Holiday Must Haves for Your Pooch

Coming into the bow-wow-wonderful Holiday Season, check out these top ten must-haves for your pooch! All "Pet Detective Approved!"

1. GPS Locator. A GPS locator should be at the top of any dog's list this year. Holiday visitors and even the best of pet sitters can have accidents where a pet gets away from home. A GPS locator is a great idea especially for any shy dogs, dogs on travel away from home and escape artists. GPS units used to be big, expensive, unreliable and bulky. In recent years the cost has decreased, the technology has improved and the size has scaled down. Here at Pet Search and Rescue we have field tested two units, and they have proven their durability and functionality. "Tagg - The Pet Tracker" http://www.pettracker.com/ is one sturdy  option, at around $100 with $8/month service fee. This unit is small in size, and attaches directly to your pet's collar. Another field tested unit is the Garmin GTO 10 http://www.garmin.com/us/. This unit costs about $170, and the unit fits into a zipper pocket you attach to your pet's collar. In the zipper pocked it is bulkier than the Tagg unit, but no monthly service fee. Both units were used in a varity of terrains by our Search and Rescue K9s when out looking for lost pets. One thing of note is that you must charge both units regularly. We charge the GPS units and cell phones every night! The Tagg unit has a great system that sends you an email or text message when the unit battery is low - so the Tagg unit gets our vote.

2. ID Tags. Even for a pet that is kept safe by your side, accidents can happen. A legible ID tag is the most loving gift you can give your pet, any time of the year! You can get ID tags at your local pet store, or go online at www.gotags.com

3. A good belly rub. What your dog really wants is your attention! Give your beloved friend some one-on-one time, and a nice belly rub. Not only does your dog love the attention, but rubbing a dog's belly can help with early detection of any lumps and bumps. Gently rubbing a dog's "arm pits" provides a lymphatic massage, which can help their immune system. See a video at http://www.ehow.com/video_4955501_dog-massage-lymphatic-drainage.html.

4. Nutritional Evaluation. Consider taking some time to have your beloved furry friend's current diet evaluated. A good nutritional consultant can provide feedback and information about keeping your pet at top health. Remember - "you are what you eat" - for you and your dog! Sometimes we give our dogs food or treats we think are good, but might not be good for our pets. Ask your veterinarian, dog trainer or fellow dog-lovers about a good nutritional consultant in your area. Some pet food businesses offer this service for free, but they may try to push their products. One company that we use for our Search Dogs is http://www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com/. They do not charge to give feedback and talk about your pet's diet and needs.

5. Glucosamine Supplement. Just as in humans, Glucosamine has shown great effect for dog's joint health. Many of our Search Dogs are on Glucosamine as a preventative measure, and some are on for joint discomfort. It is a natural dietary supplement, it also rehabilitates and soothes joints. Glucosamine is a preventive measure that will ensure your beloved friend will have maximum joint health. Consider finding a humane Glucosamine supplement, for example one made of Elk Velvet from their Antlers. Animals are not killed or injured in the collection of elk velvet, and it has a high content of Glucosamine.

6. Weekend Get-away. Who doesn't love a little weekend trip? Dogs love going with their beloved owners on a vacation. Next time you need to get-away, take Fido or Fluffy with you. Find a dog friendly vacation destination. For the ocean, consider Santa Barbara, CA or Monterey, CA. For the mountains head up to Big Bear, CA.

7. A Will. Really? Yes! Make sure your best friend is well cared for, even if something happens to you. Never assume that someone would know what your wishes would be. Make sure you plan for expenses too.

8. Cool New Collar. Deck your dog out for the Holidays with a brand new collar. (And put new tags on it!) Fun new styles that look like braded rope are at http://www.dogids.com/ . We suggest being double sure your pet has ID on, and that includes this product, www.safedogid.com It is made of neoprine, you simply write your phone number on the collar. The great part of these collars is that they are safe - if your pet gets stuck on something the collar easily stretches so your pet can pull out. Not for going on a walk, but great for play time and when at home.

9. Homemade treats. Consider spending a little time and baking up some yummy dog treats. There are plenty of easy recipes online, ones with peanut butter and pumpkin!

10. A new friend. If your furry family member is dog-friendly, it might be time to consider adding a new dog friend to your family. It is a decision to consider carefully. Keep in mind that it can take time to find a love match, so be patient. Connect with a great rescue, like the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. Talk to the adoption councilors and take time to make sure it is the right move for your family. The right friend is a special addition to your family for both you and your dog!

By Annalisa Berns of Pet Search and Rescue www.PetSearchandRescue.com