Christmas celebrations alter everything. Family gatherings arrive, lunches and dinners get longer, you spend more time away from home… Wow, during these holidays our routines get out of control. But also those of our dogs and cats, who are exposed to new situations: suffering from unknown guests at home, noisy encounters, new smells, changes in the space due to Christmas decorations or spending more hours alone. Therefore, thinking about them and respecting their schedules, preventing guests from harassing them, providing them with a safe space where they can take refuge and be calm, and gradually introducing changes at home that get them used to what is to come, are some of the recommendations. essential for this Christmas.
Dedicating quality time to them these days so that they feel accompanied and stimulated will also contribute to their well-being and rest. For this reason, and since they are another member of the family, we can give them a Christmas gift that helps us fulfill that purpose. So take note of some ideas that we present below to include in the letter from Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men: from something as simple as a coat that will keep him cold or a bed in which he can enjoy a good nap, to a toy that encourages fun and learning, with which we can also interact.
When it comes to walking, in addition to a collar, harness or leash, a raincoat for this winter can become a practical and functional gift for your dog. It will keep you dry so you can enjoy a leisurely walk in the rain. These garments fit your neck and body, are easy to put on and take off, and are easy to clean. Another warmer option would be a sweater or a coat, which always come in handy when temperatures drop, and which will be useful if you go on a snowy getaway, for example.
The usual toys such as a ball or a frisbee cannot be missing from the gift list either, to encourage physical activity through play. Also, if your dog likes to curl up in his bed, a good idea might be to give him a soft, cuddly stuffed animal. Or, if your thing is more about using your mouth, a teether with which you release energy. There are kits that bring together different toys with different uses and they may interest you.
Mental stimulation, very important for the well-being of our dog, comes with proposals such as olfactory mats, ideal for hiding treats so that your dog can find them using his sense of smell. Hollow toys made of non-toxic natural rubber also offer great benefits, since they are resistant to their bite and you can fill them with delicious treats or wet food to stimulate them and have them have a fun time getting the food out of them.
Our dog’s rest is no less important than moments of activity. That’s why a comfortable bed (some have a memory foam mattress) or a warm blanket will make them enjoy the true pleasure of being at home. Dogs not only like to cover themselves, but some love to form a kind of nest with their blanket and snuggle up. This will provide them with comfort and, at the same time, help them regulate their body temperature.
Scratching, jumping or climbing are actions that are part of cats’ nature. For this reason, every cat parent ends up knowing the importance of adapting their home so that it resembles their kitten’s natural environment. If, for example, you are looking for a practical scratching post as a Christmas gift, a good idea is to give a scratching tree of different heights, which includes resting houses, hanging balls to play with and areas with sisal rope where they can, Also, sharpen your nails. Hammocks are also an excellent option because they allow them to have a privileged view, either of the outside, if they are placed over the window (with suction cups) so they can see the street; or from the interior, if they are hung from the ceiling with views of the entire living room. Another interesting option is to attach the hammock to the radiator so that they are in a high place and, at the same time, warm.
We cannot ignore our cat’s hunting instinct. Therefore, to stimulate it physically and mentally, we can choose different types of toys: from a mouse (plush, paper, rope, with feathers, without feathers…) so that it pounces on it as if it were real prey. treat; even a rod with a lure that you have to follow and catch. Both can be a fun way to satisfy your need to hunt. On the other hand, if your cat loves catnip, also known as catnip, a stuffed animal with it inside will excite him. Of course, before choosing the ideal toy for your cat, remember to first explore his preferences and playing style.
Interactive feeders, sniffing mats, and intelligence toys can also be great gifts to put out treats, kibble, or wet food and let them have fun finding the food. There are many options available that will help combat boredom and inactivity by making them eat more slowly, which is ideal for any type of cat, but especially for those who are overweight or have a food craving.
Although cats are very playful, there is nothing they like more than sleeping, and there are products so they can do both at the same time, such as a tunnel bed. You can use it to entertain yourself by walking from one side to the other, and to hide or take a nap at will. As they usually incorporate a crunchy fabric, their sound encourages the cat to play in it. The best? It can be folded, so you can store it without it taking up much space at home.
Even if you want to have a gift for Christmas with your dog or cat, whether purchased or homemade, do not forget that, beyond material things, the best gift you can give them is your time and attention. Sharing experiences playing, walking or simply enjoying together will not only give them special moments, but will also give us the joy, connection and love that they provide us.
