Dear Critter Corner: What are some fun toy ideas for my dog this holiday season? Is there anything to avoid?
Here are some tips and tricks for making your holiday shopping a bit easier and more enjoyable for your favorite furry friends. Consider the presentation of the gift. Unwrapping a present can be even more fun that the gift itself, and this is just as true for dogs. If you are going to be getting your pup multiple items, try creating a toy box. There are several companies that sell these pre-made, but they can be a fun do-it-yourself project. Try littering the bottom of a cardboard box with some tasty treats and then tightly packing in all your pup’s new and unpackaged new goodies. Your pup will double down on ferreting out all the food at the bottom and then get to play with all their fun new toys.
A nice new chew is always a safe bet for a dog but consider spicing up their life with some new scents. Dogs have incredible olfactory systems and much of their brain capacity is used for smelling. Lavender, ginger, coconut, and vanilla are all scents that may intrigue and help calm your dog. Try using a drop from some essential oils and get your dog interested in searching new objects or relaxing on their favorite bed. Pair a new, interesting scent with a new activity and some positive reinforcement to quickly get your dog to be excited about training.
One thing to avoid spoiling your favorite canine friend with is sugar. While dogs can process sugar, they suffer from the same health issues regarding sugar as people, but without the same daily care. Cavities, weight gain, and diabetes are all serious issues that can be a result of overindulging in sugar. And you are probably not brushing your dog’s teeth twice a day. A little nibble for a special occasion is sweet, but please don’t give your dog the gift of sugar cookies and a trip to the dentist.
Daniel Levit is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org, call 650-340-7022, ext. 416, or email dlevit@phs-spca.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com