If you have a Fluffy or a Fido on your Christmas gift list, check out some of these terrific ideas for a pet-friendly holiday.

By Hayley Gable Bowerman

Wondering what to get your favorite four-legged friend this holiday season? Look no further than the local area for quick, simple and affordable gift options for that special fur ball in your life.

Dogs

Let’s face it – most dogs love food nearly as much as we humans do. So, give them a real holiday treat – doggie desserts. All For The Pet, a pet food, supply and accessory boutique located at 551-A Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Severna Park, is a great local shop to find treats galore.

Interested in a more Do-It-Yourself approach? Bake your own dog treats! Check out this recipe for an awesome dog biscuit.

Mint Carob Doggie-Style Christmas Cookies

Combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup Bisquick, 5 drops mint flavoring, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons margarine, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon corn syrup. Mix all ingredients and roll out onto a floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thick. Cut with holiday cookie cutters and position on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly browned. Cool the dip cookies halfway into melted carob or spoon the carob icing over half of each cookie. Make sure cookies are cooled down before storing, gift wrapping or giving to your pup. Store these treats in a sealed, airtight container for freshness.

**Please do not substitute chocolate chips. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, whereas carob is a safe alternative for your beloved Sparky. Carob can be easily found in your grocer’s baking department.

For the larger, retriever-style dogs, a good, solid ball is probably the best gift you can give. To find the perfect ball for your furry friend, check out PetSmart on Mountain Road in Pasadena. The pet supply superstore, which boasts an entire aisle of balls in all shapes and sizes, will surely have the perfect toy for your little ball of fur.

Collars

If you’ve ever considered giving your dog or cat a sparkly new collar, make this holiday season the time to do so. Comparable to giving your human companion a new watch or necklace, a collar is a surefire way to add some character to your pet.

Many pet stores – both online and local – offer collars to match your personality to your pet’s. Have a favorite sports team? Deck out your pet with a matching collar. Are you crazy about bling and sparkles? Add some pizzazz to your pet with a rhinestone collar. Or, if you really want to make your feline or canine friend smile come Christmas morning, get them their very own personalized or monogrammed collar.

Cats

What cat doesn’t fancy catnip? Available at nearly all pet boutiques, cat nip treats can typically be found for under $3 a bag.

Cat scratchers are always a hit. Whether it’s a scratching post, board or mat, Miss/Mr. Kitty will thank you time and again for giving them their own designated area to stretch out their pretty paws.

Jingle Balls are also a great (and affordable) gift that most places, including Dollar Tree and Dollar General, always have in stock.

Finally, don’t let your feline go without a collar to be proud of. Check out your local pet store for the latest trends in collars and leashes.