Here’s what to give the pet who has everything this holiday season

You are left racking your brains to find a gift that is so different that your pet will feel really special.

We know you are ready to splurge because surveys have shown that people will spend a lot more on their pets this holiday season than on family and friends who are being shut out of consideration because of high costs.

So what to buy?

Dressing up

You can consider unusual dress-up costumes that are popular at holiday time. You might go so far as to adorn your special pets with the hottest fashions of the season.

Think about it. A reversible plaid green sweater, bandana, and sweater vest shirt for your pet is bound to be a hit on walks in your neighborhood.

A beanie with the words “Naughty or Nice” for your guinea pig or hamster might be great for pictures that you can circulate on Facebook. Hey, they might even go viral.

Also available is a dragon Santa costume for reptiles. Yes, really.

Honestly, though, does your pet really know why these wonderful gifts are different from those other hats and vests they are forced to wear at other times of the year? Will your dog really enjoy being laughed at when dressed in festive pajamas?

Counting down the days

More likely to go down with your dog is an advent calendar. On the surface counting down the days to Christmas will mean little to your dogs, but watch them enjoy the jerky, biscuits, or cold cooked meats (called by the fancy name of charcuterie board chews) that are hidden in the calendar. A gingerbread house is also asking to be gobbled up when the time is right.

Among the other more meaningful gifts for your small pets are a cozy bed in which to sleep. Fish and reptiles could enjoy a holiday igloo in which to play.

Pampering them

Still looking for something special?

You might consider pampering your furry friend. A day at the spa salon or the groomer will leave them looking their best this holiday season (at least from your perspective).

We are willing to bet that the holiday dog cookie that comes with a premium shampoo, cologne spritz, and conditioner will be their favorite item in that package.

Special meal

The ultimate in pampering gifts this year could come in the form of a special meal cooked by you. Yes, you.

You can find out how in the Essential Nutrient Mix and Dog Cookbook, just launched by Dog Child, a Toronto-based maker of dog food.

The book is designed to help you make food for your dog that is nutritious, simple, and delicious all at the same time.

The Essential Nutrient Mix includes prebiotics and probiotics, and calcium among other key nutrients that will help you prepare healthy, fresh, and balanced meals for your dog.

The recipes in the cookbook range from the Shepherd’s Pup Pie (we assume that is not just for sheepdogs) to Banana Peanut Butter Doggy Oatmeal. These human favorites are turned into balanced and complete meals created specially for pups.

Each recipe includes an “upcycle ingredient” to show you how to convert food waste in your home into meals for your dog that are rich in nutrients.

Confused

When the CEO and founder of Dog Child, Nicole Marchand, started cooking for her dog she says she was left confused about how properly to cook for her.

Many of the recipes online failed to include essential nutrients, she adds. Those recipes that were complete nutritionally took a long time to cook and the ingredients were difficult to find.

She hopes to inspire new dog owners to begin cooking for their loved ones, Marchand adds.

Recipes can be found online and you can download the cookbook at Dog Child Cookbook.

You, too

Well, there you have it. We hope this guide to gift giving helps you find a way to make your dog feel special this holiday time.

Perhaps you might ask your dog to share some Banana Peanut Butter Doggy Oatmeal with you at breakfast time. That might make your holidays special, too.