Each year when the holidays come around, we all start thinking of fun and useful gifts we could get for our loved ones. We start filling the stores trying to find something thoughtful for our mom, dad, kids, spouse, and more. In all the holiday chaos, we can’t forget about our furry friends! Luckily, they don’t tend to be too hard to please. Here we have compiled a list of awesome gifts for dogs in 2019. Ranging from classic toys to high-tech gifts, you’ll be sure to find something that your pup will love!
#1. Smart Dog Collar:
We as people can hardly live without our smart phones. With the LinkAKC Smart Dog Collar, you can track your dog’s location, store records and appointments, and even know when temperatures are too hot or cold for your dog, all from your phone! The smart collar can record adventures and it can also light up in the nighttime. It can be used on dogs of many different sizes and breeds so if you’re looking to splurge on your pup this year, this may just be the gift for you!
#2.Warm Coat:
A new, warm, fuzzy coat is always great to have for the winter! The great thing is you can find dog coats at many places including Walmart, PetSmart, Petco, Amazon, and lots more! Small short haired and senior dogs get chilly during the colder months and can always use a good coat!
#3.Dog DNA Test:
Have you ever wondered just what kind of dog you have? Many times, we adopt dogs from shelters, and it can be hard to pin-point just what breed they are. The ‘Embark’ dog DNA test is known as the most accurate and it captures over 200,000 genetic markers when testing. Although it is on the pricey side, this can be a fun one for the whole family!
#4. Classic Kong Toy:
Kong’s are durable, reusable, and they keep your pup busy! You can stuff their favorite treats, peanut butter, or cheese inside and just leave them to it. Kong’s are affordable and they come in different colors and sizes, something to fit each dog!
#5. Cozy Bed:
What dog doesn’t love to snuggle up and get comfy? Dog beds are one of the easier gifts you can get for your dog, as they are super easy to find, and they vary in pricing and sizes. They are typically affordable, and your dog can get tons of use out of them! Some lasting for years.#6. Dog Subscription Box:
This is the gift that keeps on giving! Doggie subscription boxes are tons of fun, and they come once a month full of surprises. There are a variety of plans you can choose from and you can personalize the things you get based on your pup’s interests.
#7. Treats from a Dog Bakery:
Grab a couple of festive treats from a local dog bakery! For example, here in Indiana we have ‘Three Dog’s Bakery’ which have locations in downtown Indianapolis, Broad Ripple, and Noblesville. They sell a variety of cute and yummy treats, including cakes, individual personalized treats, and bagged treats. Stop in your local doggie bakery today! Your pup won’t be disappointed.
#8. Personalized Pet Stuff:
Although most customizable things must be made online, there are so many things we can get personalized for our pets. You can get collars, bowls, toy boxes, and more personalized with your pet’s name or face just to let them know they’re extra special.
#9. Durable Stuffed Toy:
So many of our pups love stuffed, squeaky toys. However, a lot of dogs love them a little too much and they end up ripped to shreds. ‘Fluff and Tuff’ toys are ultra-plush, and they are double stitched with a mesh liner to keep your pup from tearing into them. They come in different animals too, such as a raccoon, bear, sloth, and more!
#10. Custom Pet Portrait:
Let’s be honest, this one’s more for us than the dog. I mean, a good pet portrait is just too cute! You can find different companies and local artists to paint up an awesome portrait for you and your pet. This varies depending on your location of course, but whichever way you spin it, this just makes a great gift for the whole family!
For those who have Easter celebrations coming up, there’s a lot to look forward to. Maybe it’s a big family meal, action-packed egg hunts, filled-to-the rim baskets, or lots and lots of candy.
We never want to hear post-holiday horror stories from our guests at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa. So, as you gear up for your traditions and gatherings, check out these common Easter holiday dangers from petMD.com – along with the warning signs to look for. And don’t forget, if you’re heading out of town this month (or anytime soon) and you need a special place to board your dog, reserve your space now. We fill up fast!
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate
Make sure all those chocolate bunnies and special treats stay far away from your pets. Chocolate contains caffeine and a chemical called theobromine. The combo can be highly toxic to dogs, and cats may be affected as well. Dark chocolate and unsweetened, bitter chocolate are the most toxic. Warning signs your pet has ingested chocolate can include diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rates and even seizures.
Easter Basket Fillers
They sure look cute, but all those popular fillers for your Easter baskets can be choking hazards for your pets. This includes plastic eggs and grass, foil candy wrappers, and toys or gadgets. The bright colored shapes and textures are often attractive to animals, but if they chew and swallow them, your pet’s digestive system could be obstructed. Warning signs your pet has ingested these items may include vomiting, dehydration, weakness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain or bloating.
Uncooked Eggs
Yes, just as for humans, serving plain, cooked eggs can be part of a healthy diet for pets. But serving them raw is not a good idea for anyone, because of the risk for salmonella. In addition, consuming large amounts of raw egg white can lead to a biotin deficiency, which is needed for healthy metabolic, nerve, digestive, and cardiovascular functions.
Biotin deficiency signs include skin lesions, dry coats, anemia, and lethargy. While ingestion of small amounts of raw egg will likely not cause any health problems in your pet, if you notice gastrointestinal distress (like vomiting and diarrhea), consult with your vet.
Egg Dyes
While most egg dyes are safe for consumption, before you buy, double check any dyes you use to make sure they are non-toxic. Regardless, it’s best to avoid feeding your pet any item with food coloring. If your pet consumes food products colored with food dye, it’s not likely to cause an immediate adverse medical reaction. But if your pet gets into a lot of food dye, contact your veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately for advice.
Sweetener
Beware of a toxic sweetener called Xylitol that’s often found in sugar-free gum, candy and baked goods. It can also be found in some common household items like toothpaste and vitamins. Xylitol rapidly releases insulin into a dog’s bloodstream, causing an extreme drop in blood sugar. It can also lead to liver failure and death. Interestingly, dogs are the only species reportedly affected by Xylitol toxicity. Warning signs include lethargy, vomiting, weakness, and seizures. If ingested contact your veterinarian or emergency center as soon as possible.
Fatty Foods
When ingested, ham, lamb and other fatty foods can lead to stomach upset, and in more serious cases, it can cause pancreatitis, which can be life threatening. Pet owners should also refrain from giving their pet ham bones or lamb bones. Fatty foods may cause repeated vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, weakness, lethargy, and fever.
Toxic Spices & Veggies
Members of the allium family – like onions, garlic, chives, and leeks – are toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastroenteritis and hemolytic anemia. Signs of ingestion of these foods may not develop for several days, but when they do, your pet could exhibit nausea, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale games, and increased heart and breathing rates.
Wine, Beer and All Alcohol
Alcohol is harmful to cats and dogs because of their small size (relative to humans), and how quickly the alcohol can hit their bloodstream. This can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and blood temperature, which can lead to seizures and respiratory failure. All alcoholic beverages should be kept out of the reach of pets at all times. Warning signs include lethargy, drooling, vomiting, gagging, disorientation or difficulty walking.
Lilies & Lily of the Valley
Lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure or even lead to death if not treated properly. In addition, flowers like Lily of the Valley, which are sometimes called “fake lilies,” are also toxic to cats. All parts of the lily plant can be deadly to cats, including the leaves, pollen, flower, and even the water that the lilies are stored in. Prompt treatment after ingestion is needed to save a cat. Warning signs your cat might have ingested lilies include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, extreme thirst, seizures, and death.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a popular snack often included in gift baskets, or in the ingredients for cookies and other desserts. They are toxic to dogs, but not usually fatal. Look for lethargy, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors, joint stiffness, depression, and increased temperature.
Check out these holiday gift ideas that are perfect for dogs, dog owners and dog lovers alike.
It’s not hard to have holiday spirit at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa, because our team loves this time of year. We are busy spreading cheer and making plans for our boarders and doggie daycare guests this season, while our groomers are sprucing up our gorgeous furry friends.
We’re also always looking for good holiday gift ideas, and this year we found some pretty amazing options no matter your taste or budget. Enjoy this gift guide, and from all of us at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple, have a safe and beautiful holiday.
Country Living has dogs and dog owners covered with this list of fun gift ideas. Looking for a trendy weighted dog blanket? Yes, there’s such a thing. How about a Feliz Navidog Ugly Christmas Sweater? No problem. Wine glass charms and even a paint-by-number set are part of this extensive lineup. You won’t be disappointed.
InStyle Magazine put together a collection of gifts for both dog and cat lovers, and they’re wonderful. For instance, if your family loves those holiday pajamas, why not with a twist with a PJ Salvage Pawsitive Flannel PJ Set? And did you know there’s an Alex and Ani French bull dog charm bracelet? Yes, there is! Dog DNA kits, towel sets and catnip fortune cookies also made this list that will delight pet owners everywhere.
This gift guide is based on readers’ favorite picks, and includes clever options for every age and taste. For instance, you find a Starry Nights Dog Print inspired by Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night landscape, a Kong Reindeer Dog Toy, and adorable dog socks for people. One of our favorite novelties was a set of Dog Tarot card. “While this deck isn’t a true tarot deck for humans, it does come with a book that teaches you how to do readings for your dog.” Perfect.
Town and Country is known for luxury, and if that’s what you’re looking for in a wow-factor pet gift, you’ll find it here. How does a Brooks Brothers Signature Tartan Dog Jacket sound? Then there’s a Kensington Dog Bow Tie that will dress up any occasion. And don’t forget New Year’s Eve with a Large Dog Perigonn Plush Toy.
The American Kennel Club put together this fun list of gifts for dogs, dog lovers and owners. It features jewelry, clothing, accessories and more. You can even order a personalized treat jar or hand-painted mugs. Also included are dog gifts especially for small, medium and large dogs.
The Today Show understands that “dog lovers are a different breed.” Which is why we love the Puppy Love Mini Eyeshadow Palette and the Dog Animal Sheet Face Mask. If you love getting your Zen on, check out the Yoga Dogs Door Mat. They included pajamas, t-shirts and plenty of delights to make all of us dog lovers happy.
If you or someone in your life loves jewelry, Modern Dog Magazine has some pretty amazing suggestions. They also feature cool vintage blueprints of over 150 dog breeds, shirts and accessories, and custom ornaments.
Keep your dog and other pets safe during the holidays with these food, decorations and party safety tips.
‘Tis the season for twinkling lights and holiday festivities. We’re already in the spirit at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple, and we can’t wait to spread some cheer. As you plan your family gatherings and get out all those decorations, we wanted to share some important information for pet parents.
2. If you like to get your pooch spruced up for the holidays and visitors, our professional groomers have you covered. But again, act fast to schedule an appointment.
3. If possible, keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible.
We also wanted to pass on some excellent holiday safety advice from the folks at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). They’ve outlined pet safety tips for seasonal plants and decorations, food, and all those parties and gatherings. Gear up, friends, and get ready to celebrate!
Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations
• Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
• Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
• Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
• That Holiday Glow: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
• Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers
• Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
• Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.
• Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
• Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.
Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering
• House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
• Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
• A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
• New Year’s Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
Tips for helping your dog cope with the noise and stress of fireworks and Independence Day celebrations in Indiana.
Tiki, our Good Dog Hotel & Spa Ambassador, wishes you a fabulous Fourth of July, and reminds you to keep your pets safe and secure during the holiday.
One of the main events at most Fourth of July celebrations in Indiana is, of course, the fireworks – what would Independence Day be without them? And while we humans might love the “oohs” and “aahs” of fancy explosions and bright colors, your dog most likely won’t feel the same way. In fact, research shows that more pets run away on this holiday than any other time of the year.
The Fourth of July can be a stressful holiday for pets. Loud noises can cause fear in dogs, causing anxiety and a triggered nervous system. Unlike natural occurrences (like thunder), fireworks are more intense, lower to the ground, and come with flashing lights and unfamiliar smells. You can make the holiday safer and a little less frightening for your dog by following these tips:
Be prepared. Make sure your dog is wearing proper identification, and keep your eye on him during the activities and commotion. Remember that your dog’s survival instinct is to be afraid of loud noises and run away.
Supply plenty of water. Anxious dogs pant more and get thirsty, so make sure that water bowl is topped off.
Seek safety. If possible, arrange to have your dog in a place where there won’t be loud fireworks going off. This could be at a friend’s or relative’s house, or even at a familiar dog-boarding It will help if your dog has spent time and is already comfortable at the home or doggie daycare.
Consider alternatives. Unable to take your dog away to a fireworks-free location? Have a travel kennel or cage at home for her to feel safe in. Allow her to seek refuge under beds or chairs, if that’s preferable. Draw curtains, shut any open windows and doors, and leave the TV or radio on to help distract from outside noises. If you’re not going to be home, have a sitter, friend or relative come over to keep your dog company. Make sure she is taken out to relieve herself every four hours.
Get your dog used to the sounds. If you’d like to help your dog become more tolerant of fireworks, consider planning ahead for next year and work in advance to make him more comfortable with the loud sounds. With plenty of patience and time (probably three to four months), you can play recorded sounds of fireworks or other loud noises for your dog at increased intervals and volumes. This can be done before a walk or meal time, and during playtime. As he learns to associate the noise with safety and comfort, it can help desensitize him from the sounds of fireworks. Note: If your dog is extremely sensitive to loud noises, seek the advice of an experienced dog behaviorist before you try any desensitizing techniques.
Consult with your vet. If your dog has an extreme reaction to fireworks, talk with your veterinarian about possible solutions. They could include wearing ThunderShirts or other calming accessories, or even taking calming medications, if necessary. And remember, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do your best to remain calm. Your dog will sense any nervousness on your part, so relax and send the message that things are fine. The less you’re concerned about fireworks, the higher the chances your dog will pick up on your cues and be less concerned as well.
Get plenty of exercise (before dusk). Prior to any fireworks displays, take your dog on a long walk or out for an invigorating play session. Expend any access energy before the festivities begin. This will help your dog get to a pleasantly tired – and hopefully more calm – state.
Let your dog sit this one out. We know that dogs are a part of the family, and you might feel guilty by excluding them from a family event. But celebrations with fireworks are events that your dog won’t mind missing out on. If your dog is bothered by fireworks, he will be happy to stay safe at home or in another quiet place, away from stress and anxiety.
Do You Have More Tips to Share?
Have you found ways to make your dog feel safer and less stressed in the presence of fireworks? We’d love to hear your stories. Please leave any additional tips or suggestions in the space below.
#6. Dog Subscription Box:
For those who have Easter celebrations coming up, there’s a lot to look forward to. Maybe it’s a big family meal, action-packed egg hunts, filled-to-the rim baskets, or lots and lots of candy.
