What Do I Get The Dog For Christmas?!

  by  Nils Geylen  As Christmas draws near and our shopping comes to a close, we may realize we've forgotten someone very important, our pets! Every dog owner knows there's something special about having our canine friends, right by our side opening presents with the rest of the family. In my own personal experience, it's obvious our pets know whats going on, and they become just as excited about it. Dogs that never destroy anything at all, become excited and tear into their own Christmas gifts. They seem to know they are not allowed to tear into anything that is not given to them. So what do we get our pets this holiday season? Here's a few ideas.

For Dogs, Greenies can be one of the healthiest snacks we can give them in moderation. I've never met a dog that wasn't crazy about them, and with the 45 or 96 count packaging, it's a gift that can last longer than a few seconds. Make sure to choose the right size for your pets saftey. 

I've always been a fan of toys that can challenge your dog's mind, and allow him to problem solve as he would in the wild. The Buster Food Cube does just that. It's rugged design can keep your dog from chewing the toy itself, and get him more interested in trying to figure out how to get his favorite food out. The rounded corners keep the cube stable, but allow your pet to easily flip and it turn it the direction they desire.

And lastly, don't forget the stocking! These paw shaped stockings can't be left off the fireplace this Christmas and come in two different sizes, depending on if your pet has been naughty or nice this year. Don't let Santa forget your pet on Christmas Eve!

Got other great gift ideas this season for you pet? Submit them in the comments and I'll add them to the list! Be safe this holiday season, and let your pet partake in the festivities with you. It will keep you and your pet happy!

Dangers Round the Christmas Tree

This Christmas season everyone is looking forward to spending time with family. As the year draws to a close, we gather together full of love and hope for the future. It's important to remain healthy for the events that bring us all together this holiday season, and there is no exception for our favorite family members, our pets.

With the decorating and excitement that comes to this time of year, it can be easy to overlook small dangers that our pets can come across. Unfortunately, many of the plants we use to spread holiday cheer in our homes can be toxic to our furry friends, and care should be taken to keep them out of reach.

The most well known of these dangers is the Poinsettia plant. Shiny green leaves and bright red flowers make this hardy plant an obvious choice for decorating our homes in the holiday spirit. Its easy to forget that despite it's beauty, it's natural oils are toxic if ingested.

  by  OiMax 

The good news is that it is frequently not deadly. The more an animal digests, the worse the symptoms can be. Drooling, vomiting,  and diarrhea can all by signs that an animal has eaten part of a Poinsettia plant. Generally vet treatment is not necessary, unless the symptoms do not go away quickly, the animal begins to have tremors, or becomes listless.

Another household danger this time of year is mistletoe and holly. Mistletoe is generally hung far out of a pets reach and is very little threat. Holly however, is usually much easier for your pet to encounter. The leaves of a Holly plant, if ingested, usually provide symptoms similar to the Poinsettia. Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are at the top of the list. The real danger with Holly though, is it's berries.

  by  Air hugs

The berries of a Holly plant contain a toxin that can cause seizures in cats and dogs. If you think that your pet has eaten a berry from a live plant, it's best to make an emergency vet visit. The symptoms can onset quickly and without warning.

The final overlooked danger this holiday season, is one of the most obvious decorations in your home, your Christmas tree! The lights, ornaments, and power cords can sometimes be a little too inviting to your canine and feline children. Your pets should be watched closely around these Christmas decorations. The tree itself can even cause illness, the oils from the tree are mildly toxic and pine needles are not digestible to your pet. If drooling or vomiting does not go away within a few hours, it's best to get your pet to a veterinarian.

With a little planning and a watchful eye, your pets can enjoy a happy and healthy holiday with the rest of your family. Here's to wishing you and your pet and happy holiday season!

Picture of the Week, No Caption Needed

  by  Beverly & Pack 

Product Review - Jolly Pet Tug-n-Toss

As a dog owner, I'm always on the lookout for new and fun toys that my dog's won't destroy within a matter of minutes. One of the finer examples of quality dog toys that I've ever found is the Jolly Pet Tug-n-Toss Ball.

The Tug-n-Toss is made of a high quality plastic that is durable as well as flexible. Unlike hard rubber toys like Kong Brand Dog Toys, the Tug-n-Toss has some give to it, so it flexes in your dog's mouth, and provides resistance for a different feel than most dog toys. Because of it's larger size, your puppy will have difficulty getting it's entire mouth around it, providing hours of mind stretching fun. It's rugged handle, allows you or your dog to carry the ball for fun times throwing and retrieving.

The Tug-n-Toss feels like an inflatable ball at first glance, but because it is molded plastic instead of actually inflated, it won't collapse if it is punctured. It retains its shape no matter what abuse your canine can dish out. I think the fact this company makes larger versions of this same toy for large cats and bears at zoos, is a testament to it's durability.



These dogs are playing with the 10" size, I've found the bigger the better. Even small dogs enjoy the larger size. There is even one for horses! For hours of fun and exercise, I highly recommend the Jolly Pet Tug-n-Toss Ball. It will, without a doubt, help to keep you and your dog happy!