dog gifts

December 13 2017

Holiday Gift Ideas for Dogs 2017

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Because every good boy (and girl) deserves favor

What would the holidays be without dogs? Their jangling Christmas collars, Santa-shaped toys and holiday-themed treats make the season even more fun and festive. This year, manufacturers of canine products have gone all out with a variety of toys, treats and apparel that make great holiday gifts for dogs. Below are just a few cool ideas for your favorite canines.

Chilly Dog Holiday Sweaters: Nothing says the holidays more than a cozy sweater. If you have a dog that needs a little extra warmth in the winter, consider giving him the gift of a Chilly Dog sweater. These well-made knit sweaters come in three holiday designs: Christmas Elf (shown), Grey Alpaca Snowflake and Peppermint Hoodie. The sweaters come in eight different sizes to fit every size, shape and breed.

Santa’s Helper Treats: Made by Einstein Pets, these all-natural, totally raw treats are tasty, healthy and festive. Available in an 8-ounce bag and a Stocking Stuffer 2-ounce bag, the treats come in heart shapes, and are GMO-free. They are made with natural oat flour, sweet potatoes, all-white turkey, cranberries, honey and cinnamon, blended together using Chia seed. The packaging features a fun Christmas theme.

Chuckit! Pro Launcher: A must-have for every parent of a ball-obsessed dog, Petmate’s Chuckit! makes fetch fun for canines and easy for humans. The Chuckit! Pro Launcher lets you throw tennis balls farther and faster, and makes it so you don’t have to bend down to pick up a slimy ball. When you play with your dog using the Chuckit!, the launcher grasps the ball and releases it when you swing. You’ll be amazed at how far the ball will go with just a little effort. It’s the perfect gift for dogs who love to play.

Coal Ball: If you’re dog has been naughty this year, surprise him on Christmas with a lump of coal—in the form of a ball. Planet Dog’s Coal ball is durable, bouncy and buoyant, and has a minty flavor. Even the most veracious chewers will have a hard time damaging this super tough toy. Your dog will be too busy having fun to get the “lump of coal” joke.

Dreidel with Bears Burrow Toy: Dogs love puzzle toys. Puzzles help them burn off energy while also stimulating their minds. A great puzzle toy for the holiday season is Zippy Paws’ Dreidel with Bears Burrow Toy. The bears are tucked inside the dreidel, and the dog has to dig them out. The dreidel measures 10.25 x 6 inches, and the bears are 5-inches long, making it a good puzzle toy choice for small to medium-sized dogs.

Honest Kitchen Eggnog: Why should humans be the only ones to enjoy eggnog during the holiday season? The folks at Honest Kitchen think dogs (and cats) should be able to partake in this festive holiday drink too. Honest Kitchen Eggnog for Dogs & Cats is a nourishing blend of goat’s milk, eggs and honey, with a hint of cinnamon. The human-grade formula can be poured over dry food or served alone. It comes in 5-ounce package that makes 10 ounces of eggnog when mixed with water.

SnuffleMutt Snuffle Mats: Do you have a dog who eats treats too quickly? If yes, consider getting a snuffle mat. This interactive work-to-eat “toy” provides entertainment, enrichment and mental stimulation as dogs search, sniff and snuffle to find the hidden treats you’ve placed inside it. Made of 100 percent polyester, anti-pill fleece with a heavy duty phthalate-free recycled rubber base, the machine-washable mats come in a wide array of color combinations.

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

November 30 2016

Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and Dog Lovers – 2016

melissa Fun, Pets, Products, Resources custom dog gifts, dog gifts, gifts for dogs

Here are a few ideas to help you fill out your shopping list.

Shopping for your dog or for the dog lover in your life can be lots of fun at this time of year. The pet products industry is offering a plethora of doggy oriented items perfect for pets and the people who love them.

Toys for Dogs

Christmas Sticks: Dogs love sticks, but a piece of wood that will splinter and break in your dog’s mouth is not the safest fetch toy. Enter DOOG, which stands for Dog Owners Outdoor Gear, a company that is offering four seasonal stick-shaped dog toys for this Christmas. Called Christmas Sticks, each toy stick comes as a funny Christmas-y character: Twigfoot, Sticklaus, Rudy and Elfstick. Made from recycled rubber, the toys glow in the dark and float in the water and are designed for fetching (but not extended chewing). (doogusa.com)

Canine Skin Care

Bag Balm Pet: Yes, dogs need skin care too, especially in the wintertime. Vermont’s Original is producing Bag Balm Pet, with products designed to sooth dry, cracked noses and paws. Containing only four ingredients, people can use the product too to help with chapped lips and hands. Bag Balm comes in decorative 4- and 8-oz. tins, as well as a portable tube and a 4.5-lb. pail. (bagbalm.com)

Baby It’s Cold Outside

Dog Sweaters: Dogs with short hair need help staying warm during the holidays, and what better way to do it than with a cute, 100-percent wool wintery sweater? Chilly Dog is offering the Black Snowflake Dog Sweater as one of its Nordic dog sweater designs. The sweater is made following the Fair Trade guidelines, and is hand-knit in South America. Available in eight different sizes, from XXS to XXXL, the sweater is suitable for all breeds and sizes. (chillydogsweaters.com)

Stuff for Dog Lovers

Christmas Mugs: Everyone loves a cheerful mug for the holidays. Imagine being able to drink spiced apple cider or eggnog from a mug with a Christmas dog motif, while helping find a cure for canine cancer at the same time. The National Canine Cancer Foundation is offering nine different dog-themed Christmas mugs, with proceeds going to the organization. Each mug hold 11 ounces. (wearethecure.org)

Pet Pillows: Nothing says love like your dog’s face on a throw pillow, thanks to Custom Pet Pillows! Upload a photo of your dog and his face will be printed on a light gray or medium brown pillowslip, which covers a 20-inch by 20-inch feather pillow. Detailed instructions on how to choose the best photo of your dog (or any other pet) and upload it are available on the Custom Pet Pillows website. (petpillows.net)

Paw Print Ornament: You won’t find a better way to personalize a Christmas tree than with an ornament featuring your dog’s own paw print. Pearhead’s Pawprints Keepsake allows you to press your dog’s paw into a nontoxic, soft air-drying clay to capture the print. The kit comes with a plastic shaping ring, air-drying clay, a rolling pin, and a plastic hole punch. Red and green satin ribbons add a finishing touch and make the ornament hangable. The clay takes 24 to 48 hours to dry. (pearhead.com)

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

December 7 2015

Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs – 2015

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources dog beds, dog gifts, dog sweaters, dog toys, dog treats

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.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Dogs 2017

Because every good boy (and girl) deserves favor

Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and Dog Lovers – 2016