Terre Haute - During the holiday season folks search high and low to find the best gifts for their loved ones, and that doesn't stop at humans.
It turns out pets are getting presents under the tree as well.
A survey done by PetCo says that 84 percent of pet owners will buy their animals presents this Christmas.
Today I talked with folks at a local pet store, they say that statistic does not surprise them at all.
For many pet owners it is a no brainer when it comes to adding an extra stocking over the fire place for their furry friend.
"Their pets are just as important to them as some of the grandkids or kids or maybe they don't have grandkids so these are their grand-dogs," says Dawn Lorey, Pet Supplies Plus.
Pet Supplies Plus in Terre Haute says this time of year they see people spending between 25 and 35 dollars extra on their pets for Christmas.
Customers buy festive clothes, accessories, treats, and even beds.
But despite all the new colorful toys that come out, their most popular item has nothing to do with Christmas.
"Actually year-round it's a tennis ball, and we have different sizes that's appropriate for different size dogs," says Lorey.
On top of all the extra toys, pet owners make sure that before they have family over to celebrate that their pets are looking and smelling their best by using their bathing station.
"That is nonstop back there. You know the holidays start with a clean pet, you know you got to get the stink out, you know cause company is coming," says Lorey.
But if you aren't careful, what started as holiday spirit could put you in the vet instead of at home enjoying the holidays.
"Because when they eat things they shouldn't we commonly will see vomiting and diarrhea and sometimes it can go into more severe disease called Pancreatitis," says Dr. Lori Weaver, Veterinarian.
The Wabash Valley Animal Hospital sees an increase in visits during the holidays from pets stepping on broken decorations, eating ornaments, or grabbing some left overs off the table.
"Grapes, raisins, onions are all big no-no's, chocolate's a no no, but just stick with the dog food," says Dr. Weaver.
When it comes to making sure your pets enjoy the holidays as much as you do, experts recommend heads-up and clean-up.
"The number one thing is to be aware and pay attention, and know what might happen. So put the dogs away, put the food away, so that they cannot get into it. Just trying to be aware of where they are so they don't sneak off and get into trouble," says Dr. Weaver.
She also recommends that dog owners are cautious of giving their pups raw hide bones or treats. She says they are fine in moderation but if they eat to much it will be difficult for them to digest.
As for cats, she says make sure to keep them away from you tree so that they don't knock it over and use one of their nine lives, and break your ornaments.
