For many, Valentine's Day doesn't discriminate against those who are hairy or have long nails.

In fact, pet owners often take the opportunity on such holidays to show their furry friends how much they appreciate their loyal companionship.

Americans love their pets, to the tune of $36 billion a year.

Clip Clip Hooray, on Bond Street in Westminster, offers pet grooming services, including a special pet pampering package for Valentine's Day.

Owner Beth Rex is also promoting Pet Dental Month which takes place in February. She is hoping that pet owners will pamper their pooches for Valentine's Day with the "Puppy Kisses" package, which includes dental care treatment and take home items.

"Puppy Kisses" can be added to any regular grooming or bathing service and includes teeth cleaning using enzymatic toothpaste, fresh breathe spray, a blueberry facial, and a take-home breathe mint and bone.

"Pets to most people are like the children they never had, or like an additional child to those they already have," said Rex. "For Valentine's Day we offer a package that allows owners to do something special that focuses on the animal's face and mouth ... so that snuggling is even better."

According to Rex, most of her clients get their animals groomed for the holidays or they do not want to get their animals hair cut short due to the cold weather.

So if grooming or a spa day isn't an option for Valentine's Day, Rex suggested some other pet pampering options. Such as ...

*Toys. Animals love toys. Rex suggests choose a toy that is safe and appropriate for your animal type and size.

*Treats. Find a recipe and make your own animal treats. Or if that isn't gonna happen, find something tasty, healthful and, if possible, good for their teeth.

*Jewelry. There is jewelry custom made for pets, from jewel studded collars to barretts and head pieces.

*Home Grooming. Pick up a softening or "smell good" shampoo or other treatment that you can use to bathe your animal at home.

*Play. This may seem obvious, but nothing says lovin' to a pet quite like playful attention. Spend extra time showing your pet how much you appreciate their friendship by spending extra time with them, either throwing a ball, petting their belly or just cuddling up in front of the fire.

Rex, who has two guinea pigs, two horses, two cats and a dog, said every day is like Valentine's Day, or Christmas, for her pets.

"They are spoiled every day in our home," she laughed.

But in all of the pampering and showing of affection, be careful to keep your pets away from human Valentine's Day gifts.

Experts warn that ribbon and gift wrapping can be dangerous to animals, such as cats who enjoy playing with string and yarn.

And chocolate and other human treats can be toxic to animals, especially dogs and cats.

Clip Clip Hooray (410-848-6863) is at 2 D Bond St., Westminster.

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