Dogs are more than just pets – they’re part of the family. As such, they deserve their very own Christmas presents! From delicious treats and fun toys to comfy dog beds and dapper pet bows, the market is thankfully packed with fantastic holiday-themed pet gifts your pooch is bound to love. But what gift is the right one for your pup? To help you choose, we’ve not only rounded up some of the best Christmas presents for dogs, but we’ve also put together a helpful buying guide. Read on for inspiration and a fun shopping experience!
A Quick Overview of the Best Dog Gifts in 2022
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Every Pet Personality | Goody Box Holiday Toys | Check Price on Chewy | 5.0 |
| Best for Bored Dogs | TRIXIE Activity Poker Box | Check Price on Chewy | 4.4 |
| Best for Dogs That Love to Snack | Zuke's Mini Naturals Holiday Trees Dog Treats | Check Price on Chewy | 4.9 |
| Best For Stylish Dogs | Frisco Deluxe Marled Fair Isle Reindeer Dog Sweater | Check Price on Chewy | 4.5 |
| Best for Dogs Who Like to Snooze | Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster | Check Price on Chewy | 4.6 |
| Best for Dogs Who Like to Play Fetch | Chuckit! Max Glow Ball Dog Toy | Check Price on Chewy | 4.7 |
| Best for Dogs That Love to Chew | Benebone Multipack Holiday Durable Dog Chew Toy | Check Price on Chewy | 5.0 |
| Best for Cold Conditions | Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots | Check Price on Chewy | 4.0 |
| Best for Energetic Dogs | Frisco Rope With 5 Knots Dog Toy | Check Price on Chewy | 4.6 |
| Best for Dogs with Anxiety | Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy | Check Price on Chewy | 4.5 |
1 Best for Every Pet Personality: Goody Box Holiday Toys
- Good Value Six Gift Treat Pack
- Designed for Adult Dogs
- Includes Grain-Free Dog Treats
- Cute Seasonal Dog Toys
Why limit your pooch to just one Christmas treat when you can surprise them with this bumper box of toys and yummy goodies! Goody Box have created this limited-edition Christmas treat box with adult medium to large breeds in mind. And watching your dog’s face react to this box packed with ‘seasonal swag’ is going to make any dog lovers Christmas Day.
This is a well-priced treat box that’s packed with quality dog gifts both you and your lucky pet will enjoy. So, what exactly do you get? Well, there’s some cute canine wear, in the form of a festive bandana and a cozy Nordic-style Christmas blanket for when he needs a break from all the holiday fun. Plus, he gets a full-sized bag of grain-free dog treats and two well-made toys to help him burn off all that seasonal exuberance. Add in a yummy dog treat recipe pamphlet and a Happy Holidays banner and we’re not sure who will enjoy these dog Christmas gifts more – you or your pet!
Duck, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Cane Molasses, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Carrots, Pumpkins, Blueberries, Apples, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract
2 Best for Bored Dogs: TRIXIE Activity Poker Box
- Versatile Puzzle Treat Toy
- Can be Used in a Range of Combinations
- Dishwasher Safe, Non-Slip Feet
- Aimed at the Intermediate Gamer
Your dog needs plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical activity so what better Christmas gift to give them this Holiday season than a brainteaser toy designed just for canines. The Trixie Activity Poker Box is a clever interactive dog toy that will keep them entertained for hours. Designed to hold delicious treats, the premise of this great gift for dogs is for your pet to figure out how to get their paws on these tasty morsels. And it is versatile too, as it comes with four treat boxes which can be used on their own or merged for an extra challenge.
All you need to do is hide treats inside each of the robust, non-slip boxes, and your pooch then needs to work out how to get inside. And each box has a different way to get in, including lids, flaps, knobs, and ropes, so your dog really must use his gray matter to puzzle it all out. You can also up the difficulty level with extra treats in different combinations, so your pup never gets bored.
3 Best for Dogs That Love to Snack: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Holiday Trees Dog Treats
- Mini Treats Made from Real Turkey
- No Wheat, Corn or Soy
- Just Three Calories Per Biscuit
- Ideal for All Adult Dogs
Keep control of your canine’s Christmas excess without them feeling like they are missing out with these super-tasty turkey and cranberry flavored Holiday Trees. Made from all-natural ingredients and only three calories per treat, your pooch will get the taste he craves, without putting on the pounds.
They feature real turkey as well as cranberries and are cut into cute Christmas tree biscuits that are bite-sized, chewy and suited to all sizes of adult dog. Use as a delicious nibble come Christmas Day, as you and the family settle down to your own turkey or as a training aid and reward for all your pooch’s good behavior over the Holidays. A great gift for a stocking filler, this is also one of the best dog Christmas gifts if you are on a budget.
Turkey, Barley, Rice, Malted Barley Extract, Sweet Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Tapioca Starch Modified, Cranberries, Cherries, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Dried Cultured Whey Product, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Phosphoric Acid, Turmeric Spice, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Citric Acid for freshness, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness. 1B33004.
4 Best for Stylish Dogs: Frisco Deluxe Marled Fair Isle Reindeer Dog Sweater
- Easy fit Christmas Jumper
- Classic fair isle design
- Warm and cozy acrylic
- Available in seven sizes
Who doesn’t love a Christmas jumper? And dog lovers can now get their furry friend in on the act with this gorgeous reindeer sweater for dogs! Made with a classic fair isle print, this super-cute red and white jumper features reindeer to ensure your dog looks seasonal smart.
With its pull-over design, it is easy to put on as it simply slips on over your pup’s head for a comfortable and snug fit with space for a leash hole when needed. Made from cozy acrylic, this jumper is not just about looks either as it will keep your dog lovely and warm and so is a great gift choice for pets with shorter coats or are susceptible to feeling the winter cold. And the beauty of this fun pet jumper is that it comes in a choice of seven sizes, so even the largest dogs don’t have to miss out!
5 Best for Dogs Who Like to Snooze: Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster
- Interior Layer Reflects Your Dog’s Body Heat
- Soft Faux Fleece Lining for Comfort
- Non-Slip and Easy to Carry
- Machine Washable
Christmas is a time to settle back, relax and get cozy, whatever the weather is doing outside. And this is something your smaller dog will wholeheartedly embrace, especially if you buy them this self-warming bolster dog bed as one of their Christmas gifts.
Made with a cord-style outer, with a snuggly faux Sherpa lining, the comfort factor is upped with the generous Polyfill inner for a dog bed that naturally reflects all your pet’s warmth as they snooze. And the result is your pooch is happy, settled, and toasty warm.
Designed for small and toy breeds, Aspen Pet’s good-value self-warming dog bed bolster is also lightweight and easily portable and has a non-slip bottom to keep your pup safe and secure. A wonderful Christmas gift for the mini dog in your life.
6 Best for Dogs Who Like to Play Fetch: Chuckit! Max Glow Ball Dog Toy
- Made from Durable Rubber
- Charges Under a Bright Light
- Up to 30 Minutes Glow Time
- Sized for Medium Breeds
Don’t let the dark winter days spoil your pup’s Holiday fun – treat him to this glow-in-the dark bouncy ball and see his face light up instead! The Max Glow Ball from Chuckit! is made super durable rubber which is long-lasting and easy to clean. And the beauty about this fetch ball is that if you place it under a bright light for around five minutes, you get a generous 30 minutes of luminous glow for some after-dark playtime with your pet.
No batteries are needed as the thermoplastic rubber retains its luminosity and the ball is sized to be an ideal play toy for medium sized breeds. And to make it the perfect dog Christmas gift, you can pair it with Chuckit’s Sport Launcher for some supercharged playtime with your pooch.
7 Best for Dogs That Love to Chew: Benebone Multipack Holiday Durable Dog Chew Toy
- Pack of Four Fun-Shaped Chews
- Longer Lasting than Real Bones
- 100% Real Bacon and Maple
- Made in the USA
As one of the best dog Christmas gifts you can buy if you are looking to keep your pooch occupied, these long-lasting fun-shaped chews are just the thing. Made from real bacon with added maple for an irresistible taste and smell, you get four sizeable chews per pack, each a different shape to entice and challenge your pooch as they chow down. And with the different shapes and edges, these chews are also good at cleaning away debris and plaque from your dog’s teeth.
We particularly like how long-lasting they are and the fact that you have a choice of three sizes so you can get the perfect pack for your dog, whether he’s little or large. And the chews also come in an adorable box that is easy to wrap, if you like to watch your pup open his presents come Christmas morning!
8 Best for Cold Conditions: Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots
- Durable Dog Boots for Wet, Cold, or Hot Conditions
- Water-Resistant Nylon Outer
- High-Grip Thermoplastic Coating
- Available in 2 Colors and 4 Sizes
Both practical and smart, these dog boots are just the ticket for winter walks with your pet and so makes a timely Christmas gift for the dog in your life. Made from water-resistant nylon, these boots fit neatly over your dog’s paws and can help to protect their pads from wet, hot, or cold outdoor conditions. And, with their high-grip thermoplastic coating on the sole, they are also a good option if your dog needs a little extra non-slip stability on your home’s wooden or tiled floors.
Easy to get on and off, these cute booties also stay in place well, thanks to the fuzzy fasteners and foam pad inserts, which also offer extra protection for their ankles. So why not treat your dog this Christmas and see him happily put his best paw forward on his next wintry walk.
9 Best for Energetic Dogs: Frisco Rope with 5 Knots Dog Toy
- Cotton-Poly Blend Durable Rope Toy
- Five Knots for Grip-Ability
- Soft on the Mouth
- Ideal for Energetic, Large Dogs
With all the buzz of the Holidays, playtime is an essential way to burn off any excess energy of excited dogs. And what better way to get their exercise than a rough and tough game of tug. If your pet loves to tug and twist with the best, then this rope toy from Frisco will make one of the best adult and puppy Christmas presents.
Made from marine grade rope that is kind on their mouth, this tug toy features five sturdy knots for easy grip and as it is oversized, is tough enough for more boisterous, larger dogs. And the bright colors mean it can be seen and easily found if it gets thrown astray. What we also like about the Frisco Rope is that there are no hard or plastic parts, which makes it safe to be used indoors if the winter weather stops outdoor play.
10 Best for Dogs with Anxiety: Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy
- Soft Cuddle Toy with Inner Heat Source
- Designed to Soothe and Calm Anxious Dogs
- Features a Realistic Heartbeat
- Machine Washable, Batteries Included
The Holidays are a wonderful time for the family but if your pup is young or you have a more nervous dog, then it can be a little full-on and stressful. So, give your pooch a little calm and comfort this Christmas with the Snuggle Puppy dog toy. Designed as a behavioral aid to help dogs cope with everyday stress, this cute cuddle toy can soothe frazzled nerves which giving your dog a little extra warmth and comfort. And it is a toy that can last long after the Holiday activities as it is a great soother for dogs who are prone to separation anxiety.
What sets this smart toy apart is that is has an internal heat source as well as the feel of a pulsing heartbeat when cuddled, which together effectively soothes and calms down an anxious pet and is particularly good for rescue dogs. Plus, it comes with batteries included so your dog’s new best friend will work straight out of the box come Christmas day.
11 Old Mother Hubbard Holiday Jingle Jangle P-Nuttier Biscuits
- Crunchy, Oven-Baked Biscuits
- Made with Real Peanut Butter
- Added Carrot and Apple
- Good as Dental Treats
Dog Christmas gifts don’t have to be elaborate or break the bank to be appreciated. And so why not reward your pet for their good behavior this Christmas with these delicious nutty treats from Old Mother Hubbard.
Made from dog-friendly peanut butter along with cane molasses, P-Nuttier pack in the flavor but also contain fruit and fiber for all-round goodness. And dog owners will appreciate the cute Christmas tree shapes for their Holiday spirit, even if your hungry pooch doesn’t! What we particularly like about the Jingle Jangle P-Nuttier Biscuits is that they are also good a choice as dental treats, with their crunchy texture helping to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean. And their all-natural ingredients – there’s no artificial preservatives – these dog biscuits prove that a few treats can do your pet good this Christmas time.
Whole Wheat Flour, Oatmeal, Wheat Bran, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a natural source of Vitamin E), Crunchy Peanut Butter, Cane Molasses, Maltodextrin, Eggs, Apples, Carrots, Caramel Color, Garlic, Salt, Natural Peanut Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative).
12 Frisco Preppy Stripes Ceramic Personalized Dog Bowl
- Durable Ceramic Pet Bowl
- Crisp Striped Pattern in Choice of 7 Colors
- Personalize with Your Dog’s Name
- Available in Two Sizes
Add a little class to your dog’s mealtime this Holiday with this delightful ceramic bowl which can be personalized with their own name. The perfect bowl for your dog’s Christmas dog food dinner, it is made from durable ceramic with an attractive striped pattern. To make it extra special, you can choose from seven cool colors as well as add their name across the front.
Available in two sizes, this bowl works with most sized canines and is substantial enough to stay in place on the floor as your hungry pooch licks his new bowl clean. A great dog gift come Christmas morning, this well-made yet good value food bowl will also be a winner with any dog lover.
13 Wobble Wag Giggle Holiday Edition
- Interactive Ball for Indoors/Outdoors Play
- ‘Giggles’ when it is Rolled or Picked Up
- Clutch Pockets for Easy Pick Up
- No Batteries Required
Whether you have small pooches, large canines, or older dogs, what pup doesn’t love to play with a toy that plays back? And we think the special holiday edition off the Wobble Wag Giggle will go down a storm as one of the best dog Christmas gifts you can buy. This interactive ball will react as it is pushed, shaken, or picked up with giggle sounds that will make your pooch’s ears happily prick up – and all with no need for batteries. Plus, the robust Giggle ball also features six easy grip pockets so your dog can neatly pick the ball up and play with it, all year round.
Perfect for indoor as well as outdoor play, the Holiday edition Wobble Wag Giggle is a great way to keep your dog active and exercised, whatever the Christmas weather!
14 Frisco Jingle Bells Dog Holiday Collar
- Decorative Collar with jIngle Bells
- Slip on Design and Comfortable to Wear
- Can be Worn Over their Main Collar
- Sized for Both Cats and Dogs
Add some extra ho-ho-ho to your dog’s style this Christmas with this adorable Jingle Bells collar. What pup parent wouldn’t melt at the sight of their cute pooch in their very own seasonal neck wear that will put the festive into your family time. In the classic Christmas red and white, with lovely jingly bells this collar will make your pet seasonal smart.
Easy to put on, it is comfortable to wear and can also be worn over your dog’s collar without getting in the way. It is, however, not a replacement for their main collar, but is intended for a little extra decoration. Available in small, medium, and large for the perfect fit, this collar can also be worn by cats and is a great value Christmas gift you will all enjoy.
15 Greenies Seasonal Dental Dog Treats
- Designed to Help Prevent Gum Disease
- Delicious Gingerbread Flavor
- Made from All-Natural Ingredients
- Easy to Digest
Gingerbread is a classic Holiday flavor, and with these gingerbread dental treats, there’s no need for your sweet-toothed pet to miss out. Made from natural ingredients and boosted with vitamins and minerals, these treats are easy to digest and can help to tackle those unpleasant canine mouth odors. Shaped like mini toothbrushes, these treats are also effective in helping to remove plaque, keeping your dog’s teeth happy and healthy.
Each pack contains 22 gingerbread all natural treats and come in choice of four sizes so you can match the treat to the size of your dog. And, at 26 calories for the smallest size, your little pup can enjoy a daily fresh breath treat without you worrying about their weight. An excellent addition to your puppy Christmas gifts list to bring them some tasty holiday cheer.
Wheat Flour, Glycerin, Wheat Gluten, Gelatin, Water, Powdered Cellulose, Lecithin, Minerals (Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium, Potassium Iodide), Natural Poultry Flavor, Natural Gingerbread Spice Flavor, Choline Chloride, Fruit Juice Color, Vitamins (Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source Of Vitamin E], Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate [Vitamin B5], Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Folic Acid), Turmeric Color.
16 Frisco Portland Insulated Dog Parka
- Smart and Practical Dog Coat
- Made from Water-Resistant Material
- Plush Lining and Detachable Hood
- Available in Three Colors and Seven Sizes
Ensure your pooch is the best-dressed canine this Christmas with this on-trend parka that will also keep them warm on their winter walks. This pet parka from Frisco is made from water-resistant material with a plush lining that will keep the chill away as your pup goes outside to exercise and play. Plus, with its detachable, faux fur hood and handy side pockets, with this pet gear your dog will be the coolest dude in the neighborhood.
Providing protection against light rain and snow, with a midrise collar to keep their neck toasty and warm this is a practical Christmas dog gift that also looks good, making any dog mom proud. And with a choice of olive, dusty pink, or crimson colors plus sizes from X-small to XXX-large, there’s no reason why your dog can’t be fashion-forward this Yuletide.
17 Blue Buffalo Holiday Santa Snacks
- Festive-Shaped Treat Biscuits
- Oven-Baked for Extra Crunch
- All-Natural iIngredients and no Corn, Wheat, or Soy
- 25 Calories per Biscuit
Keep it healthy as well as tasty this Yuletide, with these wholesome crunchy dog treats from Blue Buffalo. Perfect for adding to your dog’s Christmas stocking, dog owners will be reassured by the human grade ingredients such as oatmeal, cinnamon and flaxseed. Meanwhile your dog will be more than happy with the Christmassy taste as well as the satisfying crunch. Plus, there’s no poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy so a good choice for more digestive-sensitive pets.
Cut into cute festive shapes and with a delicious crunchy texture that any dog loves, each oven-baked biscuit treat is 25 calories. And you get good value with this 11-ounce bag that should last a while…if your pooch doesn’t get to them first!
Oatmeal, Barley, Oat Flour, Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Cane Molasses, Carrots, Salt, Canola Oil, Cinnamon, Calcium Carbonate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Oil of Rosemary, Vitamin E Supplement.
18 Frisco Holiday Wreath Tennis Ball Squeaky Dog Toy
- Good Value Eight Ball Pack
- Rubber Balls with Felt Outer
- Built-In Squeakers
- Perfect for Fetch, Catch and Chase
Squeaky balls are a timeless classic when it comes to choosing the best dog Christmas gifts and we think this eight-ball set from Frisco is a seasonal winner.
First up – and this is one for dog owners to appreciate – is the packaging, with the balls set in a box that looks just like a Christmas wreath. But what active dogs will really be interested in is the contents, ands s squeaky toys, these durable tennis balls won’t disappoint. Made from rubber with a festively colored felt covering, they are certainly eye-catching and, from your pup’s point of view, a whole heap of bouncing ball fun. Plus, each ball comes complete with a built-in squeaker to keep your playful doggo totally entertained. One of the best dog Christmas gifts to help work off any excess canine energy down the dog park.
19 Frisco Dog Cable Knitted Sweater
- Soft-Knit Pullover Jumper
- Made from Durable Acrylic
- Easy fit for Comfort
- Available in a Choice of Colors
Go for a cozy Christmas with your pet, thanks to this gorgeous cable knit sweater that will give your pooch a fashion edge this winter season. Made from super-soft knit for a lux feel, it will also look cute as your dog’s Christmas day pet gear. Thanks to its pullover design, it is stress free to put on and fits snugly without being too tight.
As well as for home wear, this pullover is also a smart choice for a winter walk as it will keep the chill of your pet. Available in seven sizes and a choice of four colors, this is also a versatile solution when it comes to things to get your dog for Christmas and will ensure he is fashion ready for the party season!
20 Frisco Buffalo Plaid Personalized Dog Bandana
- Soft Polyester for Comfort
- Personalized Up to 13 Characters
- Stylish Red and Black Plaid
- Three Sizes which Can be Adjusted to Fit
Such a simple idea but we think this pet bandana could just be one of the best dog gifts yet. Made from eye-catching buffalo plaid in a soft polyester, you can also opt to add your dog’s name for an extra dose of cuteness.
The red and black colorway has a warm, wintry feel that will look right at home come Christmas time. And as it fits easily over the top of most dog collars, he can look stylish even when out on his daily walk. This classic pet bandana is machine washable and available in three sizes; each can be adjusted to fit by simply rolling the edge down to the perfect size for your pet.
Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs: Buyer’s Guide
By now you should already have your Christmas gift list. And if you are mulling the idea of giving something to your pooch, then you’ve come to the right place. We already gave you 10 of the best rated canine products to give as Christmas gifts for dogs. And if there is none that aroused your interest, then read on as we will help you explore the many gift options for your pooch.
What Should You Get Your Dog for Christmas?
Playing the role of Santa Claus to your pet pooch this Christmas is a very noble deed. Not all pet parents go out of their way to look for interesting, fashionable, and very useful presents that will show their pets just how much they treasure the company they have given their family through the years.
But getting a Christmas present your loving and loyal dog deserves will let your pooch know just how much they mean to you.
Here are some of the things that you can get your dog this Christmas. Understand that these are general categories of stuff that you can get for your pooch. Some of these you may already be giving all year round. But with a seasonal twist and a dash of Holiday spirit, you can really up the dog gift buying ante.
Doggie Toys
Just like kids on Christmas Day, dogs also love doggie toys. However, it’s essential that you choose only those that can provide your dog with not only fun and excitement but also intellectual and mental stimulation. Just as kids can benefit from puzzle toys, so do dogs as their natural tendency to hunt can be harnessed and be put to the test. Sharpening their mental skills and intelligence can also help in ensuring more successful and more effective canine obedience training.
It is equally important to choose doggie playthings that are safe and free from components that might endanger their wellbeing. Steer clear of toys and playthings that are infused with harmful chemicals and other toxic substances that can undermine your dog’s health. You also need to steer clear of doggy toys that come with small parts that can be easily detached and risk choking your dog.
Canine Comfort Accessories
Who doesn’t want to live in comfort, free from pain? Even dogs would love to lead their lives in absolute bliss if only that were possible. And, as dog moms or dads, we can always make life more comfortable for them.
You can give them a plush cooling bed if you happen to live in warmer climates or something with a warming mechanism if you’re located in a cold environment. Understand that pooches don’t have a very efficient system of regulating their body temperatures, often relying on their panting behavior to release excess heat from their body. So, if you can provide your pooch with bedding or a dog blanket that allows it to regulate its body temperature a lot more efficiently, then your canine friend will forever be thankful. Since we’re already talking about comfort beddings, you might as well throw in a comfy pillow.
Also included in this category are smart dog camera devices that allow you to ‘talk’ to your pooch while you are away. This way, you can soothe it and reassure it that everything will be all right. This also helps address separation anxiety in dogs.
Dog Chews and Dental Chews
If you haven’t given your pet dental chews or doggie chews yet, now’s the perfect time to give in to their chewing behavior. Dogs love to chew. The only thing you can do is to help them redirect their chewing behavior from being destructive to something more acceptable. This is where dog chews come in. You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to dog chews. There are rope toys, rawhides, bully sticks, and other toys that are designed specifically to help dogs act out their chewing instincts. There are even dog chews that serve as treat dispensers so they get to enjoy the treat while chewing on these toys.
You can also give your pet a dental chew which is the same as a dog chew except that it has been specifically designed to remove food particles and debris from the gum line and tooth surfaces as well as help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. These chews typically have ridges or nubs that serve like the bristles of your toothbrush, making sure your pooch is able to clean its teeth properly.
Feeding and Drinking Accessories
Nutrition and hydration are important aspects of pet care. Which is why some of the best gifts you could ever give to your pooch this Christmas holiday season are those that relate to feeding and drinking.
Let’s start with drinking accessories first. You can provide your canine friend with fully automated water dispensers or dog drinking fountains to give them fresh, clean drinking water all the time. The continuous flow of water helps prevent water stagnation which can facilitate the growth of bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms. Many of these gadgets also come with a variety of filtration systems to help keep the water clean.
Then there are feeding stations or kibble dispensers. These come fully automated that they dispense dry kibbles in predetermined amounts within a given time frame. Of course, you can always give them more ordinary food bowls. Just make sure to get either a ceramic or stainless steel as these are generally more hygienic than plastic. Moreover, they are more resistant to chewing.
Training Accessories
Dogs love spending time with their masters. If there is anything else they love more, then that would be pleasing their human. That is why they are easy to train compared to other pets or animals. The fact that dogs are very social and love nothing more than to please us, they are more than ready to learn a new trick or two just so they will feel valued and appreciated.
That being said, you may want to invest in training accessories such as training clickers, training collars, dog leashes, and dog harnesses among others. Doggie treats can also be classified as a training tool since these strengthen positive reinforcement techniques.
What are Good Toys for Puppies?
There are plenty of Christmas gift ideas for dogs. But what if you have a puppy? We all know that puppies are like children. And like children, puppies learn a lot about their world through play. That is why toys play a very important role in puppy development. This is of course in conjunction with good nutrition and plenty of loving care on our part. But really, what are good toys for puppies? Here’s a look at some of them.
Interactive Toys
Known as canine puzzle toys, interactive dog toys help develop intelligence particularly the problem-solving skills of puppies. Unfortunately, the majority of these kinds of playthings are designed for adult dogs. As such, it is important for you to make sure that the interactive toy you’re getting is designed specifically for puppies.
An interactive toy is heavily predicated on stimulating the hunter instincts in dogs. It is believed that dogs are natural hunters and that they carry in their genes this natural behavior to be curious and nosy about things that may be considered as ‘prey’. You should understand that there are no humans to give dogs food in the wild. As such they have to fend for themselves by hunting or searching for food. Today, dogs rely on their pet parent for their sustenance. This doesn’t mean that the hunter’s drive has already gone extinct.
Interactive toys stimulate these instincts to help enhance the problem-solving abilities of dogs. If started early as pups, they will be a lot easier to train. As we all know, a well-trained puppy will grow up to become a highly prized model dog.
Teething Toys
Just like human babies, puppies undergo a teething process which is also characterized by sore and inflamed gums as the permanent tooth is slowly replacing the deciduous one. Which is why puppy teething toys are important. Not only are these critical in helping reduce the symptoms associated with teething, but it also helps provide a non-destructive outlet for the pup’s chewing behavior. However, it is critical to choose teething products that are made of only the safest materials.
Plush Toys
If you’re a fan of plush stuffed toys, chances are your pet puppy has been eyeing them for weeks. For very young dogs, plush toys can instantly trigger their innate hunter instincts. Plush stuffed playthings, especially those that resemble prey like mice, squirrels, hedgehogs, and even raccoons, do look like the ones dogs hunt in the wild. They feel almost the same, too. And if so happens that these playthings also make a squeaking noise, then all the more that your pup’s predatory instincts will go into overdrive. Feeding their innate hunter instincts can help puppies with their training as many of the training techniques are based on the inherent nature of pooches to hunt.
Tug Toys
In case you haven’t noticed, puppies love to bite and pull on things. They’ll latch their tiny teeth onto almost anything and then pull it with all their might. This is where tug toys can come in. Just make sure that it is not too large for their small mouths to fit. It should also be made of safe materials without the possibility of chemicals leaching. Remember, your pup will be using its tiny mouth to tug on this gadget so you’d better make sure that it’s tough and it’s safe.
Fetch Toys
These types of puppy playthings are excellent for improving their physical development while also honing their skills in obedience training. Very young pups may not be able to play with fetch toys in a manner that we like and as such these playthings are best reserved for pups that have already begun their obedience training as it requires an understanding of the ‘come’ command. Nevertheless, balls, sticks, doggy frisbees, and other similar toys can make for an entertaining afternoon for any breed of pup.
Christmas Stocking Treats Ideas
If you’re thinking of having a Christmas stocking dedicated solely to your pet, then you have to think of objects that you can place into this cloth container. These must be small enough to fit inside the stocking yet big enough to be appreciated by your pooch. Here are a few ideas for Christmas stocking treats.
Home-Baked Cookies
Why buy when you can show your pooch just how much you love it by baking your own take of dog-healthy cookies and biscuits? Just make sure that you bake using only dog safe ingredients and avoid any form of trans-fats as these are generally not good for your pooch.
Commercially Available Pet-Safe Cookies
If you’re not really good at determining what a dog-safe ingredient looks like, then you’re better off with commercially available cookies. Check the manufacturer’s reputation for any history of product recalls, though.
Rawhide Variations
Rawhide is a very versatile doggie chew that you can use as part of a Christmas stocking treat for your pet. You can make peanut butter lollipops with rawhide sticks or you can buy candy cane-shaped and colored rawhides. You can also get a premium quality rawhide and dress it up in an adorable design before putting it in the stocking.
Bully Sticks
These dog chews made from bull penis make for a great doggie treat. Bully sticks may be expensive, though; however, they are valued for their lack of chemical additives and preservatives. They last longer than other types of dog chews too.
Himalayan Dog Chews
Made of cow’s or yak’s milk that has been turned into really hard cheese, Himalayan dog chews are perfect treats because they taste really good, are easily digestible, are free from preservatives, and are really long-lasting.
Take this Christmas holiday season to show your appreciation to your pet dog by giving it some of the most unique and most useful Christmas presents you could ever give. From gifts for adult dogs to toys for puppies and even stuffers for your Christmas stocking, there are plenty of options for you. The point is to always get a gift that is safe for your pet and is appropriate for its age and health status. With these 10 best Christmas presents for dogs, you’re this much closer to finding the best gift for your pooch.
