Valentine's Day Treats for Pets

Don't forget to include your pets as you celebrate Valentine's Day. Here are some great gift ideas for pets during Valentine's Day.

Spa Day For Your Pet

Pamper your pooch or kitty with a day of luxurious animal spa treatments. They might not need facials or waxing, but a deep conditioning and thorough brushing can make an old dog feel like new.

List of Pet Spa Day Treatments

Choose from an assortment of pet spa treatments, the effects of which will be enjoyed by both owner and pet alike.

Bath & Deep Conditioning: If possible, give your dog a bath inside the shower or bathtub using soothing warm water. A massaging shower head will feel great on their skin, and using skin-soothing shampoo and conditioner will go the extra mile in making them feel great post-scrub.

Try the Wags brand Wheatgrass shampoo and conditioner, which contains all natural ingredients that moisturize skin and hair, keeping it healthy and shiny and reducing scratching.

Paw-dicure: Both cats and dogs need regular nail trims to maintain healthy, attractive paws. If your pet is calm enough you can do this yourself; otherwise, we recommend taking a quick trip to the vet or pet grooming salon to let the professionals work their magic.

Grooming: After bath and conditioning, give your pup or cat a lot of love and attention while thoroughly grooming them. Long-haired pets do well with combs and long plastic bristle brushes, while short haired pets enjoy brushes with short boar's hair-like bristles placed closer together.

A Vacation Fit for Fido

If you are yearning for a Valentine's Day getaway but lack a love interest, consider going solo and taking your dog with you. Most dogs will enjoy a trip away from home with their master, and many hotels are not only dog-accepting, but dog-welcoming.

From stylish modern dog bowls and biscuits upon arrival to their very own designer dog bed during their stay, these hotels go out of their way to make pets feel like part of the family. Some Viceroy hotels, for instance, even have a special "Dog Menu" for room service:

• W Hotels
• Kimpton Hotels
• Four Seasons Hotels
• Viceroy Hotels

These hotels also accept pets, but dont lavish the same amount of attention on them as the above:

• La Quinta Hotels
• Best Western Hotels
• Select Marriot, Hilton, Sheraton, Days inn and Holiday Inn hotels

Valentine's Day Doggy Bag

Instead of giving your beloved pet human food leftovers, create their very own Valentine's Day doggy bag (or basket) with treats meant just for them. Include things like:

• Homemade dog biscuits using a low-fat recipe and bone-shaped baking pan

• Cute fire hydrant shaped cookies from Tail Wagging

• New toys - chewing ropes and rawhide for dogs, catnip and feather teasers for cats

• New blanket for them to cuddle up in at night or on the couch. Extra points if you make it yourself with super soft baby blanket material from your local fabric store.

• The biggest ticket gift is a brand new bed. We love the Molly Mutt square dog bed duvet for its durability, portability and stylish good looks. It's also a bargain, with the medium-size duvet coming in at $30.