As the holidays approach, many people are busy picking out gifts for their loved ones. Of course, many people also have their young ones at home this year. Our canine patients are absolutely thrilled about this. Why not just have the kids make something for Fido? A local vet offers some suggestions below.

Toys

Toys are very fun for pups, but they are also good for our canine pals, both physically and mentally. Here’s an easy DIY doggy toy option: cut an old towel or tee shirt into thin strips. You can use a few different-colored materials. Braid the strips together, and then braid those braids together. When you have a decent-sized rope toy, just tie the end off in a big knot. You can also make variations of this, by incorporating things like tennis balls or differently shaped knots. 

Treats

If there’s one thing that is always an appropriate gift for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors, it’s snacks. Have the kids do a bit of holiday baking for their canine pal! This doesn’t have to be very complicated. You can make your pooch some simple doggy biscuits by combining a half cup of oats, 2 cups of pureed pumpkin or sweet potato, an egg, a half cup of natural PB, and three cups of whole wheat flour. Roll the dough out, and then use a cute bone-shaped cookie cutter. About 20 minutes at 350F should do it, but add some more time for crunchier treats. We suspect Fido will approve.

Bedding

It’s very important for your canine buddy to sleep comfortably as he’s dreaming of chasing mice and sugarplum fairies. You can go low-key with this one, and have the kids fold, sew, and stuff a blanket. Or, if you want something a bit more involved, have them upcycle a piece of secondhand furniture. You can turn a coffee table upside down, repurpose a hard-shell suitcase, or even make Fido a pallet bed. Paint and stain will make it look nice .Just make sure there are no sharp edges. 

Treat Jar

Another great craft option is to have the kids decorate a treat jar for Fido. You can start with any simple ceramic jar or vase. A plain cookie jar is fine. They can use paint, stencils, or other mediums to decorate it and make it look nice. You can also paint the pup’s doghouse!

Season’s Greetings! Please reach out to us, your local vet clinic, if there is ever anything we can do for you. We are here to help!