Park Hill Vet: Checking Off The Gift List For Your Pets
The shopping season is upon us again. And, if your family is a bit like mine, it’s sometimes easier to contemplate what to get the pets as presents than for the humans. Consider the following ideas for the pets in your life, whether your own or belonging to family or friends:
A favorite toy or chew toy – replace an old toy with a new fresh one and keep the cat or dog busy while the rest of the family opens their gifts.
Healthy treats – something yummy and low calorie to give that keeps pets from getting unhealthy table scraps.
Microchip – a microchip the size of a grain of rice offers permanent identification for the life of your pet. It’s a one-time investment that could help to reunite you with your pet in the event of an escape or disaster.
Grooming tools or a grooming gift certificate – every pet needs a little grooming attention, especially those with more high maintenance coats. Brushing means less hair in the house or, for cats, less hair ingested to become future hairballs. And, a little grooming time is bonding time with your pet that also might let you catch any changes of concern early.
Dental gift certificate or dental cleaning kit – 80 percent of cats and dogs need dental care. Purchase a gift certificate to put towards a professional veterinary dental cleaning or buy home dental care products from your veterinarian or pet store to get started.
New bed or crate – many people do not have a place for their pet to sleep or to able to get away from family hustle and bustle. Cages and crates are a good gift for those with a new or growing dog. A collapsible crate is an excellent present for someone who travels with their pet.
Certificate for a new puppy or a pet health care package – NOT the real thing! It’s too much for a new puppy or kitten on Christmas Eve or day. And, it’s much more fun for the whole family to be a part of the pet selection process at a shelter or breeder. Or help defray the costs of a new pet with a gift certificate to their veterinarian to cover the costs of vaccinations, neutering and other care in the first six months.
Make a donation to a non-profit group or memorial fund – one of my favorites is Canine Companions for Independence’s new IPO, Initial Puppy Offering, program – helping to fund the training and matching of puppies to help children and adults with a variety of special needs where a specialty trained dog can change someone’s life.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year – may you enjoy it with family and friends, including our special furry family members.
Watch the Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center website www.parkhillvet.com from December 1 to 12 for twelve days of pet presents to help with most ideas.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit www.parkhillvet.com.