Indoor activities can also be fun.  Purchase or make toys that can entertain your dog, cat, guinea pig, or rabbit for hours on end.  Toys that involve thinking are often the most engaging and most tiring for your pets.  You can find a variety of toys that hold treats and smells to intice your pet- that provide the challenge of attempting to get the treats out!  Or- try hiding small treats around the house for your pup to find.  Once he/she figures out the game, he/she can spend hours searching for the them.  You can even hide yourself! Playing hide-and-seek with your dog is excellent fun for both of you. 

Spending one-on-one time playing with your furry friend when you are at home is a good way to show him/her that you love them and are putting aside those moments just for them.  For more great games that can strengthen your bond, go to www.ontariospca.ca and search under their "publications"- "fact sheets".  There is a long list of pet information, including games for both dogs and cats.

This season, why not try a new recipe? There are many dog and cat treat recipes that are easy to make and exclude the nasty sodium and preservatives that can be found in commercial treats.  Check online for recipes that include all natural ingredients and yummy flavours to attract your pet.  Most of the ingredients used are food items that you probably already have around the house- such as peanut butter, beef broth, and raw vegetables.  Of course, if he/she loves the commercial brands, those are okay too- in moderation.

Some recipe websites you might want to try, are:
www.simplypets.com
www.thepoop.com/pooppantry
www.e-healthypetfood.com

And of course, regular recipe sites also host animal specialty recipes, although you will have to search for them:
www.cooksrecipes.com
www.allrecipes.com

Trying new games is fun, so why not attempt some new tricks, too?  Teach your cat, dog, rabbit, or guinea pig something new!  Animals of all ages can learn new tricks and habits through practice, and by spending plenty of time with them.  Use positive reinforcement such as petting them, making happy sounds, using clicker training, and/or giving them treats.  Positive reactions are the most effective method of engaging and encouraging your pet to do what you want them to do.  Treats are wonderful- but just be sure not to over-indulge your pet.  Check the guidelines on the back of the package for the recommended daily intake- or make some of your own, healthy recipes!

**Clicker training is a method used by many professionals.  Some people purchase a clicker instrument, but you can simply "click" your tongue.  You can also use simple words such as "yes" or "good" in replacement of the clicking noise.  When your pet does something that you like, "click" and provide a treat at the same time.  Bad behaviours are simply ignored, so that the pet learns that these are not going to grant a reward.  (Reprimanding unwanted behaviour can actually encourage your pet to continue the action, because he/she views the attention as a reward, whether or not you are saying "No!" or "Bad!" instead of "yes".)

Remember: Chocolate is poisoness to dogs, cats, and other animals.  Do not feed your pets any sort of chocolate during this holiday or any time of the year.  The darker the chocolate, the more hazardous it can be- for example, bakers chocolate is much more poisoness to pets than milk chocolate.  However, no matter the type, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizure, hyperactivity, excessive thirst, and increased heart rate.  All of these symptoms can even lead to death, if unattended to.

Watch out for decorations as well.  Any type of decor that is colourful, shiny, or crinkly can be potentially enticing to your pet.  If ingested, these can all lead to blockages in their digestive system and more critical problems within the following days.  Keep all decorations out of reach of your pets, or protect them by leaving the animal closed in a seperate room during parties and gatherings.