{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Choosing the Perfect Gifts for your Pets","description":"A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties:  https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/local-bbb\/bbb-of-the-tri-counties A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair for supporting this podcast! https:\/\/www.ayersrepairs.com Welcome to this week\u2019s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Even with inflation worries this holiday season, most pet owners still plan on spoiling their fur babies with holiday gifts. According to a poll by Chewy in 2022 (Chewy is a BBB Accredited Business), more than 90% of pet owners include their pets on their holiday shopping list, and another study shows that giving to pets makes people happy. However, with thousands of pet gifts to choose from, ranging from toys and treats to doggie spa days and advent calendars, how can you choose a good gift for your pet? BBB recommends the following tips to help you find the perfect gift: one that is safe, within your budget, and one your pet will adore. Choosing the perfect pet gift \u25cf Stay within budget. If you are making multiple gift purchases this holiday season, it\u2019s especially important to plan your holiday budget and then stick to it. Be sure to include your pets in the budget and then shop for gifts that are within your means. \u25cf Pick a gift that matches your pet\u2019s personality. Just like people, every pet is different. Some are more active than others, some are food-motivated, some love to chew, and some love to run. Take your pet\u2019s personality into consideration to choose a gift they will really enjoy. The Humane Society has ideas for toys based on your pets\u2019 personalities and needs. \u25cf Choose a gift that is safe. Most importantly, choose a gift that is safe. Avoid toys that are small enough to be ingested. Make sure toys don\u2019t have any ribbons, string, rubber bands, etc., that a pet could swallow. You should also be able to clean toys, whether that means machine washing them or wiping them down occasionally. \u25cf Know what\u2019s inside your toys. For many dogs \u2013 and some cats \u2013 destroying a toy is much of the fun. Keep this in mind when shopping. Read labels and make sure what\u2019s inside the toy is also safe. For example, many toy stuffings aren\u2019t digestible and could pose a danger. \u25cf Check the ingredients in edible gifts. Stick to treats and foods that are made specifically for dogs or cats. The FDA warns that many human treats contain ingredients that are hazardous to pets, such as xylitol. If you\u2019re looking for treats that contribute to dental health, check the Veterinary Oral Health Council website for a list of acceptable chew treats for both dogs and cats. In addition to quality, keep an eye on quantity. If your dog or cat has a stocking full of pet treats, don\u2019t let them gobble them up too fast, as this could lead to choking or digestive issues. \u25cf Weigh the pros and cons of subscription services. Subscription services can be a fun way to give your pet gifts all year round, but you\u2019ll want to do plenty of research before signing up. Get to know the company, investigate free trials, and make sure you know how to stop a subscription before you choose a service. \u25cf Check out pet advent calendars. Pet advent calendars have become incredibly popular in recent years. These can make good gifts too, but they aren\u2019t always a bargain. You\u2019ll need to compare calendars to get the best deal. In addition, keep an eye out for advent calendar scams, which have become especially common through social media ads. \u25cf Purchase gifts from reputable vendors, especially if you are making a purchase online. Read consumer reviews before doing business with a company, and keep an eye out for fake websites while you shop. If you ever need to return an item that was purchased online, see our tips for hassle-free returns. Until next time! ","author_name":"Your Moment of Trust","author_url":"http:\/\/yourmomentoftrust.libsyn.com\/website","html":"