When shopping for holiday gifts for your dogs and cats, think about what is practical. In today’s economy, we need to make sure our pet’s gifts are functional, durable, and affordable. What can you give your pet to improve the quality of his life, makes him safer, happier, and more comfortable? According to the American Animal Hospital Association, animals are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia in less than an hour. If you see your dog shivering it is time to bring him in. Here’s a good rule to keep dogs safe—if you have a long-haired dog; he can play outside for short periods of time when the temperature is about 20 degrees F; if you have short haired dogs, young puppies, or older dogs, wait until the temperature is 40 degrees

Although I think it’s usually best for dogs and cats to live inside with their owners, I know this is not always possible, and that pets that live outside need extra attention and care to keep them warm and safe. Indoor dogs often need extra warmth when going on walks outside in very cold weather, especially puppies, older dogs, shorthaired dogs, and small dogs. That’s why dog jackets, vests, and sweaters, aren’t just fashion statements, but help keep animals from getting hypothermia or suffering in extremely cold weather.

Pets, especially dogs, like their own designated beds that provide soft cushioning for joints, and older dogs that often suffer from arthritis need the extra padding provided by a good quality dog bed. Many cats will also take happily to cat beds and because cats love warmth, beds with heating pads make them happy during the winter season.

I was really excited to find some great eco-friendly dog beds on Amazon. Obre has a beautiful line of hypoallergenic dog beds in a great assortment of styles and colors, made with recycled materials and natural dyes. These products are azo free, prewashed, preshrunk, and washable.

The other great pet beds, made by Eco-Nap, are made from 100% recycled materials and are also machine washable.

Cats need to scratch to keep their muscles toned and strong, their nails sharp and healthy, but they must have plenty of places they can scratch other than your furniture. If you have a new kitten or just need another scratch post or scratch toy, consider giving your feline a practical holiday gift she will love and use for years to come.

When I first brought home my timid and very shy Birman cat from the sanctuary, I managed to coax her into games with Da Bird. This toy gets raves from every cat owner I know who has tried it—their cats absolutely love it! My cat would literally play through entire moves while I would watch my movie and play with her and Da Bird at the same time.

And, my finicky feline loves Greenies Dental Treats, and most cat owners know, its hard to brush a cat’s teeth, so these treats can be an alternative cats love.

If you keep your house cold in the winter, your cat will love a heated cat bed. Some people have outside cats that come and go and are housed in a garage or basement, and these beds are a great gift to help keep these outside felines warm in bitter weather.

During the busy holiday season, keep pets safe by providing them with safe toys and surroundings. Those cute doggie or kitty outfits with ribbons and bows that can be easily swallowed, can be dangerous. Chocolate can be deadly to some dogs and cats, even in small quantities. Keep bones away from animals that can splinter and cause choking. Don’t’ feed your pets too many table scraps. This can cause digestive problems, encourage begging, and make your pets sick.