Dog owners can get fetching Christmas gifts for pets at Pineville-Alexandria stores

Are you searching for perfect pet gift to put under the Christmas tree for your fur baby?

There are plenty of gift ideas out there such as special treats, clothes, toys and even making a donation to a rescue in your pet's name.

"There are all kinds of collars, treats — you can fix little treat baskets up — things like that," said Mandy Cherry, co-owner of Magnolia Pet Spa, 2018 Gus Kaplan Drive, Alexandria. Her co-owner is Jodi Lemoine.

Atwood's Bakery, 1125 MacArthur Drive, sells gourmet dog treats and Little Cakes with Big Attitude, 4120 Jackson St., sells pup cups.

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But there's a popular dog chew that Cherry doesn't suggest because they aren't healthy or safe.

"I wouldn't recommend rawhide treats just because they can cause blockages," she said. "A lot of dogs choke on them and then if they swallow a piece of the rawhide bone, they can cause a blockage and things like that."

What about cats?

"All cats love catnip. They love toys," she said. "Also, some cats are used to wearing collars as well."

Cherry said it may sound silly but cat owners could get their cat a new litter box. There are all different kinds out there including electric options.

Gift certificates to Petco, PetSmart or Magnolia Pet Spa are also good options, said Cherry.

"We have a groomer that also grooms cats," she said of her business.

For more information, call (318) 277-6650 or visit the Magnolia Pet Spa Facebook page.

Chericia Thomas, owner of Kuttin It Up Dog Grooming Salon, 1439 England Drive, said the salon sells clothes, collars, leashes, bandanas, bows and doggy cologne spray. Some can be gifts for cats, too.

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Dog clothes are the top selling item at the salon, which caters to small- and medium-sized dogs that are no more than 20 pounds, said Thomas.

The salon carries different scents such as baby powder, lavender and mint, Arm & Hammer Kiwi Blossom and Nature's Miracle Freshening Spray. The colognes are used when a pet is groomed and as they are about to be blow dried.

Thomas also offers gift certificates.

For more information, call (318) 704-6805 or visit Kuttin It Up Dog Grooming Salon's Facebook page.

You might want to make a donation in your pet's name to help other animals.

"I would do the Cenla Cat Project," said Cherry. "And then we also work with CAFA which is the Cenla Alliance for Animals that are here in Alexandria founded by Dr. Sara Kelly."

Cherry and Lemoine groom dogs for CAFA that have been rescued and are in bad shape.

She also suggests Boudreaux's Animal Rescue Krewe (B.A.R.K.). Both are no-kill shelters.

Maybe you can get your pet a gift from an organization that uses the funds to support other animals.

Jessica Difulco and her family recently adopted a Boykin spaniel, Nola. While learning more about them, they found out about Operation LBD and Boykin Spaniel Rescue.

"They are hunting dogs but also amazing family pets. We are training ours, Nola, for duck hunting. She’s already so loved," she said.

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In the Boykin world, Difulco said they are lovingly referred to as LBD, or "Little Brown Dogs." Operation OLBD sells merchandise at operationlbd.com that supports their organization.

"The OLBD has been selling these boxes for Christmas that have all kinds of dog-related items in them, owner items, information, etc., that has been donated to them to include in the boxes," said Difulco. "And the money that is collected all goes toward the medical care, placement, intake, etc., of rescuing Boykin spaniels."

OLBD also holds fundraising opportunities throughout the year.

"But I love that this idea is a Christmas gift for our pet, while also helping some of the less fortunate of their breed," said Difulco. "They are such loving little dogs, and it makes me happy to know that the OLBD is doing something to help out the ones they can."

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Dog owners, these Pineville-Alexandria stores have gifts for pups