Our pets; beloved companions that live to love. They may scratch our curtains or destroy our trash bins when we are not looking, but it doesn't mean they love us any less. In fact, our pets don't care what we look like, how we are dressed or what our bad habits are. So I say, for this unconditional love and everlasting companionship, our furry friends should never be overlooked during the holiday season.

Taking care of your pet includes more than a healthy dose of love and 'scratches'! You should include yearly vet visits, keeping vaccinations up-to-date, spay and neutering, identification, proper shelter, grooming, exercise, water and nutrition as part of your pets necessary needs.

Kibbles

Tell Fido and Boots that you love them all year round with good food. Proper nutrition fuels your pets the same way it does humans; offering optimum energy and preventing diseases. Find the right food for your cats and dogs with our members Acana and Orijen pet food by Champion Petfoods found at a local pet food store near you.

This is such a cute product, HOTdog Eau de Toilette by Fruits and Passion for your dog. Designed especially for fido's sensitive skin and sense of smell this product will leave him smelling of fruit, fig leaves and cedar, yummy!

Just like the winter leaves our skin begging for mercy, so does the dogs paw pads. Running and walking in the elements leaves little moisture in those pads. Tanzilla has a fabulous Yukon sled dog pad & paw treatment, it was designed for sled dogs, but will most certainly keep your pooch's paws from feeling the effects of winter.

Accessories

Jazzing up your cat, dog and even horse is an effortless task with Hotdogs all Dressed . Collars, leashes and harnesses are available in different styles and oodles of colours with your choice of adornments. 

Keep your dog cozy and cool in this Roots Leather Dog Jacket, I think the picture says it all! 

Who doesn't enjoy a little bling? Along with your pets tags and identification, give him a little charm from Paw Purr Bling.

Sporty Dawg

In Canada, swimming (zany polar bear clubs) and surfing occurs all year round! While I am not suggesting you and your pooch go take a holiday dip, I am bringing your attention to a fabulous product. Skippy dog life vest by Salus Marine is a great addition to your dog's essentials especially in the summer. Boating, fishing and just bopping around in the water will be so much more fun-and safe.

And why not do a little baking for your pooch?

Handmade stocking stuffer

Homemade carrot crunch dog treats

2 cups of carrots, peeled, boiled and pureed
Add 2 eggs and,
2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Mix until you get a smooth batter.
Add 1 cup of rolled oats,
2 cups of rice flour and,
Add 1/4 cup of wheat germ.

Roll out and cut into bars. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. Allow it to cool. This is really crunchy. You could brush with egg before popping them into the oven for the glazed finish.

Remember your treats should be hard and chewy since they are a tool to clean your dog's teeth.

Recipe by blogger plentyofpuppies

The Holidays are a wonderful time of year but we can't forget that there are several hazards that accompany the season. Lilies, poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can all pose health risks to your pet if ingested. Find out more at the City of Guelph website.

Happy Holidays!
Belly scratches to all!

 Image sources: willowcatstudio, BuyCanadianFirst.ca