Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs – 2015
Choosing a holiday gift for your dog or favorite dog-lover can be challenging in the ever-expanding pet product marketplace. Here are a few ideas–from toys to sweaters, from treats to wellness products and more–that can make your shopping excursions a little bit easier.
Best Toys for Dogs
Pogo Plush from PetSafe
For dogs who prefer plush toys, but tend to be destructive, I love the original Pogo Plush toys. The squeaker rolls around inside the patent-pending inner frame so the dog has to really work to find it. This feature (as well as the inner frame) helps decrease the time it takes to isolate the noise. There is no “filling” so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess. For dogs who love their plush toys, but also love to chew, this is the toy for them.
Hear, Doggy! from Quaker Pet Group
For the dogs who love plush squeaky toys but owners who can’t stand listening to the never-ending squeak., this is the toy for them. It’s ideal for those who work from home and can’t have an important call interrupted by squeaky toys. Dogs hear sounds at a higher frequency (0 to 45 KHz) than humans do (0 to 20 KHz). These toys are tuned to an ultrasonic range in the 24 to 28 KHz frequency, each Hear Doggy. squeaker is out of human hearing range, but is loads of fun for your four-legged friend. Squeak away, my friend.
Tuggo Toys from TuggoDogToys
Tuggo is an indestructible weighted ball toy that even the most destructive dog won’t be able to destroy. This toy has even been tested with lions and tigers. A sturdy rope runs right through the middle. Knots at either end make it perfect for one dog or two. The leak-proof recessed screw plug lets you add as much water or sand to the ball as you like. Dogs love the whooshing sound of the water and the uneven movement of the toy as it’s pushed around.
Wellness for Dogs
Skin Spritzer from Dermagic
The Spritzer from DERMagic is a perfect complement to ita Skin Rescue line of pet skincare products. This fresh-smelling lemongrass-spearmint spritz not only rids your dog of that “between bath dog smell” but the natural botanicals helps detangle, condition and brighten the coat. Just spray on and brush dry, combing out dirt and debris as needed. Use daily for dogs that like to play outside, or as often as needed to keep your pet fresh during holiday parties.
TrustyPup CompleteNeeds® Rejuvenate Beds
Stylish and affordable, this line of beds comes in two shapes, oval or rectangular (with or without bolsters), and are cushioned with memory foam, gel foam or convoluted foam that can help rejuvenate your dog while he rests. The materials provide therapeutic benefits by evenly distributing weight to help tired, aching muscles recuperate and relieve joint pain. Covered in a soft fleece, your dogs (and cats) will love them.
Warmth for Dogs
Winter Coats from Ruffwear
Keep your pets toasty warm this holiday season with the best-fitting hybrid jackets from Ruffwear. Choose from a wide selection of stylish, durable jackets, but choose wisely: The Powder Hound™ coats are designed for dogs who love to play rough with their owners, and that means they are incredibly durable, super warm, and designed for pups who love the great outdoors. (This fleece jacket can also be used as a base layer underneath the Quinzee Insulated Jacket for added warmth in extreme cold). For those in “warmer” climates who still need to keep pets warm, the Climate Changer is a recycled polyester fleece jacket that is ideal for keeping dogs toasty on crisp, cool days.
Holiday Themed Sweater from UpCountry
These are by far the best-fitting sweaters I’ve found for my pets. They provide plenty of room for growth, fit perfectly around the shoulders and chest, and are just plain fun for keeping pets warm on those cold winter nights. Put your pets in the holiday spirit with holiday-themed sweaters. My favorite is the Fa-La-La style, but the company has several different holiday themed sweaters for all size pooches.
Treats for Dogs
Nuzzle Duck and Cherry Treats from The Honest Kitchen
Happiness comes in a heart shape. Each nibble of all-natural duck, cherry and virgin coconut oil in My wheat-free Nuzzles, is a taste of luxury with a consistency fit for a king—or, better yet, your pup. And at only 2.3 calories a biscuit, there’s no guilt in dishing them out whenever he’s been a good dog. These all-natural treats are made with duck and cherries, coconut oil and just a hint of parmesan cheese. Your dogs will love this goodness.
Hemp Treats from Treatibles
Marijuana treats for pets? Sort of; Cannabidiol is an all-natural cannabinoid derived from the nontoxic hemp plant. Treatibles are nutritious pumpkin and hemp wellness treats that settle your dog’s nerves, as well as her stomach. They are on the pricey side, but there are plenty of benefits to these treats. Learn more about the benefits of hemp for pets.
For the Dog Lover in Your Life
The Dean Russo Rescue Collection from The Mountain
This colorful collection is a custom-designed to help rescue. The Mountain’s unique printing process actually pulls the dye color out of the shirt and leaves the ink color behind (which results in essentially dyeing the cotton with the ink). This Medium Weight 100% Cotton tee will last you years. “The connection between us and our pets often defies words, but through the use of bright colors and abstract design, I convey the happiness and joy they bring to our lives,” Dean Russo said.
DogIsGood
It’s easy to be in the “Holidog” spirit with the holiday collection of gifts for pet people. We especially love the cute dog-centric messaging on each product. Choose from “dogisms” on coasters and T-shirts or choose an eclectic clothing design that demonstrates your real feelings about animals. Show off your love of dog this holiday season.
Wine for Your Dog Lover Host/Hostess
Looking for the perfect hosting gift? Chateau La Paws is a unique wine that features adorable shelter dogs on every label. Due to high demand, Chateau La Paws has released four new varietals. The four new Sonoma, Calif., varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sweet Red Blend and Sauvignon Blanc) are available nationwide and feature 28 additional North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) rescue dogs. The new offerings join award-winning Chateau La Paws Chardonnay, Red Blend and Pinot Noir. Receiving top barks, Chateau La Paws Chardonnay and Red Blend received Gold medals with the latter receiving the honor of “Best in Class” at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. More than reputable wine, the newest expansion continues an official national partnership with NSALA in order to help shelter dogs find a chateau of their own. Chateau La Paws encourages wine lovers to always support rescue adoption.
Eclectic Gifts for Your Dog Loving Friend
From Guatemalan walking bags to quality niche jewelry, PawZaar has something for everyone. Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of each item are donated to help the featured shelter or rescue of the week. I love this site for its creativity, affordability and high quality. You’ll find a host of beautiful items here and each is carefully selected for animal lovers from locales around the world.
Tech for Pets
I can’t call it a year without a look at My favorite pet tech.
PodTrackers
The ultimate dog (and cat) tracking software for pet parents around the world. Developed in Australia, the PodTracker utilizes the best in bluetooth and GPS tracking software to help you know what your pet is up to all day long. Each unit is the size of a cork, and each comes with a spare battery to help you stay charged with just a twist of a button. The new generation Pod 2 now offers WiFi, which helps deliver faster positions and offers the ability to locate indoors. Since it utilizes an embedded 2G roaming SIM, it is capable of working with multiple networks across more than 175 countries globally.
Hachiko Smart Collar Sensor and Mobile App
Hachiko’s revolutionary Smart Collar Sensor and Mobile App helps owners stay connected to their canine companions and monitor their activity and overall well-being each day. Hachiko is a sensor that simply attaches to any harness or collar and measures a dog’s activity using Bluetooth technology that connects to your phone. Made of tough poly-carbonate plastic shell, Hachiko is 100 percent waterproof. There’s no need for owners to remove and recharge. The sensors are available in a variety of fun bright colors and pet parents can choose a Hachiko that best fits their dog’s style and personality.
About the Author: Stacy Mantle is a fulltime freelance writer, bestselling author and founder of PetsWeekly.com. She resides in the deserts of the Southwest with a few dogs, several cats and a very understanding husband.
Catastrophic Creations Cat Bridge
This whimsical cave-like shark-shaped bed has a removable cushion and a waterproof bottom. It is also suitable for small dogs. Made by Spexpet, the Gray Shark BEd is available online from Amazon, Sears and others.
If you prefer a less ferocious-looking shark bed for your cat, check out the Great White Shark Cat Ball bed. The bed features two openings—6-in. and 10-in. in diameter—and fits cats up to approximately 18 pounds. Made with all cotton fabrics, the shark cat bed is machine-washable in cold water. Available from 
Cat Crib Hammock
Akemi Tanaka Curve Wall-Mounted Cat Bed
K&H Manufacturing Mod Dream Pod
Perfect Perch Cat Window Seat
KittiBunk
If you have more than one cat or pet, one way to help ensure your cat’s food remains hers—and thus she gets the nutrition she needs—is to use a controlled-access feeder. There are several on the market, including ones from Sureflap (
Designed to be thrown or launched goDog Retrieval dog toys are built tough to provide long-lasting fun and excitement. The Canvas Dragon Dummy is a brightly colored training dummy, making it easy for pets and owners to find when thrown. It has a solid rubber core and is covered with a durable canvas outer shell. The Slingshot Dragon is covered with brightly colored durable nylon and features an internal slingshot to send it flying through the air. Simply pull back on the elastic launcher and release to provide many hours of indoor and outdoor interactive play. 
Whether your feline prefers chasing bugs or mice, Duckyworld has a cat toy for you. The Yeowww! Lady Krinkle Bug has crinkly wings on a durable body that will entice your cat to bat and kick it. The Yeowww! Chubby Mouse is extra wide and long—2 in. by 3.5+ in.—for hours of tossable fun. Both cat toys are made with hand-sewn, highly durable cotton twill and safe vegetable and soy ink coloring, and are individually stuffed with 100 percent organically grown catnip. 
Holiday Skinneeez Reindeer Dog Toy from Ethical Products is ideal for rambunctious dogs who can de-stuff and destroy plush toys in record time. This stuffing-free dog toy is designed to withstand the antics of the most enthusiastic dogs. The 20-inch long toy incorporates a squeaker for auditory stimulation and its stitched-on features ensure no plastic parts will come off in your dog’s mouth. Easy on teeth and gums, it is recommended for medium to tough chewers. 
Your cats will go crazy for Crazy Cat Modern Scratchers from 26 Bars & a Band, while you will love their minimalist style. Comprised of replaceable, recycled cardboard discs, the scratching post is attached to a sturdy metal base, which comes in four colors (black, red, taupe and white). The cardboard refills easily slide on to replace the old ones. The French-made cat scratchers come in three sizes–small, 11.-in. high with a 10½ by 11½ in. base; medium, 15-in. high with a 10½ by 15 ½ in. base; and large, 19½ in. high with a 10½ by 15 ½ in. base. 
Epiphany Glass creates beautiful hand-blown, durable glassware bowls for discriminating pets and their owners. Available in small and large sizes appropriate for water or food, each bowl has a paw print impression on the bottom inside and thick, colored glass all around. They come in a variety of colors and some are infused with aventurine for an added sparkly effect. The elegant bowls also feature a no-slip, no-chip coating along the bottom edge. A portion of the proceeds go to the Michigan Humane Society. 
Pamper your pet this winter with a sumptuous layer of comfort and coziness without sacrificing durability—or style. Sleepypod®’s Cloudpuff luxurious pet blanket features ultrasoft plush on one side and a durable, microfiber suede on the other. Extremely versatile, it can be used as a blanket, carrier liner, car seat cover or couch cover. Available in two colors, Champagne and Chestnut, the blanket comes in two sizes and weights: large at 30 x 21 inches and 201 grams, and medium at 18.5 x 14.5 inches and 95 grams. 
Plato Farmers Market Real Strips are made with single-source novel proteins and fresh veggies from local farms. They do not contain added sugars, artificial preservatives, by-products, artificial colors or protein-meals. The dog treats are formulated to be beneficial to dogs with skin issues, allergies and food sensitivities, and help promote digestion, skin and coat health and circulation. They come in three recipes—Chicken & Vegetables. Salmon & Vegetables and Duck & Vegetables—in 14.11-oz. resealable bags. 
Keep your dogs looking great with Wahl’s two new lines of pet grooming accessories. The Green Line is for small- to mid-sized dogs and the premium Orange Line for all breeds. Both lines include a Double Sided Pin Brush with stainless-steel pins for detangling and removing loose hair, and boar bristles to distribute oils from the skin and down the hair shaft; a Slicker Brush for removing loose hair and tangles from dense or curly coats; a Nail Clipper with a safety lock and soft-touch grip; a Flea & Tick Comb that also aids in untangling light mats; and an Undercoat Rake to untangle mats and remove loose undercoat from dogs with medium- to long-coated hair. 
The U J I Tunnel System from Nekochan Enterprises is the ultimate cat entertainment center. Designed to enrich a cat’s play environment, the system’s individual tunnels—in I, J and U shapes—easily connect to form multiple combinations with a variety of openings. In addition, the I shape incorporates crinkly paper for further enrichment. Featuring a high-quality construction and easy-care material, each tunnel conveniently folds into a pocket and comes with its own stylish carry bag. 
Buying a collar for your dog can often be like hunting for a pair of shoes for yourself—they must be functional, attractive, dependable and comfortable. Of course, you probably have more than one pair of shoes just as your dog will have more than one collar-and-leash set, but you’re going to have a favored pair you wear every day.
If you have a dog with a long neck (such as a whippet or greyhound) or a generally big dog (such as a rottie or pit), you’ll want a sturdy collar that is extra wide. This helps decrease the amount of pressure on the windpipe and throat when he or she is on leash. I prefer the enduring quality of nylon. It’s strong, long-lasting and soft enough for my big bully dog to wear every day. 
one of my favorite designs (I went with the extra-wide martingale design and it’s held up for more than 2 years). You can choose from premium solid brass or silver hardware. The silver slides are nickel-plated solid brass and the D-ring is nickel-plated welded steel. Starting at $35, they are a bargain as they hold up for a very long time and always look great on a dog.
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The first is made from recycled bicycle tires, the 
The second comes from Planet Dog. It offers a beautiful collar made from hemp and is lined with fleece. While my dogs love the 
The best costume is one your pet doesn’t even notice. These collars do the trick. Made from soft nylon, they are strong, long-lasting and feature adorable designs that you never have to worry about. One of our favorites is the Sleigh Ride Collection from 
Looking for something a little more formal? These 
If you’re into beadwork, not only are the hand-beaded collars from 
