Dog Gifts for the Holidays

When the holidays arrive, the gift-giving spirit comes with it and many a pet owner includes her four-legged best friend on her shopping list. Pet stores are full of holiday-themed items you can purchase for your dog, so choosing a gift that will make both of you happy can be as easy as making a list of his favorite things.

  1. Treats

    • Whether you use treats to reward your dog for behaving, to entice him to learn new tricks or just to spoil him, they make a classic choice for a pet gift. There's little doubt that your dog will be delighted to find a new package of his favorite treats under the tree on Christmas morning. If you want to put in some extra effort, you can even find recipes online and bake holiday cookies for your dog at home.

    Toys

    • Toys give your dog a way to expend energy and practice instinctive behaviors such as chasing and shredding. Having toys around the house can help keep your dog from getting bored and give you an opportunity to bond with him by spending quality play time together. If your dog loves playtime more than anything else, toys are an even more obvious gift choice. Think about the games your dog enjoys the most when looking for a toy gift for him. Does he spend long hours playing with a ball? Is your arm sore from that last game of tug-of-war? A new toy, even if it's just a cleaner version of an old favorite, is a gift that you can expect to be a hit with your furry companion.

    Creature Comforts

    • If your dog's blanket is in tatters or his pillow bed is missing most of its stuffing, get him a new bed as a gift for the holidays. Options include a cushion, a nest-style bed and a simple blanket. Many pet stores put dog beds and related items, such as crates, on sale during the holidays, so you might be able to find something at a cheaper price than at other times throughout the year.

    Necessities

    • The holidays give you a good reason and motivation to replace some of your dog's belongings that are old, dirty or broken. Replace fraying leashes and collars or buy new sweaters and raincoats. Other ideas include replacing your dog's food and water bowls, replenishing his dog food and stocking up on bones and chews.