Pets are amazing. Whether you’re a dog or a cat person, we can all agree on that simple statement. This Ultimate Gift Guide for Your Pet will show you how to have fun with your pets and make them happy - we all know how much our pets do for us, let's do something fun for them!
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Your Pet
In fact, studies have proven that playing with a four-legged friend can increase serotonin and dopamine (feel-good chemicals) in the brain. This explains why humans are so in love with their pets. Playing, sleeping, or even talking to pets can instantly boost your mood and help you get through stressful situations.
Considering how much our pets do for us, why not do a little something special for them? Getting a gift for your pet will make them super happy, increasing your bond and serving as a little thank you for all the things they do.
Wondering what to get them? Here is a gift guide to all things pets.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Your Pet
1. Toys
Dogs
First and foremost, let’s talk about toys. For dogs, a great toy often depends on the breed of dog you have. Some breeds love to fetch, while others much prefer a great chew.
To find out which your dog is, try throwing a tennis ball and seeing if they’ll fetch, or try playing tug with an old shirt. You can often secretly observe your dog to see which toy they’ll like: Do they chew your shoes? Do they kill teddy bears? Do they carry a “companion” toy around in their mouth? You should be able to tell by watching them.
After you discover the ideal type of toy, make sure you’re buying high-quality stuff when you do splurge on a gift. Kong-style balls and pull toys last a long time, while regular tennis balls will likely degrade with use.
Low-cost squeaker toys might break and provide a choking hazard, so purchasing one made from sturdy materials is a much better investment. You can purchase high-quality toys without breaking the bank by buying online. Try an online provider like Pet Life to get the best deal possible on toys.
Cats
Cats are not as difficult to shop for as dogs. Most cats ignore the gifts you give them for rubber bands and cardboard boxes.
However, there are a couple of toys that are sure to be a hit with most cats. Try buying two types of chaser toys: one feather and one mock-animal. Some cats enjoy the light and fast feather, while others enjoy chewing on a fake animal.
In addition to chasers, a simple laser is also a great choice for a cat gift. Many pet stores sell lasers specifically made for cats.
Finally, let’s talk about catnip. Some cats love it, while others are unaffected. Feeder toys, which get cats to work for treats by playing, are great for testing out a catnip love. If your cat isn’t interested, you can simply replace the leaves with treats instead. If your cat is a fan, sprinkle some nip over scratcher posts or onto soft toys to give them a mind-boggling experience.
2. Treats
Sometimes food and treats are the best gift!
Treats are another great way to show your appreciation to a pet. Nothing says “I love you” like food, after all.
Dogs
Dog treats come in all different shapes and sizes, and your dog’s favorite really comes down to their toy type. If your dog enjoys chewing, then a sturdy chewing treat is perfect. If they love to play, you can get feeder toys with soft treats inside that will keep them busy for hours.
A good general rule is to get a variety of chew treats, bones, and soft treats, then test them out on your dog to discover their favorite. You can even employ treat testing while walking or training your dog to figure out their favorite.
Cats
Cat treats are extremely similar to dog treats in that figuring out their favorite is a matter of trial and error. Some cats love crunchy treats, while others turn their noses up at crunch. As with dogs, try buying a variety of treats, including fish, beef, and chicken flavored, in a variety of textures. Sample the treats with your cat to figure out their favorite!
3. Days Out
Finally, you can also give your pet a day out on the town. Pets love visiting new locations, with new sights, smells, and people to meet.
Dogs
If you want something more than a simple walk to the park, you’re in luck. There are plenty of ways for you to take your dog out and have an awesome time.
If you have a body of water and a dog that loves swimming, consider going out to a lake or a pond to take a dip. In addition to swimming, many lakes have trails leading or adjacent to them, so you can lead them to explore the exciting new smells.
If you and your pup enjoy the indoors more than the outdoors, you can still enjoy a day out together. There are plenty of events and shops that welcome dogs. Some restaurants have patios that are dog friendly. To find out if a restaurant will accept pets, you can simply call ahead and ask. Dog-centered restaurants may also have dog menus or parks where your pup can make some new friends.
In addition to restaurants, you should also scour event centers near you to check for dog-friendly events. Some examples are doga (dog yoga), pet painting, pet training events.
Cats
Cats are more difficult to take out for a trip. Because most cats take a long time to get used to leashes, they’re less likely to enjoy getting out of the house. That doesn’t mean they have to stay at home all day!
If you have an indoor cat, they may enjoy spending time outside with you under close supervision. With some persistence and a lot of treats, you can even get them used to a cat harness. On a leash, you can explore many of the same adventures that you would with a pup: hiking, shopping, and biking (with the right bike attachments). Remember that cats also come from the wild, so returning to their roots can be an awesome gift for your furry friend.
With these tips in mind, finding the perfect gift for your four-legged friend should be a breeze.
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