Santa Paws Is Coming
We leave a plate of cookies out for Santa. We wrap gifts for a newborn. Why not put some things under the tree for your best friends? Cats and dogs may not know what Christmas is but they know a new toy or treat when they see it. Get them super excited with these cool items this holiday season.
A romp in the mountains could send a chill through their bones if they’re not a fluffy St. Bernard. The softshell Cloudchaser hugs your pooch all the way around his body and insulates him from cold, wet, inclement weather. The waterproof, windproof, breathable three-layer soft-shell upper fabric has four-way stretch and a zippered closure for a snug fit and easy on/off. The belly panel is coated to repel water, snow and dirt. It also has reflective piping for afterwork strolls. $79.95, www.ruffwear.com.
Orvis Toy Box
In a nutshell, this piece of reclaimed wood is gorgeous. The medium-sized box should fit into anyone’s home décor and despite its compact size will handle every toy in the house. Now you don’t have to hide that unsightly pile of squeakers and tugs. The antique mountain look will be a conversation starter. Add a personalized name plate and your dog just may clean up his own toys. $129-149. http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=8R93
It’s easy for Fido to celebrate the holidays when he’s trotting around with a Snowman in his mouth. The squeaky toy is made from 100 percent non-toxic, durable materials and should last you well past New Year’s. Get the Reindeer and Santa Claws Cat designs for extra stocking stuffers. $8-12, www.petprojekt.com
When you’re gone all day skiing, let the SnugglePuppie take your place. This soft, cuddly pup makes a best friend unlike other toys that beg to be tossed, chewed and dragged around. A removable plastic heart beats in the middle and the pocket for handwarmers provides the comfort a mother’s body might. But your pet doesn’t have to be a newborn to discover the warmth of a best friend. Children, seniors and adult dogs too will cuddle with this slipper-sized softie. Heartbeat comes with batteries, it’s machine washable, and because there’s nothing small to chew off it’s safe for all. $39,
http://www.snugglepetproducts.com/snuggle-pets/snuggle-puppies
OK, a collar is more for you than her but you’ll both feel motivated to take those winter’s night strolls with a Dog-e-Glow. The light-up collar and matching leash come in all sorts of cute designs and stand out even in the dead of night. Whether it’s the bones, plaids or a Cougars or Utes style you’ll love how the little LED bulbs shine along the entire length and can be seen up to 1000 feet away. The weather-resistant collars and leashes can be set to flash, steady and off mode so the replaceable lithium coin cell batteries last up to 150 hours. $9, www.petsmart.com.
Cats too deserve healthy snacks and with those carnivorous attitudes, Bravo! will surely please the king and queen of the house. The Feline Healthy Medley treats of 100 percent pure muscle meat are freeze-dried to lock in flavor. They’re grain-free and created specifically to nurture the nutritional needs of cats by providing ingredients filled with easily absorbable vitamins and minerals. Use them to train your cat to come indoors, get off the counters and maybe even take that cupcake out of your hand. $8, www.BravoRawDiet.com
Therapy animal owners can tell you dogs’ paws can pick up all sorts of nasties from the floor. So a pair of Power Paws is not just about protecting pads from cold days and slippery floors. The “Advanced” style is a non-slip, reinforced-toe canine sock for indoor/outdoor wear to prevent frostbite, improve traction, keep snow from clumping between toes without sacrificing dexterity and avoid germs at your next trip to the vet. When you don’t need the beefiness of a dog booty try the Power Paws. $24.99; http://woodrowwear.com/.
Go Get It
Move over Chuck-It. The Go Get It is no ordinary ball launcher. The retractable, ergonomic handle extends and retracts for maximum portability. Never touch a slobbery ball again. Hook the thrower to a belt loop or leash handle with the convenient end clip and there’s no excuse not to take it out to play with your buds. $17, http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Go-Get-ball-launcher/dp/B000R7XPSA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
If you’ve ever witnessed the mess your dog makes shredding the insides of a stuffed toy you’ll appreciate the Floppie. This 2 in 1 rodent is filling free, and has two squeakers and a braided cotton rope hidden inside for all sorts of all-day fun. $8, http://aussienaturals.us.
Serve up his 2014 meals in this stylish, fun, playful food and water feeder. Two generous removable stainless bowls sit snuggly inside the brightly colored plastic ‘bone’ for easy washing and filling. Non-slip rubber feet keep the whole thing from sliding around at dinner time. Pick the color that matches your room or opt for black which goes with everything. The bowl comes in two sizes so cats and small dogs can have a taste of personality as well. $25-35, http://www.prestigepet.com.
