Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Dog

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’Tis the season to spread cheer and give gifts. Making our lists and checking them twice usually includes our family and friends, but what about our pets? They definitely count as family and certainly shouldn’t be forgotten! And it can be just as fun buying gifts for your beloved pup. They may not be able to actually say “thank you,” but you sure know when they love something. There’s no denying their happiness and excitement for something they like. So, what do we get our beloved canines? Here are a few special gift ideas for your four-legged friend.

Toys and Treat Start with something simple like dog toys and treats. Maybe you have a special stocking just for your dog you can stuff with all of the wonderful things. There are all kinds of delectable goodies for any dog. Maybe your dog loves to chew bones, squeak toys, and stuffed animals. If you’re unsure what size toy to get, just take a look at the packaging.

Dog Beds Dog beds are another excellent idea for a holiday gift. Even if your dog likes to lay on the sofa with you, sometimes it's nice if they have their own space. If you're buying your young pup their first bed, you may want to find something more affordable to start off. It can be tempting to get your new puppy the fluffiest and best bed ever, but to them, it may look like a huge stuffed animal. Some dogs like to tear apart their beds, so opt for something more affordable if it’s their first bed. For trained dogs, there are a lot more options to consider, from thin to thick, fleece to fur. If you have a senior dog, there are even some orthopedic options as well.

Something for Active Dogs Maybe you have an active dog that spends a lot of time running around the yard and you want to get them something special. Sometimes, we worry about our canine friends when they're out playing on their own, so why not get something to help them and you? Give the gift of a GPS dog tracker. There are many options available, and some even have the same health monitoring features we have on our own fitness watches. Some trackers slip onto your dog's regular collar and some come with their own, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Most trackers will sync with an app on your smartphone, which makes it particularly easy to track your dog if they ever got loose. There's nothing like the peace of mind in knowing that your dog is safe and sound. If you want to ensure that your active dog is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy, then you could look into canine probiotic supplements. While they’re not the most exciting of gifts on the surface, they can help improve your dog’s digestion or give a little boost to their immune system. That way, you can have all sorts of fun with your pooch and not have to worry about whether all that time spent romping around outdoors will wreak havoc on them later.

Dog Monitoring Systems A perfect pairing for your new dog tracker would be a dog monitoring camera to help check in on him while you’re away. Smart security cameras come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. Depending on your needs or wants, there is sure to be an option for you. Maybe your dog isn't out in the yard while you're gone but you want to keep an eye on him in the house; if so, there are motion-activated cameras and ones that allow you to talk to your dog. If you’re looking to have a conversation with your dog while you’re away, two-way cameras let your dog see you — and you can see him. As a bonus, many of these cameras double as extra security for your home depending on where you place them. Just like tracking collars, you can access the video through an app on your phone, so they’re perfect for checking on your house and your dog.Whatever you choose to get your dog for Christmas, take a little time and browse all of the options available to you. Grocery, department, discount, and, of course, specialty pet stores all have these items. A lot of locations do price-matching, so if you like one store in particular you can always ask them if they’ll price match. Be sure to check out online retailers as well. You can easily browse from the comfort of your own home or during a lunch hour at the office. Online shopping also helps you avoid the crowds and maybe even find a better deal. However you decide to shop, your dog is sure to be delighted with whatever you find!

Written by Cindy Aldridge from Ourdogfriends.org