It’s the Christmas season and gifts are plentiful. There are so many people to get gifts for, but what about a Christmas gift for your dog? You’ve probably at least considered it.
No one wants their canine companion to feel left out on the big day. They’re probably excited to spend the morning with the family any day of the week, but the holidays are always special.
There’s excitement abound. The kids want to open gifts and you need to get breakfast started. You might be expecting guests or getting ready to go over to someone else’s house.
While your dog can’t participate in family dinner or dessert, you can include them in the gift giving.
Below we’ll take a look at some ideas for dog Christmas gifts!
The Importance of Safety in Dog Christmas Gifts
Before we get into specific Christmas gifts for dogs, it’s important to take safety into consideration.
Your dog doesn’t know what is and isn’t safe, so it’s your job to check ingredients and materials to make sure they’re dog safe. If you’ve had dogs for a while, this is probably second nature now. You’ve been doing it for a while.
For new dog owners, it can feel like a daunting task, but we’re here to help! We’ll help you learn what you need to be on the lookout for when it comes to your dog’s safety and wellbeing this holiday season.
Check Ingredient Lists for non Dog friendly Foods
Whether the treats are homemade or store bought, you’ll want to avoid certain ingredients.
Artificial sweeteners are a big one to look out for. Especially xylitol. It’s extremely toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
Excessive amounts of sugar in general should be avoided. It can cause stomach upset, weight gain, and even diabetes. So, if you’re making treats for the holidays, you should skip the sugar altogether or find an alternative like all-natural apple sauce.
You should also watch out for spices like nutmeg as it can be toxic.
Most store bought dog treats are made with your dog’s safety in mind, but for a more complete list of Christmas food do’s and don’ts, you can check out our blog post on Christmas Leftovers.
Be on the Lookout for Cheap Materials in Toys
A quality dog toy is a safe dog toy. You’ll want to make sure any toys won’t easily break or fray and cause injury before passing them over to your canine companion as a Christmas gift.
Avoid cheap squeaky toys that are made from rubber that’s easy to pull apart. Your dog can easily ingest pieces of it and choke.
Tennis balls can also be a choking hazard as they can crack into small pieces. These cracks can also potentially pinch your dog’s skin or tongue.
Rope toys are another gift to avoid as the rope can fray and your dog may be tempted to eat it. It can also get wrapped around paws or their tongue and cut off circulation.
Don’t worry! Just because some of the most iconic and popular toys are off of the list doesn’t mean your dog won’t be getting any dog Christmas gifts this holiday season.
We have some amazing suggestions below, so make sure you keep reading.
Budget-Friendly Christmas Gifts for Your Dog
We know that money is often a consideration for families when choosing Christmas gifts for dogs. There’s nothing wrong with that, and we’re here to assure you that no matter your budget, there is the perfect Christmas gift out there for your dog.
Lookout for Holiday Sales
The holiday season is a great time to be on the lookout for sales. A lot of retailers will have Christmas discounts, special bundles, and more.
It can be the perfect chance to stock up on treats, toys, poo bags, and other practical items.
A New Harness and Leash are Perfect
Budget friendly doesn’t have to mean cheap!
Have you been putting off buying a new harness or leash, but your dog really needs one? Now is the perfect time to invest.
A quality harness or lead will pay for itself in the long run. You won’t have to replace it as quickly as a cheaply made one.
The Gift of Time is Important
We don’t always think about it, but a lot of us are busy and find it hard to slow down. We skip out on family time, because we have work and other obligations.
This Christmas season, slow down and spend some extra time bonding with your dog. A lot of us are fortunate enough to have an extra few days off for holidays.
It can be the perfect time to bond with your dog and spend time relaxing with the family.
Unique Personalities: Choosing the Right Christmas Gifts for Your Dog
Just like every person, every dog is a little different. There won’t be one toy that’s perfect for every dog out there, so you might have to do some searching to find the perfect gift.
If you have a playful dog, your gift may be much, much different than something you would get your canine companion that’s happy to snuggle on the couch all day.
Whether your dog is high or low energy, we have some Christmas present ideas for dogs below.
Gifts for Active Dogs or Dogs that are Toy Motivated
If you have a dog that likes to run around in the backyard and play all day like a labrador or a husky, you might want to consider getting them some toys for the holidays.
An active dog needs a task. This is especially true if they're a working breed.
If they like to play fetch, you can try out something like our Fenrir Hammer or Dragon Egg.
Not only are they good for fetch, but the hammer can be used to play tug-o-war.
You can also try our Jute tug toy if your dog is a really big fan of the game as that’s what it’s specifically designed for. There won’t be any fraying rope to worry about, so you and your canine companion can play with peace of mind.
Gifts for Cuddly Dogs
Maybe you have a dog that’s less active and prefers a quiet evening on the couch. There’s gifts out there for them as well! No dog will go without a gift over the holiday season.
You can get them a new pet bed. They would probably appreciate having some nice and cosy place to snuggle.
If your dog enjoys blankets, all sorts of nice fleece blankets are sold throughout the winter. It would be easy to pick up a replacement or even just for them to have a new one.
There are also stuffed toys without the stuffing! These are much safer than your usual stuffed toys, because your dog won’t be able to tear them apart and accidentally ingest the material inside. So, if your dog is especially snuggly this could be the perfect Christmas gift for your dog.
Gifts for Food Driven Dogs
Some dogs are all about the treats! They love a good snack and there are some things you can do to make those snacks ever more enjoyable.
A snuffle mat is a great way to make treats or meal time more engaging. You can hide kibble or treats in the mat and they have to root them out.
An alternative to the snuffle mat is our Fenrir Hammer or Dragon Egg. We know we mentioned them above as great active toys, but did you know they can also be stuffed with treats?
Stuff them with kibble and let your dog shake them around to knock the food out or fill them with a tasty treat and freeze for a long lasting treat.
For those dogs that eat a little too quickly, a new puzzle bowl and food mat can be a good combination. The puzzle bowl will slow their eating down and the mat will keep it from sliding around.
DIY Christmas Gifts for Your Dog
If you’re crafty or enjoy making art, a DIY christmas gift for your dog can be the perfect solution. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Stocking for Dogs
If you like to crochet or sew, this is a perfect gift for your dog. Even if you aren’t much for working with fabric, there are plenty of no-sew tutorials online.
Then you can stuff your dog’s stocking with small gifts and they can enjoy the fun on Christmas morning with you and the kids!
Customised Treat Jar
Every dog can use a place to store their favourite snacks. All you need is an airtight glass jar and some craft supplies.
You can put their name on it, paint little bones or dogs on it, and even wrap a bow around it. You can truly decorate their treat jar in whatever way you would like.
This is a great gift since it’s 100% customizable.
Homemade Dog Treats
There are so many pet friendly recipes out there on the internet. You’re bound to find one that your dog will love!
Break out the cookie cutters and get to baking. You can make all sorts of yummy biscuits that your dog is bound to enjoy during the holidays.
Just make sure you remember to double check that all of the ingredients you’re using are dog safe.
Conclusion
The holidays are the perfect time to include your dog in the festivities. There are so many Christmas gifts for dogs out there.
Whether you’re on a budget, like to hand make things, or just want to get your canine something special this holiday season, there’s a solution for you.
Does your dog enjoy getting gifts? How do you include them in the gift giving
We’d love to hear all about it, so come over to social media to share your story and photos!
FAQs About Christmas Gifts for Your Dog: Getting Answers to Common Questions
What are some considerations when buying toys for my dog as Christmas gifts?
Choose appropriately sized toys for your dog’s size and breed. You don’t want it to be too large or too small.
You should also consider durability and check for toys made of materials that will hold up to vigorous play sessions. This includes making sure that there are no small detachable parts.
You may also want to include a mix of toys to keep your dog active and interested in playing.
Are there any eco-friendly Christmas present ideas for dogs?
Yes! You can look for dog toys made of eco-friendly materials like natural rubber or recycled materials. Collars or leashes can also be made from sustainable materials.
DIY gifts that upcycle household items are also a good option. Treats can also be made at home with organic ingredients.
What are some safe and fun Christmas activities I can do with my dog as part of their holiday gift?
Take a walk to look at the decorations and light displays in your area. This can be a great way to get out with your dog and enjoy the festivities.
You can also try visiting a pet-friendly holiday market. A lot of them pop up around Christmas time and are normally held outdoors.
Can I include my dog in the holiday festivities beyond just gifts?
Holidays walks to look at the decorations are a great option to include your dog in the festivities.
You can also consider including them in family Christmas photos and even taking them to dog-friendly events in your area.
Can I give my dog human food as a Christmas gift, like a special holiday meal?
You can include small amounts of human food as a Christmas gift, but you need to be mindful. Offer only dog safe foods like plain cooked turkey or boiled sweet potatoes.
Never feed your dog chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, or bones.
It’s also important to keep portions small to prevent stomach upset.