DIY Holiday Gifts for Pets

Season’s greetings! As you wrap up (or perhaps just begin) your holiday shopping, remember to grab something for your pet. There are plenty of alternatives for things you can buy in stores, but if you are the crafty type, you may also try your hand at making your own. Continue reading for some DIY toy recommendations from a local Rockbridge, VA vet.

DIY Dog Toys

Entertainment and excitement are essential for all animals, but they are especially critical for our canine friends. Fido requires a lot of toys! Playing not only keeps your pet active and moving, but it also prevents boredom, which  in turn reduces mischievous behavior such as digging, chewing, and chasing every squirrel in sight.

It’s crucial to understand that different toys serve distinct functions for our canine companions. Fido may want to snuggle with that teddy bear at night, but he may prefer his rope toy when he wants to play with you. A chew toy may fulfill his desire to nibble on objects, whilst a puzzle toy may keep him entertained while you are at work.

That being stated, let’s have a look at some of the options:

Doggie Advent Calendar: This is a lovely way to let Fido enjoy the entire holiday season. You may make these calendars in a variety of ways. Wall calendars, small lunch packs, and packaged goodies are just a few examples.

Rope Toy: This is an excellent technique to upcycle a worn-out piece of clothing. You can use jeans, shirts, towels, and even pillowcases. Make sure there are no glitter or other embellishments. Cut anything into small strips. You can use a few pieces of different colors to create a good aesthetic but to be honest, Fido won’t care what his toy looks like. Anyway, you’ll braid those strips together to create longer pieces. Then repeat with the longer pieces. When it reaches the appropriate thickness, tie it off in a large knot.

That is the basic version. You can also get creative with it! Include items such as tennis balls or delicious pumpkin jerky. Alternatively, explore with different shapes.

Treat Dispenser: It doesn’t get much easier than this. Pour some kibble into a clean, empty plastic soda or water bottle. Let Fido have at it! If he gets too proficient at it, put pieces of paper in the bottle to make it more difficult for him.

Muffin Fun: This one is also rather simple, however it may serve better as a distraction rather than a present. You will need tennis balls, a muffin tray, and some little treats or kibble. Place the goodies in random spaces in the muffin tin, then cover all the spaces with the balls. Fido will need to get the balls out to find his treats. Simply utilize balls that are a safe and acceptable size for your dog.

Snuffle Mats and Snuffle Balls: Treat dispensing toys are quite popular among our canine companions. If there is one item that is certain to pique your dog’s curiosity, it is food. You may easily construct snuffle balls or mats. For a ball, you’d need one of those lattice-style balls that resemble a spherical frame with holes. Then get some kind of material. Fleece is a good choice. Cut your chosen material into thin strips. Next, wrap the strips around the bars of the ball frame. Continue until the entire object is covered. When it’s finished, insert little pieces of kibble into the knot pockets.

Homemade Toys For Cats

Kitties are usually adorable, but they seem to be even cuter this time of year. (They do this on purpose to ensure that we forgive them for traditional kitty holiday misbehavior, such as knocking over trees and pouncing on gift boxes.) Of course, our feline rulers are invaluable gifts who deserve a few special treats of their own.

Here are some purrfect possibilities for your cat:

Wand Toys: These are also fairly simple to build. Simply knot feathers and material strips together, then attach them to a string and secure the other end to a stick or wand. There are a couple of safety concerns with this one, though. Never leave these toys out: store them between uses. Fluffy could become tangled if she tries to use them when you are not present.

Beds: If Fluffy could truly write out her wish list, it’s safe to assume beds would be on it. While our feline companions are not shy about making themselves at home on our laps, furniture, computers, and occasionally dishware, they do appreciate having suitable beds for all of their naps. You may create a simple bed using the same process we described for the catnip mouse, but with larger pieces of material and a different stuffing. You can even make them from sweaters. Trim and stitch the torso to an O shape. Next, sew the sleeves closed at the wrist. Next, stitch them to the body. Use the neck opening to fill the arms and body, then sew it shut.

Catnip Toys: Fluffy isn’t concerned with the shape of her catnip toys. Mice are the obvious choice here, but they are far from the only one. Regardless matter the shape you choose, you will create the toy in the same way. Begin by cutting two pieces of material to the same shape and size. Then place one on top of the other, with the outsides facing in. Sew them together, leaving only a little opening. Use the aperture to draw the material through so that it is facing the correct direction. Then, use the same slot to insert catnip. You can use a little funnel or construct one from paper. When you’re finished, fill the hole and sew it closed.

Cat Tower: Fluffy’s favorite piece of furniture is, without a doubt, her kitty tower. This is an excellent time of year to get one, as it may also help keep your cat out of the tree. You may use an old stepladder or bookcase for this. Alternatively, create one from scratch using lumber or PVC pipe.

Box Castle: This is a fun and cute way to use up leftover boxes. It also makes for some adorable pet photos. Just make sure to remove any potentially dangerous items, such as ribbons, staples, or tape.

Of course, some of our feline friends would be delighted to entertain themselves by batting about a paper ball created from wrapping paper. That’s perfectly fine!

General Tips for Making DIY Pet Toys

Whatever you decide to build or buy for your pet, remember to prioritize safety. Never offer your pet anything small or sharp. Items with ropes or cords are also dangerous, as is anything with a protective coating, such as paint, dye, or varnish. Contact your Rockbridge, VA veterinarian for further information.

Book An Appointment At Our Rockbridge, VA Pet Hospital

Do you need to bring your pet in? Please contact us at any time. As your local Rockbridge, VA animal clinic, we are here to assist!