Paw-fect Gifts for the Dogs in Your Life This Christmas

It’s that gift-giving holiday time of year again. Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be a fun challenge. You always want to get something they will appreciate, which shows how much you value them.

For us, our pets are also part of the family. Even though they may not understand why there are loads of wrapping paper to play with or why the house smells of fantastic food, we want to include them in the gift-giving. In fact, 94% of pet owners include their furry friends on Christmas and buy them a gift.

From snacks to snuggles, harnesses, and halos, here are some great gift ideas for your furball this Christmas.

Festive Food

Why should we be the only ones enjoying fun Christmas food? The downside is that many of our favourite Christmas treats, like dried fruit, chocolate, lollies, cooked bones, and more are dangerous for our dogs.

Dog-safe festive treats are available and our doggy pals love them. You could get special seasonal flavours of their normal treats or even a doggy advent calendar.

Depending on your dog’s diet, you could even give them a pet-safe version of what you have for dinner on the big day. Just remember to check that everything on their plate is safe for them first.

Cosy Bed or Blanket

Like us, some dogs love to be able to laze about. Christmas might be the perfect time to update their tired and lumpy dog bed to something new and super snuggly for them to enjoy.

Larger breeds especially need a bed with firm support that won’t slide around when they get in. Senior dogs or dogs with joint problems could benefit from an orthopaedic dog bed. These can be expensive, especially for larger beds, but they can make a huge difference in how comfortable your dog is when it’s lounging around.

A weighted dog blanket is another option for making your dog feel more cosy. Like us, a weighted blanket can comfort your dog and help reduce its anxiety.

However, make sure to purchase a pet-safe blanket that is not filled with ceramic beads like human blankets. These can be too heavy for your dog or cause discomfort, especially for skinny breeds like greyhounds or whippets.

Personalised Dog Harness or Collar

A new quality dog harness makes a great Christmas gift and is something the two of you can enjoy all year round. You can use a harness on large or small dogs, and a cool dog harness with their name or in a bright colour looks fantastic.

You can also go the whole hog and get a set with a matching dog leash to go with the dog harness set, and you'll have the handsomest hound in town.

Collars are also a good Christmas gift for your dogs. You could go for something with a festive twist just for the Christmas season or replace their everyday collar. You could look to update their lead, too, and go for a matching dog collar and leash set or get a personalised collar for a unique gift.

Christmas Clothes

I know this isn’t for everyone or every dog, but if you like to have a fashionista pup or have a breed that sometimes needs an extra layer, a special Christmas outfit might be something you want.

Jumpers probably aren’t the best for summer, but you can find lightweight wrap vests made with festive patterns or fun Christmas t-shirts for dogs of all sizes. I’ve even seen doggy Christmas pyjamas.

If a whole outfit for your furry friend isn’t quite what you were after, you could go for a more discreet pet accessory like festive-themed bandanas or bows, which just add a little Christmas cheer to their existing collar.

There are also Christmas-themed costume options for many dogs. They can wear wings and a halo or an elf hat. Mine wouldn’t keep those on, but your dog’s temperament might be different from mine.

Gifting Gadgets

For the tech-savvy dog owner, consider a gadget gift for your dog this Christmas. You can get pet cameras so you can check in on your best buddy even when you’re not with them. Some of the pet camera models even have smart treat dispensers or voice software so you can interact with your dog and see what they’re up to.

You could look at a pet activity tracker if you have a dog that needs to lose a couple of kilos. These works much like the human versions and attach to your dog’s collar and link via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Many of the apps for pet activity trackers can also suggest the ideal amount of exercise for your dog based on their age, weight, and breed, so this could be a valuable tool in getting your buddy back to their peak fitness level.

Practical Pet Presents

A practical pet present is like getting socks or shower gel for Christmas. They might not be the snazziest of gifts, but actually, they are really quite useful to have.

You could consider a portable water bottle with an inbuilt bowl to ensure your dog always has a drink available. This is ideal for dog families who take longer walks in more rural areas. If your dog is a water baby, dog-drying mitts or wrap set might be a good shout.

Christmas is an excuse for you to replace some of their more overloved toys or slightly more perishable items. If your dog loves to chase a ball, then a new set of dog-safe balls is a great gift. If they like to play tug-of-war, consider replacing their rope toy.

It’s the Thought that Counts

Like all of the gifts you may be giving this year, the thought counts, not the cost or number of presents. Your dog won’t care if he doesn’t actually get a present; he’ll just be jazzed to hang out with you.

If you are giving a gift to your dog and fancy wrapping it as an extra interactive treat for them, remember to use loose natural wrapping paper and avoid tape, ribbon, or tags, as these can be a choking hazard.

And happy holidays!