Truly Gifted: An A-Z DIY Holiday Workshop For The Pet On Your Holiday List

Whether they're naughty or nice, our pets love the holidays too. My pooches love all the holiday activity, but they don't always get what they want. Sure, they get unconditional love and romps in the snow. They want more. They want...holiday cookies! My pets have a definite case of cookie envy.

Could there be such a thing as holiday cookie envy? The Washington Post says it's so in an article positioning that, "Dogs Feel Envy - or at Least Grasp Inequity When It Comes To Treats" A study found that dogs that watched another dog get a reward for following a command would start to hesitate, get upset and act frustrated if they were not rewarded for the same behavior. I could have guessed that theory. In my home, it's been proven to be true for my pets and human treats too.

Is holiday cookie envy barking up a winter storm in your home? If your pooch is breathing down your neck, telling you that they want a healthy treat, whip up a batch of these biscuits. (These are so healthy, I think I have holiday biscuit envy!)

Holiday Dog Breath Biscuits

Makes 12 dog biscuits

What You Need:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oats
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 organic eggs
• 1/4 cup minced mint
• 1/4 cup minced parsley
• dog bone or holiday cookie cutters (large or small)
• cookie sheet

What to Do

1. In bowl, whisk dry ingredients.
2. In separate bowl, beat butter with peanut butter; beat in eggs, 1 at a time.
3. Stir in flour mixture, mint and parsley to make soft dough.
4. Divide in half; wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
5. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
6. Using cookie cutter, cut out shapes.
7. Arrange cookie sheet.
8. Bake at 325

Holiday TLC For Pets

WATCH VIDEO: Green Your Pet Safely

The holiday festivities are a lot fun for our pets, but the very things that make the so holidays festive for people, can make the festivities for the furry set downright dangerous. I asked my sister-in law, Dr. Carol Gamez of the Georgetown Veterinary Hospital what pet owners can do to keep their pet's safe and healthy.

"During the holiday season, it's easy to keep pets safe and healthy with just a few simple tips. These 8 common sense measures can go a long way." Dr. Carol Gamez, DVM

1. So as to avoid an accident, keep your Christmas tree well anchored. This will prevent a curious feline or dog from knocking it over.
2. The use of tinsel, string or yarn to decorate the tree should be avoided, as these can potentially cause a life-threatening blockage if ingested by your cat.
3. Since cats love to chew on plants, keep Poinsettias in areas that the cat can not access. Although not necessarily poisonous, they can cause serious gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested.
4. Never leave holiday candles burning in areas that can be accessed by your pets, as they could knock them over a cause a fire.
5. During the holiday season, we all tend to overeat. Sweets and high fat foods should not be given to your pets. And don't be tempted to feed them off the table. This encourages begging and bad manners.
6. After a holiday meal, enjoy a healthy walk and bring your furry friends too. Your dog will enjoy the exercise.
7. If it's chilly outside, keep your dog warm with a winter coat especially if they are a short-coated breed.
8. Salt on the road can harm your pet's feet. If at all possible, avoid salted roads. If not possible, dog boots can be worn. Or, simply shorten the walk. Then rinse your dogs feet with warm water to remove the salt after the walk.