Tag Archive for: cat

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?_Header

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?

Considering getting a pet but want to know where the Boulder, Colorado emergency vet clinics are? Hopefully, you never have the need for an emergency veterinary clinic, but often accidents and emergencies happen during the hours when your normal clinic is closed, or busy. First off, knowing the times when you might need an emergency clinic is important. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Profound weakness or collapse
  • Seizures
  • Obvious signs of trauma
  • Protracted vomiting/diarrhea (especially if bloody)
  • Signs of pain or extreme restlessness and vocalization
  • Ingestion of a toxin
  • Hindquarter paralysis
  • Abnormal urination

Emergency veterinary clinics in the Boulder, Colorado area

Boulder Emergency Pet Clinic

  • 1658 30th St, Boulder, CO  80301
  • (303) 440-7722
  • 24/7 emergency care

 


CASE – Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency

  • 2972 Iris Ave, Boulder, CO  80301
  • (303) 545-2273
  • 24/7 emergency care

 


 

Boulder Road Veterinary Specialists

  • 2000 W South Boulder Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026
  • (720) 699-7766
  • 24/7 emergency care
  • Speciality care

 


Always be prepared in case of an emergency

It is important to know your closest Boulder, Colorado emergency vet clinic, and the one your veterinarian prefers. Program their information into your phone and call them when needed!

Also, never leave your pets unattended for extended periods of time. Even the most relaxed pet can get into mischief if they are bored. Hire a pet sitter when you’re going out of town or on an extra-long day trip. We’d love to set you up with one of our awesome Wet Noses Pet Sitters to help ensure that your pet is safe. Just give us a call any time you need it!

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine's Day_Header

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine’s Day 2022

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine's Day_Header

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine’s Day 2022

Valentine’s Day is the romantic holiday of the year but it’s filled with dangerous things for our pets. The last thing you need is an emergency trip to the vet. Here are our pet safety tips for Valentine’s Day.

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Keep candles out of reach.

Candles can cause burnt paws, missing fur, or scorched whiskers. As tempting as it might be to decorate with loads of candles our pets don’t understand what fire is and that they can hurt themselves. If you want to light a bunch of candles to set the mood, consider using battery powered candles. If you must use real candles make sure your pet is confined to an area where there are no lit candles.

Chocolate is a no no.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is highly toxic to our pets. Don’t share any with your pets and if you drop any, make sure to pick it up right away. If you want to share some of those chocolate covered strawberries with your pet, consider this dog-friendly carob recipe from dogcancerblog.com. If you plan on substituting the almond butter for peanut butter make sure it does not contain any xylitol. As a general rule, candy should be kept away from pets.

Keep flowers out of reach.

Many flowers are toxic to pets. Those that aren’t toxic may have thorns, such as roses. Roses tend to only cause an upset tummy if only the flower part in ingested. Thorns can cause much more damage. Keep flowers out of reach or consider telling your date ahead of time that you do not want flowers.

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Stuffed animals can be a choking hazard.

Are you lucky enough to get one of those Costco bears? First, congratulations! Secondly, stuffing inside of stuffed animal can pose a choking hazard if your pet mistakes it for one of their toys. Additionally, some stuffed animals have small, hard parts such as the nose that if chewed off could also turn into a choking hazard.

Careful with alcohol.

Dogs and cats are curious and if left unattended, that half drunk cocktail might end up in your pets mouth. Don’t leave out half drunk drinks or bottles that are open.

Throw away all packaging.

Valentine’s Day is a day for gifts. Dispose of all packaging in a bin your pet cannot get into. Small plastic pieces can become a choking hazard. If you get balloons as part of your gift put them into a room you can keep your pet out of. Balloon strings, ribbons, and tape are all ribbon-like materials that can easily get tangled in your pets intestines.

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What are your tips for keeping your pets safe on Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments.

Have a safe and fun Valentine’s Day!

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home_Header

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home_Header

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home

Keeping on top of pet hair in your home is one thing pet owners are always struggling with. Every time I vacuum the canister is full of pet hair! But, I just swept yesterday how is that possible? Excess pet hair in your home can lead to poor air quality, odor, and just a mess. Here are 5 tips to keep on top of pet hair in your home that you can implement today.

Buy an air filter.

Air filters are great to help filter out and catch the smaller hairs our pets leave behind. Make sure to do regular maintenance on any air filter you buy. This includes changing out the filters, cleaning off the vents, and replacing any other filters/components that need changing out over time. Your air filter doesn’t need to be top of the line or expensive. It just needs to have a filter that you can change out.

Vacuum regularly.

Vacuuming up those tumbleweeds will help reduce how much pet hair is around your house. Cleaning up that pet hair will additionally reduce dust and dandruff floating around in your air. If you don’t have a pet specific vacuum that’s alright! Any vacuum will do, you might have to clean out the bristles more on a non-pet specific one.

Alternatively, lint rollers are a great way to quickly clean off pet hair from chairs, rugs, and more. This won’t replace regular vacuuming but in a pinch a lint roller can capture loose hair and keep it from going elsewhere. They also are good to have on hand to clean off your clothes. This is especially true when wearing black when you have a white-haired pet or visversa.

Clean pets bedding on a frequent basis.

Your pets bedding is just like yours. It traps sweat, dead skin, and hair. Each time your pet gets out of their bed a bit of that hair comes with them. By keeping their bedding clean you can reduce the hair build-up in their bed and thus reduce how much comes with them each time. This is also true for cat trees and any place your pet lays regularly that you might not consider washing.

Add a fish oil supplement to your pets diet.

What better way to keep on top of pet hair in your home than to slow it at the source? Adding fish oil to your pets diet will help them have a healthier skin and coat which means, less shedding.

There’s many different fish oil supplements on the market. Here are a few I’ve tried:

If you or your pet are allergic to fish or don’t like the taste of it, Wholistic Pet Organics makes a flaxseed oil alternative.

Brush your pet regularly and have regular grooming appointments.

Brushing your dog outside can be a fun activity for both of you! As an added bonus, your dogs fur helps our birds making nests as it provides a wonderful nesting material. Hair is also bio-degradable so you don’t have to worry about polluting the environment. Getting all of the excess hair out from your dogs top and undercoat goes a long way when helping to control pet hair. During peak shedding season, consider taking your dog to a professional groomer. Your groomer will be able to get even more hair out and can use products that will help improve your pets skin and coat health.

And a bonus…

Get a hairless pet.

If you don’t have a pet already but are concerned about the amount of pet hair – consider getting a hairless pet. Hairless pets require just as much, if not more, maintenance as pets with hair. Many hairless pets require daily lotion applied to keep their skin from becoming dry or sunburnt.

Sphynx cat sniffing a plant

Maybe the Sphynx breed of cat is perfect for you! Or perhaps a Chinese Crested or Mexican hairless. There are a large variety of hairless pets out there to choose from. If a hairless pet isn’t your thing but you’re still concerned about hair a short hair pet may be right for you. Short haired pets tend to not shed as much as long haired pets but your mileage may vary.

Do you have any tips on keeping on top of pet hair in your home? Leave us a comment or @WetNosesPetSitting

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs_Header

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs_Header

5 Items In Your Kitchen That Are Poisonous To Dogs

When sitting down to write about items in your kitchen that are poisonous to dogs, I stood in the middle of mine and took an inventory. There are a lot of things that are found in our kitchens that are poisonous but how often do you really have cherries in your kitchen? They’re probably not a staple. Here are 5 items in your kitchen that are poisonous to dogs that I keep on hand.

Minced Garlic

Amazon.com : Spice World, Minced Garlic, 4.5 Oz : Grocery & Gourmet Food

It’s easier than pressing my own garlic but extremely toxic to dogs. It does take more than a single piece of minced garlic to be toxic but studies have found that 15 to 30g of garlic per 1 kilogram (that’s a little over 2lbs) of body weight is enough to be toxic. Garlic toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. On a more extreme end it can cause damage to red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia.

Bowl of Chocolate Candy

Confectionery, Chocolate, Dark, Whole Milk, Cute

Reece’s Cups are delicious to humans but not to dogs. Chocolate in large amounts can be deadly to pets. Some chocolate candy that contains peanut butter may also contain xylitol which is equally as deadly. The darker the chocolate the worse it is for your pets to have. Dark chocolate contains higher levels of theobromine which dogs cannot metabolize effectively.

Alcohol

Wines, Glasses, Wine Glasses, Stemware, Glassware

You may have some bottles of alcohol in your kitchen if you enjoy a drink every now and then, or if you cook with it. Grapes are also extremely toxic to dogs. Even one grape can be enough to be fatal by potentially causing sudden kidney failure. While we don’t know exactly why grapes (and raisins) are so toxic to dogs they should never be given to a dog.

Caffeinated Drinks

Coca-Cola, Water, Ice, Soda

This isn’t just limited to soda but coffee and caffeinated teas. You’d be shocked about how many things actually contain caffeine. If you ever spill anything that contains caffeine make sure to clean it up right away. Bonus Fact: Cleaning up soda ASAP is important to help prevent ants. Ants are not only annoying but they can carry a variety of diseases with them and they can get into tiny spaces – like dog food containers.

Medications

Pills, Medication, Tablets, Bottle, Drugs, Drugstore

I keep my medications in a medicine cabinet in the kitchen. Why do I keep medications in there? So they’re in a centralized source that doesn’t require having to get them from the bathroom. It’s very handy when you need a Tylenol and somebody is taking an hour-long shower. Highly recommend. If you too have a medicine cabinet in your kitchen make sure it’s one of your higher cabinets. Keep medications in their original packaging. Original packaging is usually child-proof and subsequently slightly more dog proof. If you can’t keep it in its original packaging put it in a secure container on a higher shelf.

Items in your Kitchen that are Poisonous to Dogs Infographic

 

What to do if you suspect your pet has gotten into something they shouldn’t.

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has been poisoned or if you have seen them getting into something that they shouldn’t. It’s always better to take them to the vet and be told that they didn’t ingest anything rather than waiting and it being too late.

What of these common kitchen items do you have in your kitchen? Are there any big ones we missed? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Most Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021_Header

Most Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021

Most Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021_HeaderMost Popular Dog and Cat Names From 2021

2021 was a year wasn’t it and that is reflected in the most popular dog and cat names from 2021. With more people becoming pet parents than ever there were sure to be some creative pet names. Does your pet’s name make this list?

A cat playing with yarn on a pink and white background. The top cat names of 2021 are Luna, Bella, Lily, Lucy and Nala.

Credit: The Dog People

Pet names are like a snapshot for a specific time period. When historical events take place or a new celebrity emerges we see that reflected in pets names. 2021 brought us another year of COVID-19, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Bridgerton (Netflix TV show) released, Bitcoin hit a new ATH, Kim K and Kanye broke up, so many things happened.

This year we saw an even larger increase in COVID-19 related names. Coming in at a+443% increase in cats being named Fauci and +43% being named Covi. It seems like people are still on the COVID-19 naming trend for pets. While names like Rona and Covid were down for cats but the same isn’t true for dogs. With a +35% increase in the name Covid and a +443% increase in the name Zoom. Prior to 2020 hardly any pets were named Fauci, Covid, or COVID-19 related names.

A German Shepherd wearing a mask for Covid-19 inspired dog names

Credit: The Dog People

Taylor Swift lost her top spot with dog parents making way for Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, A-Rod, and Doja Cat. Taylor held on strong for cats, increasing by +76%. Some popular celebrity names for cats in 2021 were: Yeezy, Doja/Doja Cat (+176%), Oprah, Miley Cyrus, GaGa, and Dua Lipa.

Celebrity inspired dog names

Credit: The Dog People

Breaking the most popular names down by sex between cats and dogs gives us these lists:

Top Female Names for Dog: Bella, Luna, Lucy, Daisy, Zoe, Lily, Lola, Bailey, Stella, and Molly

Top Male Names for Dogs: Max, Charlie, Milo, Buddy, Rocky, Bear, Leo, Duke, Teddy, and Tucker

Is your pets name on this list or did you go with another theme?

Top Female Names for Cats: Luna, Bella, Lily, Lucy, Nala, Kitty, Chloe, Stella, Zoe, and Lola

Top Male Names for Cats: Oliver, Leo, Milo, Charlie, Max, Simba, Jack, Loki, Ollie, and Jasper

Some of these names even overlap with Baby Center’s top baby names of 2021. With Leo, Luna, Oliver, and Stella all making that list.

The cast of Friends (dog edition) on the famous couch.

We even saw an increase in pets named after Friends characters following the reunion this year. Pets being named Phoebe Buffay was up +963% this year. Yes, that’s right. The full name. Not just Phoebe. Joey, Gunther, Chandler, and Ross also made the list. There was an increase in pets named after the popular show The Mandalorian with an increase in dogs being named Grogu.

But enough about what The Dog People found! What did Wet Noses Pet Sitting find? We compiled a list of all of our clients pets names who we did visits for in 2021 and found the most popular.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Top Dog Names 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Names for Dogs: Bella, Lucy, Max, Charlie, Rocky

For our feline clients we found these names to be the most popular.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Top Cat Names 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Names for Cats: Luna, Milo, Charlie, Lily, Lucy

Lucy and Charlie both were in our top 5 for cats and dogs. Seems like our data findings match up with what The Dog People found!

This is just a scratch in the surface from what The Dog People found. If you wish to learn more about the most popular cat and dog names of 2021, visit the links provided. Let us know in the comments if your pets name made their most popular names list! We’d love to know why you chose that name.

How To Keep Your Cat Out Of The Christmas Tree

How to Keep Your Cat out of the Christmas Tree Header

How To Keep Your Cat Out Of The Christmas Tree

Keeping your cat out of the Christmas tree can be a challenge. Firstly, why do cats enjoy Christmas trees so much? There are a few reasons.

  • Your cat has never seen a Christmas tree before and the lights, ornaments, or even the tree itself is a new curiosity.
  • It’s a different tree than the one you had previously.
  • Cat’s like to climb and hide, Christmas trees are perfect for this.

Here are a few creative ways to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree this season.

1. Pet Playpen

If you have an adult cat or a cat that can jump high this method won’t work for you. While it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing option it’s great for kittens that can’t jump that high quite yet.

Playpens come in a variety of sizes. The one pictured above is the top rated one on Amazon at the time of writing.

Pet Rex Foldable Metal Pet Exercise Playpen on Amazon @ $38.05

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Pine Cones

This is a method I’ve heard about from friends. Get some pine cones (if you have pine trees in your backyard great!) and spray them lightly with apple cider vinegar. Cats generally dislike the smell of apple cider vinegar. It’s also why they don’t tend to get into the natural gnat traps I occasionally have to put out.

3. Cat Proof the Tree Stand

No matter which tree type you go with, real or artificial, a tree skirt is a great idea to hide the stand or pot. You’ll also want to wrap the base with tin foil. You can also use sand bags or bags of cat litter to help weigh down your artificial tree base in case kitty makes a leaping jump for the tree.

4. Citrus Oil Spray

Making a spray of water and orange, lemongrass, or citronella oil has proven effective at deterring some cats. You can also sprinkle orange peels around the base of your tree just make sure to replace them every day or two so they don’t get moldy and start attracting insects.

5. Avoid Edible Ornaments

Not only are these often not meant for cats to eat they provide a tempting incentive for climbing the tree. Avoiding edible ornaments is one way to make the tree less appealing to your cat.

And some bonus tips:

  • Avoid decorating with delicate, breakable, or sentimental ornaments until you know how you cat reacts to the tree. If your cat doesn’t seem interested in climbing but only batting at lower ornaments, place these up high and out of reach.
  • Pine sap and oils can be harmful to cats. Make sure you cover the pot to avoid your cat drinking the water. You can also cover it with a piece of foil for added security.
  • Avoid tinsel. Tinsel can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. This is also why you should avoid toys that use the shine of tinsel to attract cats. If you cat ingests tinsel do not try to remove it yourself. Call your veterinarian and seek emergency medical help.

Let us know if these tips were helpful in keeping your cat out of the Christmas tree this year in the comments.

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons Header

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons Header

Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons

Everybody has heard of indoor cats and outdoor cats but what are the pros and cons of having indoor cats versus outdoor cats. Here in Northern Colorado, there are a lot of people who have cats that are 100% indoors, cats that are outdoors, cats that are indoor/outdoor, and cats that do a little bit of both. This weeks video series entry covers that exact topic and breaks down the differences between indoor and outdoor cats.

 

Outdoor Cats

Outdoor cats tend to have an average lifespan of two to five years which isn’t terribly long. In our area, Fort Collins, we have a lot of predators especially for those who live near the foothills. When you have a predator problem that’s something to keep in mind. Cats are great hunters and can be good at defending themselves but not when up against a coyote or other larger predatory animals.

Indoor and outdoor cats should be using a flea preventative every 30 days; be that topical or oral. This is especially important for outdoor cats who are more likely to be exposed to fleas.

Try to bring your cat indoor at night. When you have an indoor cat this isn’t a problem but for outdoor cats bringing them in at night helps keep them safe. Downside is cats like to hide and wander so it may not always be possible to bring them in at night. If that’s the case you should have an enclosure for them they can access outside to provide shelter and warmth.

If this outside time is the biggest reason why you’re considering an outdoor cat consider building or purchasing a catio (cat-patio) which is a fenced in area in your yard that your cats can be in. Your cats are technically going outside but they are still contained within a safe environment.

Outdoor cats should be spayed and neutered. We always recommend this but especially for outdoor cats. They can get pregnant at a very young age which will also contribute to the pet overpopulation.

Permanent identification is recommended for all pets but especially for pets that will be going outside a lot. Permanent identification includes things like microchips or tattoos (tattoos being done by a licensed veterinarian who is authorized to do that). A breakaway collar is also important to have but this will mean you’ll be having to replace collars a lot more frequently than with an indoor cat.

Outdoor cats tend to have more health problems than indoor cats. Common health problems in outdoor cats are heat stroke and hypothermia, especially if they get stuck in warm or cold weather. Other times, your cat might get stuck in an area such as a neighbors garage and cannot make it home in bad weather. This can lead to bacterial and various other viral infections. If you are planning on having your cat be outdoors, make sure your veterinarian knows this. They will want to recommend more vaccines than for indoor cats due to what they will be potentially exposed to.

Wounds. Cats get into fights with other cats or other animals. These wounds can develop into abscesses and require veterinary treatment. It’s always good to have a pet first-aid kit on hand but deep wounds require proper medical care and may require stitches and antibiotics.

Cats are curious creatures and may ingest toxic substances they otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to indoors such as antifreeze. Mushrooms are also another common toxic substance your cat may ingest.

Summary

  • Outdoor cats have an average lifespan of two to five years.
  • More likely to be exposed to fleas.
  • May not always be able to bring them in at night and keep them safe from predators.
  • If they are not spayed and neutered they may contribute to the pet overpopulation problem we have in the United States.
  • Replace collars and tags more often.
  • More health problems that indoor cats.
  • Outdoor cats are more susceptible to getting wounds and ingesting toxic substances.

Indoor Cats

Cat that are indoors have lifespan averages between ten to fifteen years, but they can live for even longer.

But, indoor cats tend to be more prone to obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle because they are contained and don’t have as many natural world stimulants as outdoor cats. This can be replicated by having lots of toys, cat trees, and cat perches. You can also place a bird feeder outside a window so your cats can get that stimulation of watching and hearing birds. As mentioned earlier, catios are also a great way to get your cat outdoor time while being secure.

Less vaccinations are typically required for indoor cats. Vaccinations can get expensive and you can reduce the cost of annual vaccines by keeping your cats indoors as they don’t need as many.

If you opt not to use flea protection on your indoor cat they are less likely to get fleas unless you’re in a high flea area because they won’t be going into flea-infested areas. If you have a strictly indoor cat and cats that are going outdoors, give you indoor cat flea protection. Just in case an outdoor cat were to bring some home.

The biggest reason people have outdoor cats is so that they can get more activity and stimulation and because they feel bad about containing them indoors. This is great but you can replicate a lot of those outdoor activities inside or with a catio. Bringing outdoor activities inside or investing is a catio is a great way to keep your indoor cats active and stimulated while keeping them safe.

Catio not an option? Consider leash training your cat. This works best when your cat is younger but you can teach older cats how to walk on a leash and harness. It takes time and patience but can be done most of the time. Some cats will 100% not take to being on a leash and harnesses.

Summary

  • Indoor cats average lifespan is between ten to fifteen years.
  • Tend to be more prone to health issues. Obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle are common. This can be counteracted with stimulation and things like a catio.
  • Less vaccinations required annually.
  • They are less likely to get fleas.
  • You can replicate most outdoor activities and stimulants on the inside.
  • Indoor cats are generally safer. They don’t have to deal with predators, wounds, fights, and illnesses due to overexposure.

Let us know your thoughts on indoor cats versus outdoor cats. Are there any pros or cons we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets? Header

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets? Header

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

When you’re leaving the house, should you leave the radio/TV on for your pets?

It’s up to you!

While the data is limited, there are studies such as the one conducted in 2002 by animal psychologist Deborah Wells from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland 1 2 that indicate it can be beneficial to leave on the radio/TV for your pet but only if it’s playing the right kind of content – most notably classical music. But really, each animal has their own preference and it’s up to you to experiment with what works best for your pet. Some dogs liked heavy metal while others liked the sound of people talking.

What if I don’t have a Radio/TV?

With many of us moving to subscription based streaming you might find yourself without a TV or radio. There are streaming TV stations that are designed to cater to our canine and feline companions but if you have cut the cord there are numerous YouTube channels out there. Keep in mind, any media that runs advertisements can have suddenly loud and jarring sounds that can disturb your pet. One of my cats is currently recovering from a cystotomy so we’ve been enjoying the videos by Paul Dinning on YouTube. Some places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium offer livestreams of their various exhibits. These livestreams tend to have some calming background music but you can search for ones that don’t.

Do you leave the TV on for your pets? What about the radio? Let us know in the comments what your pets favorite thing to listen or watch is.

Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Pet Lovers

Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Pet Lovers Header

Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Pet Lovers

Looking for Christmas gifts for the pet lovers in your life? Here are our top 7 gifts we recommend you give this holiday season.

1. The Big One® Oversized Supersoft Plush Throw

These blankets have been an affordable and adorable staple in my gift-giving trove for years. But any pet themed blanket will do nicely. Sometimes Kohls will have these blankets on sale for $9.99. They wash up well, are a decent size, and are super soft. They rotate patterns year round so if you don’t see one you like make sure to check back.

https://media.kohlsimg.com/is/image/kohls/1944597_Blue_Dog?wid=1200&hei=1200&op_sharpen=1https://media.kohlsimg.com/is/image/kohls/1944597_Cats?wid=600&hei=600&op_sharpen=1

The Big One® Oversized Supersoft Plush Throw on Kohls @ $29.99

2. Cat Mom & Cat Dad Apparel

meow.com has a wide variety of both Cat Mom and Cat Dad apparel to choose from as well as accessories and mystery bundles. Perfect if you want the gift to truly be a surprise.

Spider Black Tie Dye Cat Mom Tee Meow

Spider Black Tie Dye Cat Mom SQ Tee @ $28.99

Dark Heather Vintage Cat Daddy Tee

Dark Heather Vintage Cat Daddy Tee @ $28.99

3. Dog Breed Soy Candle

ScriptedFragrance has a wide selection of hand-poured soy candles decorated with different dog breeds. The listing claims these candles can burn up to 50 hours.

Boxer Dog Breed Soy Candle in Signature Silhouette Glass image 0

Boxer Dog Breed Soy Candle in Signature Silhouette Glass on Etsy @34.00

4. Pet Memorial Gift

Has the pet lover in your life recently lost a beloved pet? Consider getting them a meaningful gift of a pet memorial. I like to use Etsy when looking for pet memorial gifts because of the wide variety of items they have made by various artisans. If you don’t have a photo of the pet handy consider a generic memorial gift such as the ones below.

Willow Tree Angel of Friendship, Sculpted Hand-Painted Figure on Amazon @ $28.95 Cat Version Here.

Willow Tree has a wide selection of different pet memorial figures. If the one above isn’t quite what you’re looking for check out their others.

To My Dog Mama Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Gifts Dog image 0

To My Dog Mama, Rainbow Bridge Pet Necklace on Etsy Starting @ $33.96 Cat Version Here.

Rainbow Bridge Paw Prism Crystal Suncatcher Rearview Mirror image 0

Rainbow Bridge Paw Prism Crystal Suncatcher on Etsy @ $24.00

5. Page-A-Day Calendar

I’ve gotten this as a gift before and have bought one every year since. It’s fun to see the cat pictures and read their little bios submitted by people.

365 Cats Page-A-Day Calendar 2022 on Amazon @ $15.99 Dog Version Here.

If you’re reading this in 2022 or beyond, Amazon conveniently provides a link to the newer product new the top of the listing. You can also search for 365 Cats Page-A-Day calendar [YEAR] to get the latest one.

6. Animal Adult Coloring Book

Coloring books aren’t just for kids! They also make great Christmas gifts for the adult pet lovers in your life. In the past few years coloring books have taken off as a great way to relieve stress and get creative. There are hundreds of animal adult coloring books out there. You’re sure to find one that matches your pet lovers personality.

100 Baby Animals: A Coloring Book on Amazon @ $8.99

Color Animals Coloring Book: Perfectly Portable Pages on Amazon @ $4.63

I own the Color Animals Coloring Book and while it is small it’s perfect to bring with you somewhere. Don’t forget to pick them up some colored pencils if you’re not sure if they have any!

7. Primitives By Kathy

Primitives By Kathy has some super cute household gifts with all different themes but we know why you’re here; you need a gift for a pet lover. Check out their Dog is Good collection for tea towels, socks, pouches, coasters, and more. They also have cat themed gifts as well.\

Dish Towel – Less People More Cats

Socks - I Like Big Mutts And I Cannot Lie - One Size Fits Most - Cotton, Nylon, Spandex

Socks – I Like Big Mutts And I Cannot Lie

If you don’t want to order directly from the supplier, Amazon has a much smaller selection but does have some items.

And a bonus…

8. Something for Their Pet

This might seem counterintuitive but there are some people who really don’t want or need anything for the holidays. I’m one of those people! Unless you know I’ve been eyeing something I would be more than happy if you got me something for my cats – assuming it’s something appropriate and safe for them. Most of my close friends who would do this know I don’t do bells or tinsel on cat toys because of the potential choking hazards and that I’m very selective in my treats. If you’re unsure, just ask! I’d also love if a friend asked me what they could get me for my pets.

Do you already own any of these Christmas gifts for pet lovers? Let us know which ones are your favorite or if you plan to purchase any of these this holiday season in the comments below.

How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks

How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks Header

How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks

Protecting your dogs paws on winter walks is important to keep your pet healthy and safe this winter season. But how do you protect their paws? Here are a few tips to protect those paws.

1. Paw Wax

There are many different types of paw wax out there but one I enjoy is Musher’s Secret. It’s also great to use on dry elbows!

Musher’s Secret is a paw wax made from natural food-grade waxes and oils designed to condition and protect your pet’s paws. Yes! This also works on cats. It’s fast=drying, non-allergenic, and non-staining which are huge pluses. You can also use it during the summer to add another layer of protection to your pets paws when out for walks in case you have to cross any hot pavement.

Buy Musher’s Secret on Amazon

2. Dog Boots

Dog boots take some time getting used to but can protect your dogs paws from more than paw wax can. There are numerous types of dog boots out there so make sure to do research before purchasing to determine if they’re a suitable fit for you and your dog.

Polar Trex™ Winter Dog Boots

Buy Polar Trex™ Winter Dog Boots on Ruffwear

Buy Pawz Dog Boots on Amazon

3. Wipe Those Paws…

When you dog comes in from a walk, make sure to wipe their paws off to get rid of any ice melt and other debris that may have gotten in between their toes. You can use a wet paper towel or any dog grooming wipe.

4. Or Try a Portable Paw Washer

You should still wipe your dogs paws when they come inside but if you know you’ll be out for awhile, consider a portable paw washer. Ideal for mud this will also work on some winter debris. This one comes in three sizes. Just make sure to bring a towel with you.

Buy Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer on Amazon

5. Check Surroundings

Besides waxes and boots you should be vigilant when walking your dog. This will help you avoid encountering potential hazards. Some things to note are:

  • Don’t walk in front of stores: Most stores don’t use pet-safe ice melt. Non pet-safe ice melt is toxic to pets.
  • Stick to a known path: This can help you avoid any holes/gaps that may be hidden by snow.
  • Avoid ice: Ice is slippery for both you and your canine. Walking around ice patches you see can prevent a fall.

Were any of these tips helpful? Let us know if we missed anything and how you protect your dogs paws on winter walks in the comments below.