Holiday Gift Guide For Your Pet

Most pet parents want to include their pets in the festivities of the holidays, including gift giving, –and why not? Our pets are part of the family, they deserve gifts too! And just like giving thoughtful gifts to our human friends and family, we need to be thoughtful about the gifts we’re giving our pets. Here is a quick guide to finding the best gifts for your pets this holiday season. Scroll to the bottom to find suggestions for each type of pet and type of gift.

Dogs:

1. Interactive/enrichment Toys: Toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving can keep your dog mentally stimulated. Look for puzzle toys or treat-dispensing balls. However, please be sure these toys are size appropriate for your dog. A toy too large for your small dog will lead to frustration, and a toy too small can be a choking hazard for your large dog. Always start on “easy mode” with these toys, then ramp up the difficulty as your pup gets the hang of operating the toy or puzzle. 
2. Chew Toys: Durable chew toys can be great for keeping your dog occupied and also help with dental health. Options like Kong toys or uncooked/raw, sturdy bones from your local butcher are great options. Again, make sure these chew toys are size appropriate for your dog. A toy too large will not be fun to your small dog and a large dog can choke on a toy that is too small. Avoid Nylabones, bones made with nylon and other soft plastic toys as your dog can digest the small plastic bits or large plastic bits causing anything from an upset stomach to a blockage. 
3. Plush Toys: CAUTION: these should only be given to dogs that are not big chewers or dogs that destroy their toys. Soft toys can easily come apart, be ingested and cause a blockage. But for those dogs that have a gentler mouth and do not destroy their toys, soft and cuddly toys can be comforting for some dogs. Look for ones without small parts that can be easily chewed off and swallowed regardless of how much your dog chews.
4. Squeaky Toys: Dogs often love toys that make noise! Just ensure they're made of safe, durable materials and that your dog doesn’t easily tear them apart. Again, make sure they are size appropriate due to choking hazards. If your dog has a tendency to find the squeaker, and rip it out of the toy, never leave that dog alone with that toy. The small, plastic squeaker mechanism is a choking hazard and/or can cause an internal blockage.
5. Rope Toys: These are great for interactive play and can also be used for games of tug-of-war. Ensure the rope is sturdy and doesn’t easily fray. Again, if your dog likes to destroy their toys, do not leave a rope toy with your dog when they are alone. They can chew up the bits of rope, ingest them and it can cause an internal blockage. 
6. Balls: Balls are the stereotypical favorite toy of most dogs and there are so many to choose from, bouncy, rubber, glow in the dark, spikey, tennis, etc. If your dog loves to run and play fetch, consider getting them a Chuck-it which comes with a long handled throwing device, so you don’t have to touch that slobbery ball. And it often goes farther than you can throw with your hand. If your dog isn’t scared of loud noises, consider a ball launcher from Nerf. Want to get really fancy? They even have automatic ball launchers that will throw the ball for your dog! All your dog has to do is put the ball in the device, and it will launch it for him! Again, balls can be a choking hazard if not appropriately sized for your dog, so please ensure their size is larger than their mouth. And yes, they make giant tennis balls for those giant breeds. 

Cats:

1. Interactive Toys: Cats love toys that mimic prey. Options like feather wands, string toys, laser pointers, or toys that move unpredictably (like automated mice) can be a hit. A word of advice for the laser pointers, cats can get very frustrated with this toy because there is no “prey” to catch. If your cat loves the laser pointer, be sure to end the session with him “catching” either a treat or another favorite toy to prevent frustration. 
2. Catnip Toys: Many cats are attracted to catnip, so toys infused with catnip can provide hours of entertainment. Some cats might prefer toys with silvervine or valerian root as well. Some cats also like the smell of peppermint. 
3. Scratching Posts: A good scratching post not only keeps your cat entertained but also helps maintain their claws, helps them feel at ease by “owning something” and prevents furniture damage. Look for sturdy posts covered in sisal or other cat-friendly materials. There are dozens and dozens of designs, materials and heights of scratching posts. Pick one for your cat that they know they’ll love and will get lots of use out of. Bonus, add some of their favorite catnip to it. 
4. Tunnel Toys: Cats often enjoy exploring and hiding in tunnels. There are collapsible tunnels or those with attached toys to pique their interest. We’ve seen single tunnels, dual tunnels, and tunnel toys that can take up the whole room! You can turn tunnel time into a fun game by hiding treats, toys or food in there.
5. Interactive Feeders/Puzzle Toys: Looking to add some enrichment to mealtime? Combine mealtime and playtime by using interactive feeders, puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys designed for cats. These stimulate their natural hunting instincts and may even reduce anxiety in your cat. Cats are still very much small, mighty hunters and much prefer the thrill of the hunt when eating as opposed to just eating from a stagnant bowl. 
6. Water Fountain: Are you worried that your cat isn’t drinking enough water? Consider getting them a water fountain. Cats prefer the sound of running water as their instincts tell them that running water is safer to drink than stagnant water. So your cat may be more inclined to drink from a fountain as opposed to the bowl. Be careful of the water quality, though! If your local water is hard; it can gunk up the motor. Consider buying a couple gallons of purified drinking water (NOT distilled) if you’re in a hard water area.

Horse:

1. Treat Dispensers: There are various treat balls or toys designed specifically for horses that dispense treats as the horse interacts with them. These can keep horses engaged and mentally stimulated. And make sure the toy is sized appropriately, a large toy will be frustrating to a mini horse and a draft horse may break the toy causing a safety hazard. 
2. Puzzle Feeders: Puzzle feeders or toys that require the horse to work to access food can be excellent for their mental and physical well-being. They encourage natural foraging behavior. Things like hay nets, hay balls, a porta-grazer are great options. 
3. Stable Toys: Toys that can be hung in the stall or paddock, like boredom balls or hanging treats or self grooming toys, provide entertainment and can prevent boredom during stall time.
4. Equine-Safe Balls: Large, sturdy balls designed for horses can be a lot of fun. Some horses enjoy pushing them around or even playing a form of soccer with them. These range in sizes so be sure you get a size appropriate ball. 
5. New Grooming Tools: While not toys in the traditional sense, grooming kits with various brushes, combs, and grooming supplies can be a practical gift if you’re looking to have your horse look their best this coming year. 
6. Fancy Treats: we all love to spoil our horses and why not spoil them with fancy treats that are either homemade or bought from a small business. As with any new food, always feed sparingly as to avoid stomach upset, but your horse will (hopefully) appreciate the effort you put into finding an extra special treat for them. 

Pocket Pets: (rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rats, etc.)

1. New Exercise Wheel: Many small rodents love running on wheels and need the exercise to burn off energy. Ensure its size and species appropriate, solid-surface wheel to prevent injury. If you have more than one pocket pet and they are seemingly fighting over it, consider getting two.
2. Tunnels and Tubes: Small tunnels or tubes they can explore and hide in can be great for their entertainment and mental stimulation. Bonus: add their favorite foods or treats to add some enrichment to their mealtime. 
3. Chew Toys: These pets constantly need to chew to keep their teeth healthy and to prevent boredom. Safe wooden chew toys, wicker toys or chewable cardboard items are excellent choices.
4. Hideouts: Small houses or hideouts where they can retreat and feel safe are appreciated. These could be wooden, plastic, or cardboard shelters. Ensure they’re species and size appropriate. For plastic hideouts, if you notice your pet is chewing a lot on it, best to remove it and provide one made of a different material. Plastic ingestion can be a hazard to their health. 
5. Climbing Toys: Platforms, ladders, or ropes that allow them to climb and explore vertically can add variety to their environment. Again, make sure these toys are species and size appropriate. 
6. Foraging Toys: Toys that encourage foraging behavior, such as puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys, can keep them mentally engaged and alleviate boredom. Make sure they’re size and species appropriate. 

Reptiles:

1. Hides and Caves: Reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, and turtles, often enjoy hiding spots. Offer them caves, shelters, or hollow logs where they can feel secure and comfortable. (As always: Make sure they’re size appropriate). 
2. Climbing Structures: Some reptiles, like certain species of lizards, appreciate climbing opportunities. Branches, rocks, or artificial climbing structures within their enclosure can be engaging and provide mental stimulation.
3. Basking Platforms: For aquatic turtles or other semi-aquatic reptiles, floating platforms or rocks where they can bask under a heat lamp are essential and also serve as an enrichment item.
4. Extra Special Treats: Does your reptile have a certain special treat that they absolutely love? Why not give them an extra helping during the holidays? Just be careful not to go too overboard or it could create some stomach upset. 
5. New Substrate: Certain reptiles, such as bearded dragons or certain geckos, enjoy digging. Providing a safe and appropriate substrate they can burrow into can be enriching for them. Make sure the substrate you get is species appropriate.
6. Feeder Toys: Encourage natural hunting behaviors by using feeder toys that make it a bit challenging for the reptile to access their food. This could include puzzle feeders or hiding insects in objects for them to find.

Birds:

1. Chew Toys: Many species of birds love to chew (who knew?), so providing them with safe, wooden toys or bird-safe, non-toxic chewable materials can be engaging and provide enrichment. 
2. Foraging Toys: Birds are natural foragers.Think of the wild birds foraging for food each day. Toys that encourage this behavior, such as foraging balls or puzzle feeders where treats can be hidden, can provide mental stimulation and enrichment.
3. Swings and Perches: Swings and various perches, especially those with different textures and thicknesses, can provide both entertainment and foot exercise. Be sure the swings and perches are sized appropriately for your bird. Too small or too large won’t be comfortable for your bird. 
4. Shreddable Toys: Birds often enjoy shredding paper or soft materials. Toys made of bird-safe paper, cardboard, or natural fibers that they can shred can be enjoyable and enriching. Bonus: add their favorite treats or food in the shreddable to provide even more enrichment. 
5. Mirrors and Interactive Toys: Some birds enjoy interacting with mirrors or toys that make noise or have moving parts. For single birds, it can make them feel like they have a friend. If your bird is territorial, maybe best to not provide these things. Ensure these toys are safe and don’t have small pieces that can be swallowed.
6. Extra Special Treats: Does your bird have an extra special treat they absolutely love? This is a great time of year to give your bird an extra helping of that treat and spoil them for the holidays. 

Suggestions:
Dogs:

1. Puzzle Toy, Snuffle Mat, Puzzle Ball
2. Kong,  Chew Toy  
3. Go Dog
4. Zippy Paws
5. Rope toy, Small Rope Toy
6. Chuckit, Nerf Ball Launcher, PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
7. Get them a subscription that will last them all year!!
   1. The Farmer’s Dog
   2. BarkBox

Cats: 

1. DaBird
2. CatNip Toys
3. Scratching Post
4. Tunnel Toy
5. Puzzle Feeder
6. Water Fountain

Horses:

1. Carrot ball, Treat Dispenser
2. Hay Ball, Hay Net, Porta Grazer
3. Likit
4. Mega Ball, Jolly Ball
5. Grooming set
6. Mrs Pastures

Pocket Pets:

1. Wheel
2. Wooden Tunnel
3. Chew toys
4. Oxbow Bungalow
5. Climbing Rope
6. Puzzle Feeder

Reptiles:

1. Mossy Dome
2. Ladder
3. Turtle Dock
4. Up to you, Chewy Suggestions
5. Chewy Suggestions
6. Enrichment Treat Ball

Birds:

1. Chew Toy
2. Foraging Toy
3. Chewy Suggestions
4. Shreddable Toys
5. Up to you, Chewy Suggestions