During the holiday season, our thoughts turn to giving and helping others.  Some of you out there may have pets.  This may be a time you would like to treat them with some of the wonderful goodies from the holidays.  Here are a few ways to make your pets grateful this season:

1. Want to give your dog a special treat?  Since all the yummy food won't really make your dog happy after he eats it, try a special game of fetch or tug of war.  Play with your cat and her favorite toy.
   

2. Like to play hide and seek?  Have you ever tried playing with your dog or cat?  Its a game they love!
   

3. Try to determine the game your pet likes the best.  
   
   Some cat favorites are:  batting at string toys, chasing a cat toy ball, rubber band or foil ball.  
   
   Some dog favorites are:  fetch, finding toys, frisbee, football and soccer.  Be careful of tug of war, sometimes you can accidentally become bit.   If trying out soccer, take care not to kick the ball too close to your dog.  You may have to throw the ball across the yard if your dog won't back away for the kick.
   

4. Play your pet's new or old favorite game.
   

5. Take your dog and your parents for a walk.
   

6. Spend some time just petting and talking to your pet.
   

7. If your pet likes to be groomed, spend time gently brushing your pet's fur.
   

8. Keep all bones away from your pets (cats and dogs)  The small bones from a turkey or chicken can get stuck in your pet's throat, stomach or intestinal tract.  The same can happen with that juicy steak bone!  
   

9. Your favorite holiday treats may not set to well with Fido or Fluffy.  Tummy upsets can occur from eating the rich food of the holidays.
   

10. NEVER EVER GIVE YOUR PET CHOCOLATE.  This is a very bad poison for dogs.  Cats should not be given chocolate either.
    

11. Beware of candy wrappers as well.  Many pets will jump at the chance to swallow one, which can make your pet very ill.
    

12. For Mom & Dad: Make sure your pet isn't chewing on your favorite holiday plants.  Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous.  A poinsettia can cause your pet to become very ill.  Keep these and other house plants away from your pets reach.
    

13. For Mom & Dad: Electrical cords should be placed away from chewing puppies and kittens.
    

14. For Mom & Dad: Candles can harm children and pets.  These should also be kept out of your pets' reach.
    

15. For Mom & Dad: Pine needles can harm your dog or cat and should be picked up regularly.
    

16. For Mom & Dad: Most pets will love your new tree.  They may take down the ornaments for you (before you are ready), eat your tinsel, climb the tree and drink the tree water.  Pets can also become ill by eating dreidels.  All of the above can be disastrous for your pet.  In fact you pet can become sick by these holiday adventures. 
    

17. For Mom & Dad:  Make sure your pet is collared and tagged. This is the surest, fastest way of getting a lost pet back fast (and it is the law in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Leander).  Ask your vet about rabies and registration tags, the Town Lake Animal Center (708-6007) can supply registration tags.  Also, check your local pet store for personalized name tags and keep your current information on these tags.  
    
    There's even an option to let Town Lake Animal Center know that your pet is vacationing in a different location over the holidays. 
    

18. For Mom & Dad:  Update your registration information (phone number and address) with the Town Lake Animal Center. If your pet is turned in with a registration tag, the Center will call you to let you know of your pets whereabouts. Even better, you can call and let them know to be on the look out for your pet.  (Registration Phone Number : 708-6007)
    

19. For Mom & Dad:  Update your phone number and address with your veterinarian. If your dog is found with just his rabies tags, the person who locates a lost pet can check with a veterinary clinic to find out how to return your pet.
    

20. For Mom & Dad:  Make sure your pets shots are up to date.
    

21. For Mom & Dad:  Protect you pet from any cold weather during the holidays.  

    Do not leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops.  Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs, and ALL CATS should never be left outside without supervision.  Most dogs, and all cats, are safer if kept indoors, except when taken out for exercise.  Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

    No matter the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life.  A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors.  However, if your dog is an outdoor dog, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat.  The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings.  The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with burlap or a rug.