All I want for Christmas is my two beef treats

The holidays are a time of joy, time with family and friends and exchanging good tidings. It’s also a good time to remember our four-legged (or winged) friends that bring us unconditional love.

Treats are always a fun gift to give and receive but we have to offer one caution when choosing packaged treats. We try to buy only treats that have been made in the USA, that are grain free and preferably with an ingredient list you can pronounce. Until we know more about the toxins found in some of the treats imported from China, we have to recommend staying away from anything imported from China. ZiwiPeak and Stewarts freeze dried treats have done well in our home. Home-made treats are always a safe and considerate way of telling our pets how much we love them. When giving treats as a gift be aware that some pets do have dietary restrictions. Don’t feed treats without permission and always in moderation (or your pet may leave you a special holiday treat.)

If you decide to stay away from treats, consider a stuffed toy. There are a number of products out there for our soft mouth friends, but Tuffy’s and FatFatCat brands makes soft toys for more vigorous chewers. Our dogs have yet to destroy their Suspicious Chicken. Looking for something even tougher? Both Kong and West Paw brand toys keep even our most hearty chewers busy.

Both cats and dogs can enjoy a food puzzle to help engage their minds as well as filling their bellies. We like theEggserciser for our cats and the Magic Mushroom for our dogs. We cary both of these food puzzles at Sabino Veterinary Care. Nina Ottosson has a number of great puzzles and toys for your brainy pups.
Cats, though seemingly above mundane acts such as “playing”, secretly enjoy toys that get them up and moving. There are a number of fun owner activated wands and laser pointers to help you interact with your cats. For the busy cat owner there are now a handful of battery operated and motorized cat toys on the market. For our money, however, an empty box or paper sac seems to give our cats the most enjoyment. Every time.
For the pet looking for a little more “bling” consider a new coat, collar or harness, maybe a new pet tag with your phone number. Our older pets may be looking for a new pet bed, or maybe just a new blanket to lie over your favorite chair. We have found a number of quality items at PAWSH located on the upper level at La Encantada, and your purchase helps to support the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Wherever and however you celebrate the holiday this year, we all wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.