APPMA Announces Top 10 Holiday Pet Gift Ideas.

Check out This Year's Hottest Gifts Perfect for the Furry and Finned Companions on Your Holiday List & Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Did you know more than half of dog owners and more than a third of cat owners will buy holiday gifts for their pets this year? And, Americans are spending more on their pets than ever before. According to The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), pet owners will spend an estimated $38.4 billion on their pets in 2006.

With that in mind, APPMA has a list of this holiday season's "must-have" gifts for the pets and pet lovers on your gift list.

* The Doggie Driver by Hyper Products is a great gift for Dad and dog. It's a golf driver that holds a tennis ball. Just swing like a normal golf club and the ball releases out. Ball can fly 40-80 yards, depending on your swing. It has hands-free pick up so the user does not have to touch a slimy ball. www.hyper-products.com

* For the sports fan in your life - Hunter Manufacturing can help you deck your dog out in your favorite sports team with pet products such as rubber bones, pet bowls, ID tags, pet hats and harnesses are available in NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, and most major colleges. www.huntermfg.com

* Jewelry always makes a great gift! LittleGifts exquisite Charm Necklace features an engraveable Swarovski crystal bone charm and the 3D Sterling Silver dog charm of your choice. There's also a hand crafted silver plated charm bracelet with an adorable bone, paw print, fire hydrant, "I love my dog," dog bowl and Austrian or Swarovski crystal bone charms. There are also breed-specific Sterling Silver dog charms! www.littlegifts.com

* Reef One/Casco's BABY biOrb is an exciting new addition to the biOrb smart aquarium family. Requiring just 4 gallons of water, it is the "baby" aquarium of the family. Ideal for novice fish keepers or those with limited space, the BABY biOrb utilizes the same powerful filtration and similar lighting to its larger siblings. The acrylic aquarium comes with stylish tops and bottoms in five different colors including cool pink and blue. www.biorbusa.com

* Fresh from the oven, Bowie Wowie's[TM] Oven-Ready, Refrigerated Cookie Dough by Diva Doggie is a simple, fast easy to bake treat for your dog. It has the look, smell and texture of a human cookie and contains no sugar, salt, fillers, artificial flavors, or by-products. Pre-baked version also available. Try snickerdoodle, oatmeal, carob chip and peanut butter. www.divadoggie.com

* Pet Gear has unveiled its newest Pet Strollers and Pet Play Areas. The Happy Trails Pet Stroller has front wheel shocks, large storage basket, parent tray, wind and rain cover and stores flat. The Home 'N' Go Pet Pen provides a safe place for your pet to play. The pen is water and stain resistant, has a removable tray and folds flat for easy storage. www.mytravelingpet.com

* Pamper your pooch this holiday season with Cain and Able's Doggie Spa Packs. The Doggie Spa pack includes the Every Dog has his Day Spa Shampoo, Between Baths Spritz, and Soap-on-a-Rope, along with a bathing sponge and rubber duck. Also try the Bone Shaped Spa Basket and the Deluxe Spa Set. The packages are shrink-wrapped and make a great gift for dog lovers. www.cainandablecollection.com

* Fox & Hounds is shaking things up with their new toys perfect for your festivities this holiday! The stylish three dimensional classic Martini Plush Squeaky Toy is complimented perfectly by the oversized Olive Plush Squeaky Toy, quintessential to any cocktail party. Meanwhile, their "Anytime is a good time for a Margarita" Plush Squeaky Toy is a party favorite with the must-have slice of Lime Plush Squeaky Toy. These toys will be the life of the party, especially when served up with coordinating ribbon collars, leads and harnesses in fun martini and margarita motifs. www.foxandhounds.com

* Help your feline beat the kitty blahs! The Peek-a-Prize Toy Box by SmartCat is a unique toy designed to build on your cat's instinct by partially hiding some of your cat's favorite toys then allows the natural predator in cats to hunt, attack and capture the toys. The toy box works with balls, cat toys, treats and catnip and especially helps indoor-only cats who have a special need for stimulating activities to keep them mentally and physically fit. www.esmartcat.com

* Ethical Pet Products' Holiday Gift Purse is the perfect gift for fickle felines. The Holiday Gift Purse includes 12 different cat toys in a cute, plastic purse with feathers, handles and a snap closure. There are 4 Jingle Balls, 1 Rattle Football, 3 Plush Mice with Catnip, 2 Sponge balls, 1 Glitter Ball with Catnip and 1 Sponge ball with glitter strands. There's something to please any finicky cat! www.ethicalpet.com

A list of many other great new gift ideas for pets is available at www.appma.org/pressreleases

APPMA reminds pet owners to keep safety in mind this holiday season to better ensure a happy and safe holiday season for the entire family. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

* Try to maintain a feeding, walking and playtime schedule as close to your dog's normal routine as possible. Also remember that cats are creatures of habit. Disruptions in the home could cause your feline to stop using the litter box.

* Human holiday treats are not healthy for your dog or cat. Any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your canine or kitty severe indigestion and diarrhea. Some problem foods for pets include; chocolate, coffee, poultry bones, onions, onion powder, salt, yeast dough, and spoiled food.

* Make sure your pet does not have access to Christmas tree water. Use a skirt or cloth to cover the bottom of the tree. Tree water may contain fertilizers, which can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea.

* Antifreeze Alert! Pets are often attracted to the sweet taste of anti-freeze (ethylene glycol), which is lethal even in small doses. As little as one teaspoon can be deadly for an average size cat. Make sure to check driveways and wipe up any leaks immediately.

* Make sure your tree is steady and secure in a flat, wide base. Cats often see trees as climbing posts and a simple wag of your dog's tail can bring down decorations on low branches. Place small or glass ornaments safely near the top of the tree.

* Plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, ivy, and holly berries can be poisonous, or even fatal. Tinsel, ribbons, glass ornaments, and candles can also be deadly if swallowed. Avoid decorating your tree with popcorn or cranberry strands, or other items that might tempt a pet's appetite.

* With holiday lights, keep in mind that exposed indoor or outdoor wiring could electrocute your pet. Tape down loose wires to baseboards or the sides of the house and hide wiring as much as possible.

* Crowds can frighten some animals. If you have a party, consider confining your pet securely in one area of the house, and post a sign on the door asking guests not to enter that room. Leave a radio or TV and lights on for your pet.

The American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association (APPMA) is the leading not-for-profit trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPMA membership includes more than 900 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPMA's mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. Visit www.appma.org for more information.