9 Gifts to Give Your Pet

This season, the best present for cats and dogs is good health

When it comes to holiday shopping, your pet probably makes your gift-giving list. While chew toys and new food bowls are festive, the most important present you can give your pet isn’t one that can be found under the tree. Instead, give your pet the gift of good health. These 9 ideas can help ensure that you and your pet share many more holidays together.

1. A holiday physical exam. The true value of a doctor’s visit isn’t just to treat what ails us, but to prevent us from ailing. So give your pet the gift of a thorough medical checkup. Take the time to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s current health and what you can do to keep him in top shape. One tip: Make sure your pet isn’t too portly (more than half of our nation’s dogs and cats are). Added pounds can rob pets of years of precious life.

2. Daily exercise. Nothing will please your pet more than a walk or playing “bat the ball.” Engage in at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity with your pet each day during the holiday season. You both will have fun, feel less stress, and prevent the dreaded “holiday spread.”

3. Clean teeth. A majority of adult pets suffer from oral disease, and the majority of those cases are caused by a lack of oral hygiene. So this holiday season, try brushing your cat’s and dog’s teeth with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush or finger brush, along with flavored pet toothpaste. (Never use people toothpaste, because the fluoride in it can be dangerous to pets.) It’s never too late to start, and it only takes a few minutes. Also consider talking to your veterinarian about oral rinses and sealants, food and water additives, and other easy ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

4. Healthy snacks. No festive occasion is complete without sweets, but instead of sharing your cookies and cakes, give your dog a slice of fruit or a crunchy veggie. Cats will love a pinch of salmon, tuna, or haddock. If you must indulge your pet, do so in moderation. The trouble isn’t with treats; it’s with too many treats. Show your pet some snacking restraint and she’ll end the holiday season the same size she started. 

The bond you share with your pet is something to celebrate during the holidays and all year through.

5. A health profile. Many diseases in pets aren’t obvious until it’s too late. To uncover any hidden problems before they surface, have your pet’s blood and urine tested every holiday season—or on a yearly or twice-yearly basis as recommended by your veterinarian. This is a gift that can truly save your pet’s life.

6. A home-cooked meal. Don’t forget your pets when you’re planning your festive feast. Make a meal for your dog using baked or grilled fish, fresh vegetables such as carrots, green beans, minced kale, and some potatoes, tapioca, quinoa, or rice. For your cat, serve up a fresh salmon steak. Be sure to keep calories in mind, and ask your human guests not to sneak snacks under the table. Also remember that this is a special meal and creating healthy, balanced home-cooked meals for your pet on a regular basis is time-consuming and can be difficult at first. Specifically, you must ensure you’re meeting your pet’s nutritional needs and feeding safe, nontoxic foods.

7. Massage. You can pamper your cat or dog with a visit to a pet massage therapist, or treat him to a 15-minute rub-down session that you do yourself. Massage your pet up and down his back and sides using long, gentle strokes, and use three fingers to rub circles around his neck and legs. You’ll both feel more relaxed when you’re done.

8. A play date. The holidays are a social time, so arrange a play date for your dog and his best walking buddy, complete with fun canine competitions and healthy snacks. While your pets play, you can unwind with friends. For cats, engage in a special play session, perhaps with a new interactive toy.

9. Extra hugs. Show your pet love and gratitude—even (or especially) when you’re exhausted, grumpy, and just want to escape. Take a few minutes to quietly stroke your pet; the magical connection you share will lower your blood pressure and rejuvenate your spirit. And remember: The bond you share with your pet is something to celebrate during the holidays and all year through.