Feeling stumped on gift ideas for that animal-lover in your life? We’ve got your back (and tails). Check out this list of our executive director’s ten favorite things that are sure to delight friends and pets alike!
1. EZY Dog Harness
This easily adjustable, lightweight, quick dry dog harness is comfortable for the dog AND easy for the human! It is also durable. Gracie has had hers for 4 years of adventures from oceans, lakes, rivers, and creeks to mountain, forests, and desert romps. I’ve also washed it a few times and it always comes out looking great. Available for purchase at Healthy Tails in Mayberry Landing.
2. Kongs
Nothing beats the durability of Kongs! You can fill them with everything from peanut butter to frozen dog food to keep your dog entertained for hours! You can find them at Healthy Tails, Natural Paws, and Pet Station!
3. Pet Lab Co water bowl additive for dogs’
Each pet is unique and there can be a wide disparity in how each one accumulates plaque buildup on their teeth. It is important to brush our pets’ teeth to prevent poor oral health, bad breath, and pain. Depending on your pet, however, this may be easier said than done! There are a variety of water additive options that help prevent plaque buildup. I personally use this one and have noticed a positive difference with my dog’s breath. They also have dental treats. Regular dentals still remain important and my Gracie girl gets one annually since she turned 4 years old.
4. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
I can’t emphasize the importance of pet insurance enough!! Unfortunately, there are some bad options out there and I often hear people say it doesn’t seem worth it. Of course, with growing economic disparities nationwide, affordability remains the number one barrier. I understand and empathize with these concerns, but if you can afford the monthly premiums, I highly recommend getting coverage because it can save your pets’ life! Over the years, I’ve tried 4 different pet insurance carriers. Far and away my favorite is Healthy Paws! They have an easy-to-use app and you can customize your deductibles to ensure premiums fit your budget. I’ve had to file a few claims now (I carry policies on 5 pets) and it was easy and smooth! I took pictures of the vet bills, uploaded them, and 80% minus my deductible was direct deposited into my bank account as promised- all while never having to talk to a person! I’m grateful I was with Healthy Paws when my dog’s sudden onset autoimmune disease necessitated emergency care and blood transfusions. I wouldn’t have been able to afford her medical bills without this insurance policy. Economic euthanasia are dramatically increasing nationwide, largely because so many people don’t have pet insurance. Help prevent a heartbreaking decision and evaluate what policy is best for you today!
5. Kitty Poo Club litter boxes
Sign up to get a brand new recyclable litter box & bag of litter delivered to you every month, with free shipping. I love these because they are delivered straight to my door, save me time, and keep my 3 kitties happy and healthy! They also have litter options for cats who are particular about the feel and smell of their litter. Litter box habits, or sudden changes in habits, can tell us a lot about our cats’ health and happiness. When you adopt a new cat, sometimes you need to try different types and textures to see what your cat prefers. Try to avoid heavily perfumed litter because cats are very sensitive to smell. Also, make sure you have enough boxes in multi-cat homes: one box per cat plus an extra. It’s best to place them in multiple rooms in your house so it’s convenient for your cats.
6. Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster for Poop Bags
This magnetic dog waste holder makes it so easy to transport full poop bags from the trail to a trash can. Before I got a Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster, I would place poop bags under my windshield wiper until I located an appropriate trash receptacle, always nervous the poop bag might blow off. This mini poop dumpster is a much more secure, and less stressful, alternative!
7. Mountain Smith travel dog bowls & bag
I use Mountain Smith dog gear for my camping and outdoor adventures. I love the K9 Cube travel dog set for its organization, ease, and bowl washability. My dogs and I have put these items through a lot of dirty, wet, crazy fun adventures and it’s held up great! I also love that everything lives in the big bag, including poop bags, tethers, toys, tennis balls, sticks, etc., making it easy to grab and go. You can also find great alternatives at Healthy Tails, Natural Paws, and Pet Station!
8. Ruffwear Dog Tether System
This campsite dog-hitching system is so easy to use and easy to store! It’s a breeze to set up and take down, and keeps my dogs tethered and free from leash tangles.
9. Dr Marty’s dehydrated food
There are a lot of pet food choices out there, and just as many opinions on what to feed, or not feed, our critters. Personal budget constraints also play a factor. I personally use this raw, dehydrated dog food for a meal topper, travel, and my pet evacuation emergency kits. It’s dehydrated, making it easy to handle and store for camping, road trips, and evacuation go bags. My dogs love to eat it as is, but rehydrating is also an option.
10. Farmers Dog
I love this fresh dog food, so do my dogs! It’s customized to your dog’s needs and delivered to your front door. I highly recommend serving it in a puzzle feeder or slow eating dish to exercise your dog’s brain and make mealtime extra fun! Our local pet supply stores have lots of puzzle feeder options. Keep your pup guessing by rotating between multiple types. Click here to learn more about how you can optimize your pet’s diet!
Learn More!
The holidays are a joyful time for people and pets, and we want to help you keep it that way! Learn more about how to keep your pets safe during the holidays.
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