If there is anything good coming out of quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the fact that more and more people are adopting pets from rescue shelters. Everyone is looking for a companion during this time of isolation, and our furry friends are more than happy to give companionship with a side of snuggles. Now that the holidays are coming up, it’s never too early to start planning for your shopping lists, so with the new four-legged friends in mind, here are some of the best practical gifts for pet lovers.
Dog Harness, Collar, and Leash
It’s a common misconception that all dog harnesses, collars, and leashes are considered equal. The truth is, there are many harnesses, leashes, and collars out there. Each dog has its own special needs when it comes to walking and training with a harness or a leash, and these accessories aren’t always cheap! Consider picking up a no pull dog harness and a matching leash, and you are sure to make any pet owner happy. You can even get them a flea collar to match the harness. Harnesses comes in many styles and colors, with fashionable buckles and unique designs so it can be a fun gift as well. Don’t be afraid to go all out and get creative — the holidays are the best time to invest in a fun print on the harness for the new pooch to show off.
Flea Medication
While this may not be the most glamorous of gifts, purchasing animal medication for the pet lover in your life will really help to cut down on costs. Flea medication is one of the most common treatments for both cats and dogs, and providing a monthly flea treatment or a flea collar for cats can really help to take a burden off of any pet parent’s shoulders. What’s even better is that these treatments are easily accessible and anyone can pick them up online. Find a flea collar that uses natural ingredients to make sure that the new pup or cat doesn’t have an allergic reaction to the flea and tick products. That was you’ll be keeping the puppy safe and avoiding irritation at the same time.
Calming essential oils.
One of the hardest things about adopting a rescue cat or dog is that they cannot communicate how they are feeling with you. So you’ll want to ensure they feel as comfortable as can be once they get to their new home. The best way to do this is to purchase some pet-friendly calming essential oils and a diffuser for the pet parent you love. A few drops of the oils diffused into the home will cause a natural relaxation feeling to the animal, which allows for a stress-free transition into their fur-ever home. Pet parents can even use the oils as a soothing way to help their puppy feel better on car rides.
Interactive toys.
Even pet parents want some time alone! Even if they adopt an adult dog at a rescue, they’ll want to have some time to themselves to relax. But the answer isn’t to just give the pooch just any toy, as not all toys can help with boredom and keep the pet entertained. There are specific interactive toys that are meant to keep dogs entertained for hours at a time such as shuffle mats and puzzle toys. With these, all the owner has to do is drop a handful of kibble or treats in them, and it is up to the pooch to hunt them out and find them. So grab a few interactive toys like this, as well as a bag or two of treats, and your pet parent friend will love you!
An adorable sweater, or two.
Now that the holidays are upon us, cold weather is right around the corner. And all those dogs and cats in your life deserve to stay warm as well! There’s no better time than now to buy a dog or cat sweater, as this is the time where you’ll find the best festive prints and the cutest little sweaters and sweatshirts. If you wanted to go all out, you can even get your pet owner friend a matching set to wear with their new best friend!
With this guide in mind, buying for the pets in your life will be easy and fun — so get shopping!