Cuddle up with the joy of giving this holiday season by showing the furry friends in your life and community a little appreciation. As a devoted animal lover, I work at Papillion Animal Hospital which is a local veterinary clinic, attend Zoo Academy, and care for six pets at home – two cats, three dogs, and a bunny – so I know a little something about showing gratitude and love for animals. With that in mind, I am sharing these carefully considered recommendations that I would 100% give to my own pets or I have seen used in professional settings.
Rescues
There are many pet shelters in the area that could also use some extra love this holiday season. Local rescues such as Town and Country Humane Society, Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue, Little White Dog Rescue, and The Good Life Bulldog Rescue have a heavy social media presence in which they post adoptable pets and related information. Town and County Humane Society, Little White Dog Rescue, and Muddy Paws have public Amazon wish lists that are accessible via the organizations’ websites.
Some specifically requested items include prescription dog food, clumping cat litter, dog beds, thick towels and puppy pads. Other needs include bleach, dish soap, and REScue disinfectant, which are cleaning supplies necessary to maintain a sanitary environment for the animals. Shelters are constantly in need of contributions; both physical donations and monetary donations can make a huge difference in your community. Additionally, Town and Country has a pet food pantry that is open to the public for those in need, which is also open to physical donations.
REScue wipes are medical-grade cleaning wipes used commonly in vet clinics and shelters that not only disinfect surfaces but also remove pheromones that may cause additional stress to animals.
Advita canine and feline probiotics are nutritional supplements that can be a staple in rescues and shelters as they can help with symptoms like diarrhea and upset stomachs
Feliway is a synthetic pheromone commonly used in rescues and vet clinics that imitates the natural pheromones a cat will release in an environment in which it feels safe and comfortable.
Pill pouches are a wish list item from many rescues as they are easy and effective in medicating senior and chronically ill dogs.
For Cat Lovers
Catit Flower Plastic Cat Fountain
Some studies have demonstrated many cats live in a chronic state of dehydration despite available water sources. Depending on the cat, a water bubbler fountain can be a great way to promote healthy water consumption. Additionally, water fountains oxygenate the water, making it taste fresher and more appealing than stagnant water.
Furhaven ThermaNAP Self-Warming Cat Bed
If you want a gift that your cat is sure to enjoy, treat them to a warm self-heating cat bed that is sure to keep them toasty when the weather is cold. Just toss this bed on the ground like it’s your dirty laundry and they’ll be sure to lay on it soon enough.
This pack of 3 fish cat toys with catnip are a great option to treat your cat to a new toy. Additionally, these little fish friends would make a great stocking stuffer and are perfect kicking size for your cat.
For those with outdoor cats, barn or shop cats, or just a warm heart for stray kitties, an insulated cat house can be a perfect addition to any home. Equipped with a door flap, two layers of water-resistant fabric, and double-layered insulation, this cat bed would be a cozy inviting dream to any cat.
If your cat is obsessed with your Christmas tree or will not stay out of your holiday decorations, this Christmas tree-like scratching post may be your solution. Not only does it imitate a tree with pine branches atop the scratching post, but it also includes a hanging ball, spring ball, and suction cups to secure the post in place.
For Dog Lovers
Holiday Dog Toys and Treats Goody Box
This bundle box offered by Chewy.com includes holiday-themed dog toys and assorted dog treats. The box also offers small and medium or large options to ensure the contents correspond with your dog’s size.
Stainless Steel Slow Feed Bowl
Dog owners know that mealtime can be a mess if your dog is extremely food-motivated, and slow feeder bowls can mean the difference in your dog’s dinner staying in their stomach. This stainless steel dog bowl is durable, easy to clean, and has a silicone bottom to prevent slipping.
Dog Food Puzzle Feeder ToysLengthen your pups mealtime or treat them to a fun activity with an interactive dog puzzle that makes them think! In addition to being a great brain toy, these puzzles will surely entertain any food motivated dog allowing free time without worrying about doggy mischief.
Buddy Budder Pumpkin Peanut Butter
With all the delicious food around the holiday season, and as tempting as it can be, table food should stay on the table. On the other hand, with this pumpkin flavored peanut butter with only five ingredients, you can treat your pup by spicing up their kibble so they can safely join in on a special holiday dinner.
Frisco Medium Weight Fall Plaid Dog & Cat Coat
My favorite part of working at a vet clinic in winter is seeing all the animals come in wearing sweaters to brave the cold. So, if your dog gets cold in the winter – or if you just want to dress them up – this insulated sherpa-lined coat is adorable and effective in keeping your pet warm, and it comes in five sizes.
Frisco Pillow Dog BedHaving a large dog at home can mean constantly sharing your furniture with your pet, so why not treat your dog to a cushy spot of their own? Additionally, dog beds can be expensive, especially for a larger dog, but this soft pillowy bed ensures you get the best bang for your buck.
