Homemade Holiday Gifts for Pets

Happy Holidays! As you wrap up (or maybe kick off) your holiday shopping, don’t forget to pick up something special for your pet. There are definitely plenty of options available in stores, but if you enjoy being crafty, why not give making things a shot? Check out these suggestions from a local vet in Peterborough, ON, for some fun DIY toys.

Homemade Toys for Dogs

Entertainment and stimulation matter for all animals, but they hold special significance for our canine friends. Fido definitely needs a lot of toys! Playing keeps your furry friend active and engaged, and it also helps prevent boredom. This, in turn, can curb those mischievous behaviors like digging, chewing, and chasing after every squirrel they see.

It’s important to understand that various toys fulfill different roles for our four-legged family members. Fido might prefer to cuddle with that teddy bear at night, but when it’s playtime, he’s likely to grab his rope toy and try to get your attention. A chew toy can help satisfy his need to gnaw on things, and a puzzle toy might keep him entertained while you’re at work.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some recommendations from an experienced Peterborough, ON veterinarian:

Doggie Advent Calendar: This is a delightful way to ensure Fido enjoys every moment of the holiday season. There are plenty of ways to create these calendars. There are plenty of options like wall calendars, cute little lunch bags, and some wrapped-up treats.

Rope Toys: This is a fantastic way to give new life to an old piece of clothing that’s past its prime. Jeans, shirts, towels, or even pillowcases can all be used. Just ensure it doesn’t include any sparkles or other decorations. Slice something into thin strips. (Using a few pieces in different colors can create a nice aesthetic, but let’s be real—Fido isn’t going to care much about how his toy looks!) Take those strips and braid them together to create longer pieces. Next, apply the same approach to the longer sections. Once it reaches the perfect thickness, tie it off with a nice big knot.

Treat Dispenser: It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Place a few pieces of kibble into a clean, empty plastic soda or water bottle. Let Fido go for it! If he starts getting really good at it, try adding some pieces of paper into the bottle to make it a little more challenging for him.

Muffin Fun: This one is pretty easy, and honestly, it might serve better as a fun distraction rather than a gift. Gather a few balls, a muffin tin, and some small treats or bits of kibble. Place the goodies in random slots of the muffin tin, then cover them with the balls. Fido needs to dig out the balls to figure out where his snacks are hidden. Make sure to choose balls that are the right size and safe for your dog.

Snuffle Mats and Snuffle Balls: Food is definitely something that will catch your pup’s attention every time. Making snuffle balls or mats is quite simple. First, get a ball—look for one of those lattice-style designs, which resembles a rounded frame with holes in it. Next, gather some kind of material. Fleece is a solid choice. Make sure to slice your selected material into thin strips. Next, tie the strips around the bars of the ball frame. Continue until everything is fully covered. Once you’re finished, place small pieces of kibble into the pockets of the knot.

DIY Toys for Cats

Kitties are always super cute, but they seem to be even more adorable during this time of year. They do this on purpose, making sure we overlook their classic kitty holiday antics, like toppling trees and pouncing on gift boxes. To keep your feline friend occupied with something that won’t cause chaos, here are some great options for DIY kitty toys:

Catnip Toys: Fluffy really doesn’t mind what shape these toys come in, as long as they contain catnip. Mice are definitely the classic choice, but they’re certainly not the only option available. No matter what shape you choose, the process for making the toy remains the same. Begin by cutting two pieces of material so that they are identical in shape and size. Next, stack one on top of the other, making sure the outsides are facing inward. Stitch them together, making sure to leave a little gap. Take that opening and pull the material through, ensuring it’s oriented correctly. Next, take that same hole and fill it with catnip. A small funnel works great, or you can easily create one using paper. Once you’re finished, fill the hole and stitch it closed.

Wand Toys: These are surprisingly simple to create. Just tie together some feathers and strips of material, then attach them to a string. After that, connect the other end of the string to a stick or wand. There are some important safety considerations to keep in mind here. Make sure to put these toys away when you’re done using them. Fluffy might end up getting tangled if she tries to use them when you’re not around.

Cat Bed: If Fluffy could put together her wish list, you can bet that beds would make the cut. Our feline friends certainly love to make themselves at home on our laps, furniture, computers, and even our dishes. Still, they do enjoy having their own cozy beds for all those well-deserved naps. Making a bed is quite easy! Just follow the same method we discussed for the catnip mouse, but this time use larger pieces of material and a different type of stuffing. They can also be made from sweaters. Cut and stitch the torso into a circular shape. Next, stitch the sleeves shut at the wrist and sew them onto the body. Use the neck hole to fill in the arms and torso, and then sew it all closed.

Cat Tower: This is definitely one of Fluffy’s favorite piece of furniture. As an added bonus, it can also help keep your kitty away from the tree. An old stepladder or bookcase can be repurposed for this. Alternatively, you can create one from scratch using lumber or PVC pipe.

Box Castle: This is a fun and adorable way to repurpose all those leftover boxes once everyone has unwrapped their gifts. It’s also a great opportunity to snag some super adorable pet pictures. Be sure to take out anything that might be hazardous, like ribbons, staples, and tape.

Paper Balls: Some of our feline friends enjoy entertaining themselves by swatting at a paper ball made from wrapping paper. Doesn’t get much easier than that!

Helpful Hints for Making Your Own Pet Toys

Whatever you’re looking to create for your pet, prioritizing safety is essential. It’s important to avoid giving your pet anything that could be small or sharp. Things that have ropes or cords can be unsafe, just like anything that has a protective coating, including paint, dye, or varnish. Feel free to reach out to your Peterborough, ON vet for more details.

Schedule a Visit at Our Peterborough, ON Pet Hospital

Is your pet due for a checkup? Have questions or concerns about your animal companion’s healthcare needs?  Don’t hesitate to reach out to us—your friendly Peterborough, ON animal clinic, ready to assist you!