Dog Grooming Hints

Looking for the perfect gift for a pet owner? Did someone you know recently bring home a new addition to their family? Maybe you know an animal lover that has a birthday coming up? Sure, a box of doggie treats or a squeaky newspaper toy is cute. But wouldn’t it be nice if you could show someone that you appreciate both them and their four-legged buddy? Well, with the vast variety of dog related gifts available today, you can! Start by thinking about both the pet and the pet owner’s personality. Know a diva with a tiny little dog named Prada? How about a designer dog carrying purse with matching doggie clothes? (Most Target stores carry Isac Mizrahi dog purses and clothes at very affordable prices www.target.com) Or perhaps a doggie water purifier or a rhinestone studded collar would work. For the person who pampers their little buddy, there are memory foam doggie beds. Or, you might want to get them a gift certificate from the local grooming salon. (Most Petco and Petsmart locations have full service grooming services available)Know a dog owner who is eco-friendly? How about baking them a tin of homemade dog treats? (www.yummyfordogs.org and www.i-love-dogs.com both have an extensive list of free dog treat recipes. Just make sure you never use chocolate in anything you make for a dog-it’s highly toxic to them!) Also, many grooming salons carry organic products for dogs, such as all natural dog shampoos, breath mints, and vegan-approved dog foods. For the adventure seeking dog owner, there are literally dozens of products out thereto help them get the most out of outdoor time with their pooch. Collapsible food and water bowls are great for a long hike. Many companies are now making K-9 hiking gloves, to offer better traction and protection on jagged trails. There are doggie rain jackets, Puppy sized camping tents, and car seats made especially for dogs. For the ultimate in outdoor fun, Ruff Wear even makes a dog vest with built in air conditioning. The “swamp cooler” dog vest works with water to keep four-legged friends cool, no matter how hot it gets outside. (www.backcountryk9.com) Finally, perhaps the most thoughtful gift you can give to an animal lover might just be a donation in their name to their local animal shelter, humane society or ASPCA. The ASPCA will even send you a bracelet when you make a donation. Regardless of which gift you decide to give them, just keep in mind the things that your pet-lover likes, and they will be thrilled that you thought of both them and their best friend.