Did you know that people spend over $350 million on Halloween costumes and treats on their pets? And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas gifts for our furry friends. With just a couple of weeks until Christmas, buying your pooch the perfect gift is probably on your mind, so to make things easier for you, we've compiled a list of the top five dog gifts for 2014. 1. Costumes There is literally nothing cuter than your doggie in a cute outfit. The best part about this is that there are some seriously adorable Christmas outfits on the market right now. From Santa's little helper, reindeer and even gingerbread men outfits, there are so many great outfit ideas that we're sure your dog will just love! Your pooch will show their Christmas spirit in the cutest of ways while also staying warm if you happen to live in colder parts of the world. If your dog isn't the costume type, then try on some antlers or even an adorable Santa hat.  2.  Xmas treats Whether you buy some Christmas flavoured treats for your furry friend or make them yourself, your pooch will not turn his or her head up at these once-a-year-treats. If you don't feel like making your own, most pet stores have these at their counters. They are completely safe for dogs as they will not contain any ingredients which are prone to upsetting their stomach. If you're making treats yourself, then avoid using chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins as these can be toxic for dogs.  3. Toys The best toys to buy your pooch, whether it's for a Christmas gift or just because, are ones that are going to last you a long time and that will also provide entertainment while you aren't around. KONG have a variety of toys that fulfil both these prerequisites. Simply pop some treats inside the KONG and allow your pooch to play with the chew toy and work out how to get the treat out. However if you're thinking of DIYing your pooch a present, there are plenty of tutorials online to make lovely Christmas themed toys which are safe and fun! 4. Walkies From the personalised to luxe leather varieties, leads are not only great gifts but they are also useful ones that can last you for years to come. The best thing about leads is that there are so many out there to choose from. With so much choice, you are bound to find the right one for you and your dog. 5. For the pampered pooch... Let's face it, some dogs just like the finer things in life. For those pets, there are some luxe gifts perfect for their Christmas stocking. Fragrances, shampoo, detangling sprays or doggy-safe nail polish are all great ideas. If your pup is a seriously pampered one, you might even consider treating them to a spa day.  Feature Image Credit

A pet is not only a lifelong companion, but owning a pet is also a rite of passage for a child. Whether your first pet was a hermit crab, a goldfish, a cat or even a dog, it will always be remembered. Getting a pet can often be a big step for a family to make, but did you know they offer so much more than just entertainment and fun for kids? Being responsible for another living thing can benefit your child's physical, social and cognitive development. Playing with a pet will encourage kids to put down their electronic gadgets and get outdoors into fresh air. Aside from breathing in fresh air, the outdoor play will mean your child and your pet will get excercise and burn any excess energy. Younger children will also benefit from playing with their pet as it will help their motor skills. Tasks as simple as playing catch will help hand-eye coordination in a fun way. Aside from the physical benefits, your child will also learn important social skills with a pet. Pets are particularly beneficiary for children who are shy, as they may feel they can approach other children who are playing with their pet, or even find the common ground of having a pet a way to bridge gaps between other kids who they may have been too shy to approach. Perhaps your new pet will also act as a social object for your child because animals are so accepting and eager to please. Research has shown that animals social nature can give humans practice for their own social relationships. They can see their pet as someone to talk to, trust and share an important relationship with. Pets also give kids a sense of responsibility, even if they may forget to feed the dog or walk it occassionally. Being given the task of feeding, walking or cleaning up after their pet will always be seen as a chore for your child but it also teaches them to think outside of their own needs and desires. It also allows the child to see the consequences that impact the pet directly when they do not perform these tasks.  A general interest in the animal will also encourage cognitive development. Their excitement will spark interest in the animals breed, what they eat, what they like and dislike. This means they are learning and once they learn they will dissipate this information to you and their social circle. Feature Image Credit  

As annoying and distressing as it is, barking is normal. It's your dogs way of communicating. However if this becomes excessive when you leave him or her alone it can become a problem. Not only will you feel guilt, but you will also be stressing all day long about when you'll get the angry call from a neighbor about the endless barking. However there are ways to manage your dogs barking while you're gone. But first lets explore why your dog is barking in the first place. When you leave your dog, he or she may become distressed about being alone, that you may not return or out of general fear. It isn't uncommon for dogs to experience separation anxiety just as humans do. However unlike us, they cannot sit us down for a chat over a cup of tea about their fears, they will simply bark and bark and bark when you're gone.  But why bark? The answer is simple. They bark because they think this will get your attention to get them back in the house with them. But never fear- separation anxiety is something that can be treated by changing behaviours, their environment or even with some stop barking agents.  Separation anxiety can be treated over a period of time so that it is non-existant and you are able to leave home stress-free. When you are about to leave make sure you ignore and do not interact, play or pat your pooch for 30 minutes before going out. Allow them to go about their business and the decreased attention will mean they will not know something is coming up. If possible, leave quietly and without saying goodbye to reduce distress. Your pooch may not even notice that you've left the house. When you return do it calmly. Take a deep breath before entering the house and do so quietly. Only greet your dog when he or she is calm, quiet and not at all exasperated. This will teach them that they will get affection when they are at their calmest. Exercising your dog prior to leaving will also benefit your pooch. A long walk, a run or even a swim will burn excess energy and your dog will return home in a much more relaxed state. He or she may even settle in for a nap and will be too tired to bark when you're gone, or not bark for long. It is also really important to make sure your dog has plenty of entertainment while you are gone. This means interactive toys and chew toys, simply to keep them entertained and to give them a distraction while you are absent. However if these management techniques are not working, it might be worth seeing a vet or an animal behaviourist about your dogs barking. Some might recommend stop barking agents which have changed vastly in the past years so that they are more animal-friendly and cruelty-free.  Citronella sprays are attached to a collar which sprays your dog when it barks. The spray will deter it from barking but is perfectly safe for your dog. It will simply learn not to bark so it will not get sprayed. Static bark controls are much safer than the old-fashioned electric shock collars that were used in the 80s and 90s. These simply emit vibrations via a collar to stop your pooch from barking. These are safe and do not bring harm to your pet at all. Simply, it will be an annoying correction for your pooch and he or she will learn not to bark in order not to feel the vibrations from the collar. However if you have tried and tested these methods it is highly reccomended that you see an animal behaviourist who will be able to treat your pets separation anxiety individually. Feature Image Credit

Indoor toilet training methods are most commonly used by people with very small dogs, people who are unable to get outside easily due to health issues, bad weather, unsafe surroundings or living in a high-rise, and people who work such long hours that their dog can't reasonably be expected to hold it and wait to go outside. When maintained correctly, these methods are perfectly healthy and odourless, with no exposure to disease or parasites. There are several options for creating an indoor toilet training area for your dog, moving beyond the old standby of several sheets of newspaper laid out on the floor. Available now are absorbent potty pads (also known as puppy pads or pee pee pads), dog litter boxes or a tray lined with artificial turf.  Disposable absorbent Puppy Pads are a more modern approach to paper training, adding a plastic backed pad with a more absorbent material that draws in moisture like a diaper rather than simple paper. The easiest indoor potty training method for most puppies and dogs involves creating a confinement area where your dog can be left unsupervised. The area will have a bed, food, water dishes, toys, and an area for your dog's potty pads or other potty area. As your puppy becomes reliable about using their pads, you'll gradually increase the area of confinement until they are loose in the house and reliable about taking themselves to their designated area when they feel the urge. Whelping Pads are much like a puppy pad but are made of absorbent cloth with a non-absorbent backing. Whelping pads are washable and so they can be used many times. These pads are usually fantastic to use in combination with a puppy litter tray. The Puppy Litter Box is a preferred indoor toilet training method for many dog owners. These litter boxes are usually filled with pellets that are biodegradable, absorbing urine and feces quite well. It is safe for the puppies and they stay very clean but comes with the usual gripes of having to clean around the box when the litter is tracked around. There are also a number of different toilet systems out there which utilise artificial grass and turf for the puppy to train and pee on. Utilising artificial turf simulates the grass feel for feet of your dogs while allowing the urine to flow through the grass to the tray below where it can be emptied. There also exists toilet systems that incorporate real turf grass, allowing an easy transition between indoor turf and the wider world. Both the smell and feel of the real turf comfort the puppy and the ease of disposable means virtually no clean up. Before you start training, decide where you want your puppy's potty area to be. If at all possible, set up your dog's papers, pee pads, turf tray or litter box where you want them to be long-term. Although not impossible, training them to use a new indoor area - and to stop going in the original area they were trained to use - is tricky, so avoid having to change the location of their papers, litter box, or training pads if at all possible. Feature Image Credit

It is such a wonderful time of the year. Families come together, ovens are working overtime and the kids are running around the house. It's the time to show gratitude for all you are fortunate to have, and for some this might be their pet. It's for this reason you need to keep an eye on your pet during the holidays, as it is easy to get carried away giving them special treats and scraps of food they might not normally be allowed to have. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet happy and healthy during Thanksgiving. If you are one of the lucky few to be enjoying a beautiful white Thanksgiving, make sure your pet is kept warm and their sleeping quarters are in a cozy spot of the house away from cold drafts. You may consider a heating pad during these chilly days. If you have a fire burning or have the heaters on, ensure your pet does not fall asleep too close so they do not burn. Additionally, just because it's cold outside, it doesn't mean your pet is exempt from exercise. It's important to keep to your pets regular exercise routine, as chances are they'll have been indulging in extra treats, so a good walk, run and play outdoors will do them some good.  At this time of year, we get to indulge in delicious holiday meals and special treats, which may lead to you or your loved ones sharing with your pet. While this sounds like a lovely gesture, it's important to avoid this at all costs. Avoid giving your pets cooked bones, as these can break as your pet eats them and cause havok on his or her digestive systems which may lead to them needing surgery. If you are going to feed your pet bones, make sure they are raw, as these are great for their teeth and they just LOVE them. Avoid feeding them any kind of stuffing, as often stuffing contains, onions, grapes or raisins which can cause discomfort and digestive problems. Onions can destroy your dog or cats red blood cells and too much of it can lead to anemia, while grapes and raisins contain toxins which can cause kidney damage.  Dogs are not the only ones that can't have chocolate- it is just as toxic for cats. Be dilligent and avoid giving them any chocolate treats - make sure you remind your children and any guests too. Keep an eye on any chocolate left around the house, because if there's someone that will find it and eat it, it's your pet. If your dog or cat happens to have a chocolate party on their own, make sure you get them to the vet as soon as possible. Remember to be careful with your garbage. Ensure it is closed properly or you know who will go digging for leftovers, bones and anything that picks their fancy. Not only will this create a terrible mess for you, it could also mean your furry friend  injesting something they shouldn't like plastic wrap, aluminium foil or other materials. These could cause blockages in their digestive systems and that is obviously something you want to avoid. Luckily, it's not all bad news! There are some ways to show your pets some love this Thanksgiving! Why not try out our recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey Medallions. Remember these should not replace meals but are treats for both cats and dogs. Thanksgiving Turkey Medallions What you need 6 oz. turkey meat 1/2 cup of cooked carrots 1/2 cup of cooked rice What to do 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 2. Food process the turkey and carrots until smooth then add the rice. 3. Roll mixture into balls and put on a non-stick cooking sheet. 4. Bake for 15 minutes. Wait until they are cool to serve. Happy Thanksgiving!    Feature Image Credit

The mornings have become much cooler, you’ve started layering up, even wearing your winter coat when you head out to work. Winter is definitely on its way and you’re not the only one feeling it. Your pets are also adjusting to the chilly weather and need you as their owner to keep them healthy and warm during these cooler months to avoid the winter blues. Being Outdoors If you’ve got an outdoor pet then you may need to adjust their outdoor housing to keep them warm during winter. There are fantastic ranges of kennels and enclosures that can protect your pet from the elements. However it’s up to you to make sure it is placed away from the rain, wind or even snow so they can rest comfortably. However if you live in an area that snows a lot, it is recommended you bring your pet indoors so that your pet does not freeze in the frosty weather. Whether your pet sleeps indoors or outdoors, be sure to keep their bedding raised and away from cold drafts and add warm blankets. Feeding You might have noticed that your pet’s appetite is insatiable. This is normal as their appetite increases as they use more energy to keep warm. But that doesn’t mean you should be feeding your furry friend more snacks. Keep an eye on their weight and ensure they enjoy a well-balanced diet. If you feel he or she is gaining too much weight or perhaps is looking a little underweight see your vet. Exercise There’s simply nothing your pet loves more than playing! So whether you take your dog out for a walk, for a game of fetch or even a quick run around the block, any physical actvitiy will help beat the winter blues. Your cat will also benefit from exercise and play during the colder months where they may avoid being outdoors. This is also a great way to keep the increase in calories balanced. Keeping Warm Your pet’s lush fur coat may appear to be the perfect protection from the chilly winter air however, during extreme weather even your furry friend may need additional protection from the elements. Not only will a coat or sweater keep your pet warmer it will also aid in regulating their internal temperatures. If your pets fur gets wet the fur can lose lots of its insulation ability making it harder for your pet to stay warm. Choosing a weather resistant coat for walks in the rain is an ideal choice for your pet. Older Pets The aches and pains that go hand in hand with getting older become particularly apparent during the winter months. To help your aging pet during chilly weather, ensure he or she has a soft and warm place to rest. You may consider adding a supplement such as Glucosamine-Chondoitin to aid in any arthritic aches and pains. Your pet might also benefit from having a hot water bottle added to their bed, however, remember not to put boiling water in there - just warm water so that it doesn’t burn your pet.

Breaks, sprains, colds, infections and viruses are unfortunately a part of life and they often happen when you least expect it. But you’re not the only one at risk. Your pets can also fall sick unexpectedly and may need medical attention. It can start as simply as coming home from work and finding your normally vivacious pooch cowering fearfully. That’s when you see the vomit on the carpet in a corner. You instantly carry them out to the car to take him to the vet. On the way you think, ‘I hope I’ve got enough money to cover the consultation.’ During the examination you find out that your dog will need to be placed on an IV as they are dehydrated. In addition to this, some blood tests and an X-Ray are required to find out what’s wrong with your beloved family pet. And then you get the bill. Luckily you can cover this consult plus the tests, but the vet tells you that according to the results your pooch may need more tests and possible surgery. It’s at this point you start seeing dollar signs. This type of situation is exactly why it's a good idea to plan for your pets unexpected medical bills. But before you panic, there are a few things you can do to prepare for moments like this. Some vets are open to payment plans and offer this as an option for larger bills. It doesn’t hurt to ask your vet if this is an option for you. If a payment plan is not available at your vet then you may consider taking a loan out to cover the medical bills. However if you want to be proactive perhaps getting pet insurance is the best way to avoid a situation like this. There are so many different types of pet insurance available to suit all needs and cater to all budgets. For the most part, the cover will pay the majority of the vet bill and you will be able to get reimbursed quickly too. Pet insurance is a safety net for any unexpected medical costs, operating pretty much like your own private health insurance, which you can depend on when you are sick or injured. Before signing up for a new policy, remember to do your research and find the right policy for your pet. If you have more than one furry friend, it's a good idea to see which insurance companies offer discounts for signing up more than one pet, which will help you save more in the long run.   Feature Image Credit

If you're a city slicker or just happen to live in an apartment, then the things you will need for your cat can differ quite a bit from what is needed in a large home or for outdoor cats. Here are six must-have items for cats living in apartments. 1. Kitty Litter Sure, kitty litter is a must for those who have an outdoor cat or live in a large house, but it's a key essential for apartment living kitties. When placing kitty litter in your home remember to consider the location of the litter. Most people opt for the laundry or bathroom to keep any unwanted smells away from main living quarters. Further to this, you must choose the right litter for your home. Keep an eye out for litter specifically made for different places around the home. The scent and the type of litter is desgined to suit where you put the litter box, so think about what suits you and your kitty best. 2. Food There are many ranges of cat food at the ready and it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for your puss. However as your cat is living in much smaller quarters, one that is grain and filler-free is ideal as well as one specific for indoor cats so that it is not loaded with empty calories that your kitty will not burn. 3. Bed It is important to make sure your cat has a place in your apartment to call its own. Whether it's a corner in the house, a small cat bed or a particular cosy spot on a couch, your cat will need a place to relax and unwind in his or her own space. While most cats do not like open pet beds, they love igloos or pods to sleep in as they are a tiny cave-like structure that they feel secure in.    4. Scratching Posts It's no secret that apartments aren't exactly the jungle your cat would rather be exploring. Your cat will need a place to climb and scratch in order to file their nails especially if you don't want your furniture to become its next victim. A scratching post for your cat will not only benefit your furniture but your kitty as it will use it to manicure its nails. Introduce it to your cat by putting it in an area that it spends plenty of time in and encourage him or her to use it.   5. Perches There's a reason for the saying, 'curiosity killed the cat'. In order to keep your kitty safe you will need to provide secure perches for him or her to take in their surroundings. Cats love being up high so whether you provide this or not they will find a lofty location to take in their territory. Some scratching posts are stackable while others are tall jungle gyms for your cat to play and also provide a look-out point.   6. Toys Apartments are small spaces and like all living creatures being trapped inside four walls they need entertainment. And toys are fun! From squeaky toys, to balls and even dangle toys for your cat to swat at -whatever your choice be sure to have a range of toys for your cat to play with alone and some that you can use to play together. Remember, it's often the simplest things that will entertain your cat for hours rather than the latest high. Need some of these apartment essentials for your furry friend? Check out our range right here. Feature Image Credit

Each dog is unique and just like us, they have their own individual needs. So it's up to us as their humans to meet them and nurture them. When purchasing a dog gate it's important to take note of your dog's needs, their size and where the gate is to be located. Here's a quick guide to picking the right gate for your pal. Outdoor Gates These types of gates are perfect if you need to keep your dog safely on your patio or fenced into a yard. Choose an outdoor dog gate made of weather-resistant material that won't be damaged by the elements is key. A wood gate should be treated with weather resistant stains. There are plenty of these on the market that can be used to block off stairs and there are even larger versions which can be used as play pens.  Indoor Gates Freestanding pet gates are ideal for indoors as they can be installed without damaging your interiors. They are also great because you can move them around the house to the area that suits you. They are generally light-weight and come in a wide variety of colours, styles and are made in many materials to suit your homes decor. Gates For Extra Large Dogs Not all gates are created equal and if you have a large dog that will become very clear if you have an average sized gate. Luckily there are gates specially designed for larger dogs so they can't just walk or jump over them. Some are freestanding while others can be attached to walls or doorframes and will have a walk through gate so you won't need to pole vault your way over them. Feature Image Credit

Ever wondered what it is about mice toys that excites cats so much? It's all quite simple really, it comes down to their primordial instincts to hunt and kill. All cats are born with a hunting and chasing instinct but that doesn't mean they're born hunters that kill for food -killing and eating prey are generally learned behaviors. Kittens are programmed from birth to chase and they develop the coordination and timing needed to capture their prey. Play gives kittens a chance to learn to make judgments by experience.   Indoor cats can sometimes be perceived as living in a sterile environment since they have no prey to hunt, even though the instinct is still a part of their being. This is why mice toys work perfectly to burn their pent up hunting desires, otherwise the result may be your cat thinking your legs, feet or even hands are its prey. So what's the easiest way to help your cat and his or her hunting instincts? Find enticing toys that give your cat the opportunity to hunt, pounce and "kill". There are loads of toys perfect for just this in all pet stores and can be found right here on PetBucket. These toys and games are supposed to simulate moving prey and stimulate your cat's predatory nature.  Feature Image Credit