Pamper Your Dog or Cat Using These Great Ideas

So many people treat their dogs and cats like children these days, that the pet industry is booming like never before. There's no end to the selection of products you can buy to pamper your pet, and people snap them up! Yes, I must include myself in that category. Pets have always been a part of my family, and I love giving them things that make their lives more enjoyable.

There are countless ways to pamper your pet, but most of them fall into one of four categories: toys, treats, creature comforts and attention.

TOYS

Pets are pretty easy to please when it comes to toys--plus, they never return our presents! Kitties go crazy for furry mice, ping-pong balls and catnip-filled toys. Dogs love rope tugs, floating rings and squeaky toys. In general, anything that keeps pets amused instead of looking around for trouble, is considered a good toy.

TREATS

Many people think giving their pet lots of food is pampering it, when in reality it's just the opposite. A fat pet is not a healthy pet, and you're just asking for trouble later on. Feed them a good quality pet food such as Innova, Felidae or Canidae, and give them occasional treats. Freeze-dried liver, chicken and fish treats have no additives or preservatives, which makes them a perfect way to pamper your pet.

Homemade dog biscuits and cat treats are also healthy ways to pamper your pet, and very easy to make. I have two pet food recipe books that I use to make homemade pet food and treats. alternately you can find some good pet food recipes on the internet. No matter which treats you give, just remember not to overdo it.

CREATURE COMFORTS

Since cats and dogs spend the better part of their day sleeping (or at least resting with one eye open), an ideal way to pamper them is with a nice pet bed. There are probably as many styles available as there are breeds of dogs and cats. I think it's safe to say that a cat or dog doesn't care about the style or color of their pet bed, so get the one you like and everyone will be happy.

A wonderful way to pamper an older, arthritic dog or cat is with a heated pet bed. They're safe to use, and the gentle radiant heat will soothe their joints and keep them comfortable. Older pets also appreciate movable stairs or a ramp to help them get up onto their favorite sleeping spot.

Believe it or not, many short-haired dogs get chilly going outdoors in winter. For them, a stylish sweater is not so much pampering as it is a necessity. If you think dogs look silly in sweaters, get one that's designed to look like a horse blanket-it's fashionable AND utilitarian. Indoor cats need a scratching post to keep them from sharpening their claws on the furniture or rug.

ATTENTION

The single best way to pamper your pet is to give them the attention they crave. Some people insist that cats are too independent to want or need attention. However, I've had cats all my life and emphatically disagree. I've never had a cat who didn't enjoy being petted and brushed, and can only surmise that an aloof cat probably got this way from lack of attention at the start.

The nicest thing about attention as a form of pampering your pet, is that it's free! Animals that are petted and loved on a regular basis will be more content and better behaved. A daily brushing of their fur is something almost every pet loves. My cat comes running when I get out the brush, and her loud rumbling purr tells me she enjoys this activity very much. Once a week, give your pet a body massage too, which increases circulation and makes their coat shine. Plus, they really seem to love it!

Most pets like to stay close to their human companions, so let them sleep in your room and on your bed at night if it doesn't bother you. Playing with your cat or dog daily is a great way to pamper your pet. This only takes ten or fifteen minutes, and it's quality time your pet not only deserves but needs. Most dogs also need to go for a daily walk--if you don't have the time, hire a pet walker to provide this essential routine for your pet.

Pampering your pet should be all about what they want, not what you think is cute or desirable. You may not be able to speak "dog" or "cat," but if you really try, I'm sure you can tell the difference between your wants and needs, and theirs. Pamper your pet with the things they like, and you'll be rewarded with unconditional love and a very happy companion!