Holidays aren’t just for people any more. A 2012 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that 30% of pet owners buy presents for their pets. That got us to thinking…’what gifts do our Animal Medical of New City vets think are best?’
Pet Feeder Activated By Microchip
Huh? Bear with me. You know how your dog eats out of your cat’s bowl or how one cat hogs his food and the food of your other cat? Well this device solves that problem The food is locked inside of the glass lid pictured below. When the cat that ‘belongs’ to the food bowl sticks its head through that white arch, the food bowl senses the microchip and opens for the cat (a microchip is required for this thing to work…if your cat doesn’t have a microchip, you can click here for more information). When the cat leaves, the lid closes again, locking Tubby Tabby or Fat Fido out of the bowl. Neat, huh?
Electronically Activated Pet Door
If you’re sold on the idea of a microchip activated pet feeder, a pet door that only swings open for your pet should be a no brainer. In this case, the door isn’t activated by a microchip, but a ‘smart key’ that you attach to your dog or cat’s collar. Installation is pretty straight forward and the product comes with live support to help you past any unseen installation bugaboos. 
Shelter for Stray Cats
During this charitable season, you might want to do something nice for the stray cats in your neighborhood. We like this cat shelter because its affordable and heated! We suggest putting a blanket in the bottom of it to keep it clean. You can also put wood chips in the bottom. The chips (as opposed to straw) are absorbent and will also insulate the cat better after they tuck in for the night. If you are trying to manage a stray cat population in your area, please reach out to us for help for ideas and resources that will be of help. Remember that your indoor kitties should have NO contact with any feral cats in your neighborhood. IMPORTANT: If your pet is sick, do not place him or her on a heating pad. Very sick animals may not be able to move. Prolonged heat in any area of a pet’s body can cause serious damage to the pet’s skin.
Dog Proof Litter Box The Prevents Tracking
Okay, we’re cheating a bit here. I mean, technically this is a present for your cat, but you’re going to be the one that loves this the most. Here’s what’s cool about this litterbox:
- The small opening prevents your dog from grabbing a ‘cat treat’… if you catch my drift.
- The design forces your cat to jump in and out of the box and walk across the grated top…this all but eliminates tracking litter outside of the box.
- It looks cool. The shape hides what’s inside and also contains odors well.
An important note. Cats get arthritis just like people do. This gift is probably a bad idea if you notice that your cat is jumping less frequently or is up there in years, both good indicators that your cat may be arthritic. If you haven’t been in for a checkup in a while, please make an appointment today.
My Dog Eats Too Fast and Throws Up His Food
Reminds me of the time I entered the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest. In both cases, the secret is to slow down. This food bowl’s cool design forces your dog to work for his or her food and makes it impossible to gobble. By the way, dogs that ‘inhale’ their food, especially deep chested dogs, are at risk for bloating and a serious (and sometimes fatal) condition known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GVD). For more on the topic of eating too fast, bloating and GVD in dogs, read this terrific article by the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine.
Protect My Bed From My Pet
If you’re like any of us here at Animal Medical of New City, you sleep with your dog or cat. The fur, dirt, and occasional accidents are not fun. We like this bed cover because it holds onto dirt and fur (so that it doesn’t end up in your mouth), is waterproof without that crinkling sound that other waterproof fabrics make, and is easily washable. By the way, not to be a party pooper, but did you know that there is a lot of evidence that suggests that people should NOT sleep with their pets (same room is cool, but same bed is not)? Click the link for more on the topic.
Shop for Dog and Cat Clothing
Okay, here’s a guilty confession. We like dressing our pets up for the holidays. Walking your dog in his new outfit is fun (especially when people that walk by tell him how handsome he is!). Here’s a couple of tips when selecting an article of clothing for your dog or cat.
- Pay attention to fit. Don’t put your dog or cat into anything too restrictive.
- Always pay attention to your dog or cat while they are clothed. He or she may choose to chew at the garment, eat some of it, and engage in other activities that all lead down the wrong road.
- Watch for overheating
- Don’t allow your pet to wander off leash in his or her new holiday outfit. The garment can snag or get covered with burs.
Oh, and don’t be afraid of dressing up the big guys. Fancy clothing isn’t only for the little guys and gals. Get your lab a Santa suit or treat your beagle to the cool hunting coat shown below.
