Celebrating the Holidays With Your Pet

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Nov 8, 2012) - (Family Features) The holidays can be a fun time for the whole family -- and that includes family pets. If your pet deserves some special holiday love, here are some "pawfect" ideas to help you celebrate the holidays together.

Stocking Stuffers - Hang a stocking on the mantle for your pet and fill it with holiday toys and treats. A new chew toy, a catnip-filled mouse, special treats to eat -- there are plenty of ways to fill up a pet stocking with fun, budget-friendly items.

Showing Holiday Spirit - Dress up your pet with some seasonal winter outfits exclusively from PetSmart. The Martha Stewart Pets Elf Hoodie has cute faux ears and a fuzzy cotton ball at the tip of the hat. Or, to add a little merry mischief, try the Top Paw Sock Monkey sweater, which has button eyes, stitched ears and mouth on the back.

Safe Treats - Dogs would love to nibble on your holiday table scraps, but that's not always a good thing. Keep your treats out of their reach, and make pets their own holiday bites with the new Sunbeam Gourmet Dog Treat Maker. You can make delicious doggie snacks using ingredients already in your pantry, like peanut butter.

Holiday Styles and Photo Opportunities - Help your pet look his or her best by scheduling an appointment at the PetSmart grooming salon. Then get your picture taken together with Santa at a local Santa Claws event during the first three weekends of December. A portion of the proceeds supports local animal-welfare organizations that are participating in the event.

Share the Love with Pet-Themed Gifts - The Top Fin Grinch and Max Sleigh Fishbowl is a fun, decorative piece that will look great in your child's room. Personalized food dishes, mats and pet beds are always a special gift to give. Or, win over the wine lover in your life with pet-themed wine glasses and accessories.

Gifts that Give Back - You can help save homeless pets by purchasing collectible Luv-A-Pet plush toys. This year choose from Chance, the adopted dog; Lucky, the adopted cat; and a special Bret Michaels-inspired version of Chance. Ten percent of the purchase price goes to PetSmart Charities, the largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America.

To learn more about these holiday gifts for pets and pet lovers, as well as tips for dog and cat owners, visit www.PetSmart.com.

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