Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. I’ve been paid to put this on my site, but I don’t mind this one – as it’s on pets and we’re hoping to acquire a very special certain dog in the new year!
Pets – will they know it’s Christmas? They might notice something big is about to happen, especially when the fridge or cupboards groan under the growing weight of food. But will your pet receive anything on December 25th? You might only get round to giving an extra pat on the head or fewer walks perhaps…
UK spend on pet Christmas gifts is understood to be worth millions yet, by comparison, Americans last year spent a staggering $41bn or (£26bn), according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. But what about in Britain? Here are a few festive gift ideas that don’t cost as much as Santa’s reindeer food bill.
On the ball…
Back to basics, a ball will keep a pooch or moggy entertained for hours, and can be inexpensive. Larger balls are suitable – for example a tennis or tough football, or something smaller for an adventurous, prowling cat. Where dogs are concerned, remember ‘sharp canines’ can be unforgiving when sunk into soft balls. And, while you’re ball-shopping, why not consider a ball launcher or thrower to keep Fido fit over the festive period? A good excuse for you to work off those Christmas calories too!
Bit between the teeth…
Unsurprisingly, pets are unable to brush their own teeth, which is why owners can assist. There is a wide range of dental care products to help keep your pet’s teeth white and bright if it’s had its fair share of festive treats over Christmas – from dental rinses, chew sticks and dental tooth wipes – to even pet toothbrushes.
Stockings…
One idea might be to buy or make your own festive stocking which you can fill with fun presents for your furry friend, including snacks, chewy bones, cuddly toys or even a new collar and lead. Unlike a child who may try to ‘stay up’ to see Santa your pet is going to have no idea it’s time to ho, ho, ho unless of course the pressie under the tree contains some tasty smelling treats and in that case… take cover! Equally important is to not get too wrapped up in festivities and forget about your cat or dog.
Winter warmers…
How about a winter coat for your cat or dog, depending on their breed? There are many coats available for different sized animals which can help to protect against the perils of winter weather. You may even be able to find one with a little festive sparkle at this time of year.
And don’t forget to keep your pet snug and warm at Christmas with their very own kennel or basket. If you’re considering buying a kennel or basket for Christmas it may be useful to check your pet insurance, as this may help provide cover for damage caused by wear and tear.
Food with thought
There is a broad choice of cat or dog food on the market – but pets eat this everyday. Consider cooking up some treats and tip bits, providing they are healthy and suitable for the pet’s diet. From doggie Gazpacho to olive oil and bacon truffles, there are plenty of fantastic pet-friendly recipes available online.They can then be wrapped in foil and fed to the animal at their mealtime, marking Christmas as a special day. Moderation is key when feeding pets, although owners themselves may ‘indulge a little’ on the food front over Christmas.
This guest post was written on behalf of Money Matters, the Sainsbury’s Bank blog. It aims to be informative and engaging. Though it may include handy tips and tricks, it does not constitute advice and should not be used as a basis for any financial decisions. Any links to Sainsbury’s Bank product pages contained within this post are there to provide information, not to directly promote financial products. All information in this post was correct at date of publication.
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