pet's gut health is one of the best ways to support their overall health, and probiotics is a great way to do just that! Purina Pro Plan's Fortiflora is a great daily probiotic option, and they have products for both dogs and cats! Their formula is so palatable that it's often used as food-topper, so no need to worry about your pet not liking the flavor!
Calming Supplements - Many of our pets, just like us humans, suffer from stress and anxiety. There are several veterinary-recommended supplements aimed to aid in relaxation and stress reduction for our pets, and they're a great option to try either before reaching for pharmaceuticals, or as an add-in therapy in conjunction with medication. ComposurePro by VetriScience and Solliquin by Nutramax are two calming treat options, both are suitable for dogs and cats.
Gifts That Keep On Giving Subscription boxes are a fun, convenient way to keep your pets consistently entertained with novel items without any shopping required! Pet subscription boxes have become popular and there are now many different options to choose from, most of which offer you the opportunity to personalize the contents of each box so the items are well-suited for your pets! From treats to toys, these boxes have a variety of items for you to choose form. BarkBox is one option to explore for dogs and MeowBox is one option to explore for cats.
Walking Equipment Finding walking equipment that keeps your pet safe and comfortable is not easy, but these recommendations are sure to help!
Freedom Harness (for dogs) - The Freedom Harness by 2 Hounds reduces pulling for you without reducing comfort for your dog! The unique design limits your dog's pull ability but does not restrict their joint movement, making for a more enjoyable walk for everyone!
Longlines (for dogs) - Longlines are a great way to offer your dog a bit more space and freedom to move, without having to stress about recall. Longlines are simply elongated leashes that come in various lengths from 20ft to 100ft+. BioThane longlines are a popular option due to their durability. Before using a longline it's important to refer to a trusted source to learn the dos and don'ts, as the extra slack can be a little unwieldy if you aren't prepared on how to safely operate it. Certified Behavior Consultant Marissa Martino dives into all things longline in Episode 82 of her podcast, Paws and Reward.
Olly Dog Treat Pouch (for dogs) - The Olly Dog Backcountry treat pouches offer a convenient, comfortable way to store all of your dog walking essentials including treats, keys, poop bags and more! Protip: A 2-cup sized reusable Stasher Bag fits perfectly inside the main compartment for a mess-free way to store treats!
Cat Stroller With Detachable Carrier - For cats who enjoy adventures and may like to accompany you on walks, consider a cat stroller! These offer your cat protected access to the outdoors. Some strollers even comes with a detachable carrier feature!
Long Lasting Enrichment It's always helpful to have engaging ways to keep your pets safely occupied, especially around the holidays! Wether you're having a gathering of guests, or leaving your pets at home to attend a gathering elsewhere, it's important to have a plan for how you're going to keep your pets happily (and safely!) entertained, away from dangerous holiday foods and potentially overwhelming festivities. Pro Tip: Freeze lick-based enrichment for longer lasting fun! Explore a few of our favorite long lasting enrichment toys:
For Dogs: Woof Pupsicle, Kong Original, LickiMat Classic, LickiMat Wobble, LickMat YoggiePot, WestPaw Toppl, OutwardHound Lickin' Layers, Snuffle Mat
For Cats: LickiMat Original, Trixie Fun Board, CatStages Lickin' Layers, PetSafe Eggerciser, Doc & Phoebe's Indoor Hunting Feeding System, Catit Digger
Safety Reminder: All recommendations included in this gift guide are general suggestions and not guaranteed to be the right fit for your pet. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before trying any new product to see if it's appropriate for your pet and remember to supervise your pet closely whenever offering them something new!
Going away for the holidays? Give the gift of safe supervision! We offer veterinary-monitored boarding at our hospital for both dogs and cats! Visit our website to explore our pet hotel services and book a stay!
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