Make holiday season an enjoyable time for your pets

Dear Wilma: Pets catch the excitement of the holidays. They pick up on your celebratory mood, and more often than not, they enjoy everything from decorations to surprises. The more you include them, the more they participate. The busiest shopping day of the year is coming up at the end of this month, so make that list, and check it twice.

Start with toys. Dogs and cats love toys. But you need to think safety when you purchase items for your best friends. Toys should be appropriate for the size of your pet. If a big dog gets a tiny toy, he might swallow it. Avoid toys with buttons and bows that your pet can work free and swallow. Make sure items do not have sharp edges that can cut your pets' mouths. Remember, they use their mouths like hands.

What kind of toys should you look for? I have three wonderful dogs, a German Shepherd and two Welsh Corgis. They each have their favorite playthings. Some they like to carry around. Others they like to snuggle, and the more challenging toys can occupy them for long periods of time. So I suggest variety, including some soft plush toys, some rugged chew toys like those made by the Kong Co., noisy toys and intelligent toys like the Kyjen Hide a Squirrel or the IQube — something they can really sink their noses into and find hidden treasures. Don't forget the old favorites like tennis balls and furry mice. Then, plan to spend time helping your pets enjoy their new playthings.

Healthy treats are also good ideas. Check ingredient labels, or make treats especially for your pets — healthy, sugar-free and nutritious biscuits and cookies. There are some really wonderful cookbooks like "Gourmet Dog Biscuits From Your Bread Machine," by Sondra Macdonald, published by Bristol Publishing Enterprises. It's 128 pages of yummies for dogs that for the most part use your bread machine as a mixer, or you can make the treats without one. Pets seem to love homemade as much as the rest of the family. Don't forget the "no chocolate" rule. Chocolate is toxic to pets.

If you live in a cold climate, consider a pet sweater and some boots for cold weather walking. A new pet bed or blanket, collar and leash or kitty litter pan are practical ideas. If your pets are not trained, books and videos like Uncle Matty's Basic Training Video Set are helpful additions to those holiday stockings.