Remember FIDO’s gift

The holidays are here – turkeys, hams, yams and an endless supply of your mother-in-law’s homemade fruitcake. However, these goodies might not be such a good thing for your pet. And on second thought, that fruitcake might not be a good idea for you either.

Retailers across the nation, even here in the Tri-parish area, have cleared room on their store shelves for everything Christmas. Also following that trend are pet stores. Why not let man’s best friend chew on a candy cane shaped rawhide the size of your 3-year-old child?

And if rawhide isn’t your fancy, you’re in luck. Local pet shops are offering everything from chic Santa suits to pet friendly baked goods. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dog or cat owner, there’s likely something that fits the bill and the budget.

Yes, the economy is horrible; we’ve all heard it. But that’s no reason to cut back this season – it’s only once a year. And hey, who would your furry friend be without that cool new set of reindeer antlers?

Your holiday spending could also help local retailers turn a profit. According to Rodney Kitchell, the store manager of Petco in Houma, sales this season have been low. “I really think people are waiting for bigger sales this year. People are watching out for their bottom dollar,” he added.

“This year it seems like people are going back to the basics. People are [buying things] that are a little simpler,” said Pat Tarantino, owner and operator of Pet Express Inc. in Houma.

With record amounts of rainfall in December and even snow in parts of Baton Rouge, sales are beginning to suffer.

But many remain optimistic things will pan out in the long run. “The weather definitely has a part in [lower sales],” claimed Kitchell. “But people are still buying presents for [their pets].

“Every year we generally sell out of all the Christmas items,” he added. But with things looking bleaker by the second, that might not hold true this year. Only time will tell.

Pet owners, just like everyone else, are looking for the best deals.

If you decide to venture out between the spurts of icy rain and 20 mph wind gusts, Petco should top your list. There are great deals for the most popular four-legged family members, dogs and cats. Like a 4-pack of pet friendly cookies shaped like snowmen and stars at just $4.99.

However, presents aren’t the only thing pets are getting this year. Many are achieving human-like stardom by getting photos taken with Santa, whether it’s their choice or not.

Petco held a photo shoot earlier this December, with a turnout of about 60 people, said Kitchell. Most people bring the usual cat or dog, but some venture into slithery reptiles like snakes.

Local pet storeowners said that some people baby their pets more than they do their children. That explains the pre-filled stockings lining the shelves at some local venues. But this time they’re not filled with Hershey’s Kisses or gooey gumdrops. Instead, its milk bones and chew toys.

If you do buy your pet a gift this year, you’re not alone. A recent national survey by PetSmart claimed that out of 1,000 dog and cat owners, 95 percent said they would buy their pet a gift or special treat this holiday season.

A survey released by Petco in 2008 said that out of 800 “pet parents,” two-thirds would wrap gifts for their furry companions while about one-third would dress up their pet and prepare a special meal – kibbles n’ dressing anyone?

But amidst all the excitement, there are a few dangers, particularly chocolate. North American Pet Health Insurance – yes, pet insurance – suggests securing or removing table scraps before and after you dine.

You may also want to adjust your pets’ feeding time during the holidays; let them eat when you eat, just not what you eat.

Go ahead, nail “Spot’s” stocking up next to “Timmy” and “Anna.” When your children are busy ripping through pounds of wrapping paper, Spot can join in on the fun.

And if you (or your pet) miss this year’s holiday celebrations, stop by Pet Express Inc. for one of their monthly “yappy hours.” The events take place from 6 to 8 p.m. the third Saturday of every month, except December. Admission is free.

May you and yours – fido or feline – have a very merry Christmas.

For more information about “yappy hour,” call Pet Express Inc. at (985) 876-7738.

Kaitlan Morley, a Petco associate, shows off a “mega”-sized rawhide; just one of the many presents pet owners can buy their furry friend this year.