1. Protecting Precious Paws – Dogs love playing in the snow, but they don’t love walking on ice-melting salt, which burns their paw-pads and causes serious irritation and infection. Morton – as in, the “When It Rains, It Pours” people – knows the power of salt and adores dogs, so they’ve formulated safe, effective, salt-free Safe-T-Pet Ice Melt. Use Safe-T-Pet to make walkways slip-proof while you protect Spot’s sensitive feet.

2. Tantalizing Treats – Why should humans have all the fun with pumpkin pies and gingerbread cookies? Dogs whose busy people have no time to bake can now enjoy the four-footed versions of those heavenly holiday treats we all crave: Paws in the Pie treats by Ark Naturals and Gingerbread Men Buddy Biscuits by Cloud Star.

3. Pets’ Pearly Whites – Pet probiotics are great for supporting an animal’s digestive and immune systems – but did you know these beneficial bacteria also help prevent tooth decay? One scoop of EvoraPet sprinkled over a dog or cat’s food daily will help keep his choppers healthy. In between tooth-brushings and probiotic doses, keep Spot’s breath spotless with “Breath-less Brushless Toothpaste” from Ark Naturals, chewy green treats that contain breath-freshening Chlorophyll, Cinnamon, and Clove.

4. Chew on This – Nothing looks less festive than half-chewed rawhides strewn around the living room. Yuck! Deer Antler Dog Chews by Flint River Ranch, on the other hand, are the seasonally appropriate alternative, and dogs love ’em. Ranging in size from Petite to Extra Jumbo, these naturally-shed antlers will keep Spot’s choppers gainfully occupied, plus they look downright decorative on your living-room floor, like natural holiday sculpture.

5. Spread the Love – If you’re like us, your first taste of Justin’s Nut Butter was a holiday in itself. Go ahead and share that experience with your best friend! Don’t fill your dog’s Kong with just any spreadable edible – give that rubber chew toy a generous schmear of Justin’s Classic Peanut or Honey Peanut (skip the chocolate blends, as cocoa is toxic to pets). And while you’re at it, bring handy, eminently squeezable snack packets of this stuff along whenever you’re out ruffing it on the hiking trail. Yum!

6. Senior K9s on the Move – Is arthritis making it tough for your older dog to get around? This holiday, give him or her the gift of vastly improved mobility with DogPawR Joint & Hip Complex. This sublime new product contains green-lipped mussels and turmeric in addition to glucosamine and several other key, natural ingredients. Sprinkled over a dog’s food, this combination of ingredients does wonders to help senior dogs overcome joint stiffness.

7. Style With Substance – Seniors and dogs recovering from illness need extra layers of protection from winter’s harsh chill. Protect them in style with Mountain Mutt Dog Coats, the Moncler of K9 jackets. The designs were inspired by a mutt named Mac, who bravely battled osteosarcoma. To honor Mac, a portion of profits from sales of these stylin’ K9 coats are donated to the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University.

8. Home for the Holidays – Last, but certainly not least, please remember the wonderful people and pets at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley this holiday. Follow @HumaneBoulder on Twitter, and donate what you can, whether it’s money or supplies (animal shelters are always grateful to receive towels, blankets, and cleaning supplies). And if there’s room in your home, please consider adopting a shelter dog or cat – that truly is the gift that keeps on giving.