During tough times, families bond closer together and now, more and more pets are included in the family festivities. As the pet experts, veterinarians are instrumental in helping people make good gift choices for their pets.

In a recent AP poll, 52% of pet owners are considering a gift for their pets this year. That’s up from 43% last year (2008).

Even if our pets don’t know the true meaning of the holidays, they do enjoy the attention and special presents that owners give them. Many of them just enjoying “unwrapping” their gifts!

Pet owners and those looking to give gifts to pets or owners could consider actual physical gifts, gifts that benefit other animals, or a gift that might benefit the pet in the future.

From the “Croc” shaped shoe bed at www.sasquatchpetbeds.com to the beds made from recycled material at www.mollymutt.com, pet beds give your friend a new and comfortable place to stay.

Toys are important to help keep your pet occupied and out of trouble. A variety of laser pointers are available at most major pet retailers, including the new FroliCat BOLT Automatic Laser toy.

Dogs love any number of toys and this year you can choose from tough durable Kong® toys and the new GoughNuts (www.goughnuts.com). PetSmart has their soft plush Luv-A-Pet toys and 10% of sales go to help homeless pets.

Maybe it’s time to spruce up your pet’s eating area. The American Humane Association (www.americanhumane.org) has unique decorative bowls for your pets. While you are there, you can find one of a kind pins and picture frames for the pet lovers on your list.

Or maybe you just want your pet to have a new outfit for the holidays. At www.poochieheaven.com, you can find everything from Santa hats to elf outfits and gingerbread tees!

Overall, beyond the fun toys or fancy clothes for your pets, veterinarians recommend that you consider some less common, but definitely helpful gifts.

Millions of pets wander off each year, unable to find their way back home. A microchip, along with proper registration can insure your pet’s safe return in case he becomes lost.

An even greater number of pets are given up to shelters because of behavior issues. Dr. Rhonda Stallings from California recommends investing in professional training for your pet in order to help prevent this tragedy.

Sites like www.helpingfido.com and www.avsabonline.org can help you find the right tools for any behavior issue.

Being prepared for any emergency may not be a flashy gift, but it could save your pet’s life. Consider pet insurance or even a Pet Health Savings plans as one way to help protect your pet from serious illness or injury. An internal medicine specialist from New York says that pet insurance is a great gift!

A variety of insurance plans are available at www.petsbest.com and you can even set up an interest bearing, insured savings account for your pet by visiting www.pawsitivesavings.com.

And, as a veterinarian writes, “the gift of time matters to them the most.” Make it a point to spend a little more time with your pets each day.

Our pets give us so much and ask so little in return. Ask your veterinarian about ideas to help keep your four legged friend healthy and happy.

Be sure to bookmark www.MyVNN.com as your sources of up to date and accurate pet health information.

Sara Lash, DVM

Healthy Pets Mobile Vet

www.drsaralash.com