Pampered pets

Pet ownership is at an all-time high. Sixty-two percent of U.S. households own a pet -- some 72.9 million homes, according to the 2011-12 annual survey by the American Pet Products Association. And we're giving to our animals like never before.

In 2010, dog owners increased spending on their pooches more than 30 percent, and dogs and cats are among the small pets that are most likely to get gifts at Christmas time, according to the APPA survey. Nine percent of dog owners say they've held a holiday or birthday party for their dog, and 4 percent say they've done so for their cat. Pet owners' emotional ties with dogs and cats run deep.

"A lot of baby boomers become empty nesters and still have that nurturing need," said Kristen Levine, founder of Tarpon Springs, Fla.-based Fetching Communications, a marketer serving the pet industry. "A lot of millennials get pets before starting a family to fulfill that same need."

While most pet owners won't hesitate to purchase a little something special for their pets this holiday season, the boom in products at retail means there's more to choose from. Think before you shop, said Lorrie Shaw of Michigan, a pet owner and blogger for annarbor.com. "Pay attention to what your pet likes to do. Does he run and play, or is he more cognitive?"

Natural, nontoxic, sustainable, recycled and locally produced products are hot for pets.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based Earth Dog offers hemp dog collars, leashes, beds and toys, all made in the U.S. The Leaf green adjustable hemp collar has quick-release hardware ($18 to $20, specialty stores). Dog and cat beds made of soy-based material and recycled content are widely available. Many suppliers offer organic catnip. The Purr Highness cat scratcher from Worldwise is made of recycled corrugated cardboard and doubles as a lounger ($20, specialty stores). Doggles Plush Bottle Toys come in the shape of animals and have two squeakers. Stuff a used plastic water bottle inside and the toy provides instant crinkly chewing fun. ($13 and up, specialty stores).

Products that appeal to an animal's intuitive side, engaging them and encouraging natural activity, also are trendy. "Foraging toys are hot," said Levine. They give owners a chance to do other things while their pet is occupied, she said. Shaw suggests the treat-dispensing Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble by Premier Pet (two sizes, $10 to $20, specialty stores). This activity ball stimulates pups mentally and physically by making them work for their food. Levine is a fan of the Physipet, a line of exercise and entertainment products for cats and dogs. The toys react to the pet, pulling back when the pet pulls, incorporating exercise with play and reducing boredom and separation anxiety, said company founder and inventor Jude Waddy ($70 and up, physipet.com).

"If you have a chewer, it's integral that you find the type of toy that can withstand that kind of abuse," said Shaw. Don't skimp on cheap toys that can easily tear apart. Instead, buy a heavy-duty toy that can endure tough teeth. California animal trainer and pet expert Diana L. Guerrero recommends the Kong Co.'s super-duty hollow rubber toys. The Kong Extreme toy, used by police and drug enforcement and specially made for aggressive chewers, can be filled with treats to help reduce boredom (available in five sizes, $5 and up, specialty stores). Brightly colored twists, flyers, hurleys and hucks from West Paw Design are made of Zogoflex, a durable, pliable material that's easy for a pet to pick up and won't hurt teeth ($9 to $17, specialty stores).

Other toys for chew-happy canines: bones and tugs made of tightly twisted cotton threads, which clean teeth while the pup chews and plush toys for dogs who like to "mother" a toy. Nylabone hard nylon dog chews in a range of shapes and flavors last longer than rawhide bones and promote tooth health. A bacon-flavored DuraChew comes in the shape of a hollow stick ($12, specialty stores).

"More people travel with their pets nowadays," said Levine. She stressed the importance of pet restraint while driving. "Just like texting and driving, a loose pet in the vehicle can be dangerous," she said. Kurgo makes a variety of pet-carrying products. A Skybox Booster seat for puppies and small dogs up to 30 pounds lifts them up to provide them with a window view ($60, specialty stores); the Kurgo Auto Zip-Line tethers a dog safely, with a harness attached to a zip-line that runs between any two fixed points in the vehicle and allows a dog to walk back and forth, sit and stand ($38, specialty stores). Car carriers are especially important for cats, who often are not fond of travel. Levine suggests that animal lovers bring water for their pets during trips. Pawgua makes a portable, BPA-free plastic dog bowl for thirsty, out-and-about pups ($15, specialty stores). The bowl keeps water cool and the top twists off.