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.
Based on the CHI human brand, the new CHI for Dogs brand features an array of salon-quality shampoos, conditioners, sprays, wipes and grooming tools. The ergonomically designed tools feature nonslip handles for a comfortable grip. The bath and styling products incorporate ionic technology to seal the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and leaving a shiny coat. The comprehensive line includes Deep Moisture Shampoo, Oatmeal Conditioner, Deodorizing Spray, Ergo Soft Grip Brushes, nail clippers and undercut rakes, to name just a few of the 36 CHI for Dogs products currently available exclusively from 
The Command™ Auto Close Custom Fit Gate is an ideal solution for safe pet containment in extra wide or odd-shaped areas. It can be drilled into the wall (hardware is included), used as a freestanding barrier or converted into a pet yard (with the use of additional extensions). The two-way door features a dual-magnet system that automatically draws the door closed and guarantees it locks with every use. The 30-in. extra wide door also has one-hand operation and a Hold Open Feature that secures the door until it is pushed closed. All panels, including the door section, are interchangeable and can be placed anywhere within the layout of the gate. 
Li’l Chicks are the newest critters to join West Paw Design’s family of cat toys. Filled with organic catnip and a captivating bell, kitty cats will go crazy bouncing and batting these adorable little creatures around. The USDA-certified catnip is grown in the United States, free from synthetic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, and 100 percent pure—no fillers. Measuring 2-in. across, the fuzzy little chicks come in assorted colors (hot pink, turquoise, bright yellow, black and light green) and, as with all West Paw Design products, are made in the USA. 
Crazy Dog presents all-new category of dog treats. Walkies Fit Bites are formulated to help keep dogs fit and active with ingredients that benefit heart health and movement. Key ingredients include taurine to support heart health; chicken-cartilage as a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to aid mobility; and L-carnitine to promote weight control and lean muscle preservation. Appropriately shaped like a foot, the treats celebrate the importance of walking and the essential benefits dogs and their owners receive from it. Walkies Fit Bites come in three tempting flavors: Bacon, Beef and Chicken. 
Midwestern Pet Foods’ PRO PAC® Ultimates™ Deep Sea Select™ cat food brings only the finest of fish protein to indoor cats and kittens. High in fiber, it helps meet the unique needs of indoor cats by aiding in the control of hairballs. The grain-free whitefish meal formula is fortified with vitamins E and C along with nutrient-rich natural vegetables and fruits (peas, chickpeas, apples, blueberries, carrots, spinach and cranberries) to help support good digestion and intestinal health. It is also has balanced ratio of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to help support healthy skin and coat. It is available in 5- and 14-lb bags. 
pawTree® pet stain removing products quickly eliminate stains and odor. Urine Eliminator™ features a special enzymatic formula that breaks down urine proteins, cleaning all the way down to the subfloor, while its unique bacteria blend neutralizes even the toughest odors. , Oxy Shot™ has a powerful oxy formula that penetrates deep and fast to remove permanently the toughest pet and household stains and related odors. Both products are effective on both old and new stains, help prevent repeat marking and are safe to use on carpets, upholstery, hard surfaces, cement and all other water-safe surfaces—they also smell great. 
These new-to-market treats are made with cannabidio (CBD), which is the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant. While studies of CBD are just officially beginning, preliminary testing indicates that it can help manage chronic pain and decrease anxiety in pets. 
Glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support joint health, are now routinely included in a variety of pet treats and chews. Engage-ables from 
Bedtime Bones™ are an organic, chamomile bedtime treat for your dog. Chamomile can have a calming effect on pets (just as it does for humans). These crunchy treats come in 30-day boxes, one for each evening. They also make a great gift for small dogs. And for extra environmental consciousness, the packaging is made from recycled materials that are made with wind power.
Weruva’s Cats in the Kitchen line of canned cat food was inspired by cat owners’ tendency to feed their cats in the kitchen. The carnivore-pleasing, grain-free formulas features all-natural, high-quality ingredients, such as boneless, skinless white chicken breast meat, tuna, mackerel and salmon loins, lean cuts of beef, lamb and turkey, as well as fish oil and the occasional pumpkin to promote healthy digestion. The 10 varieties (all cleverly named) come in 3-oz. cans. For the curious, the name WeRuVa is derived from the founders’ cats: Webster, Rudi and Vanessa. 
The Original PoopBags’ Orange Scented PoopBags epi Rolls are eco- and wallet- friendly. The bags are made with 30 percent post-consumer material that is blended with Totally Degradable Plastic Additives (TDPA®). The mildly orange-scented bags measure 9 x 13 in. and fit dispensers that attach to leash handles. They come 15 pages to a paper-cored roll and are offered in eight-roll packs. 
Stewart® by MiracleCorp presents its Raw Naturals™ Fresh to Home™ Freeze Dried Puppy Formula, a nutrient-rich raw diet for young dogs. Made in the USA with human-grade, wholesome ingredients, the formula is enriched with DHA for brain development, calcium for strong bone development and antioxidants to help build a strong immune system. A wholesome option for all breeds, the Freeze Dried Puppy Formula boasts chicken as the No. 1 ingredient and is available in a 12-oz bag or 3.75-oz trial size. 
New from PetSafe, the Cheese toy offers cats an exciting game of peek-a-boo with two mice that pop out of each side of the Swiss cheese block. For surprise play sessions, you can use the Play While You Are Away mode to keep your cats engaged throughout the day. And during single play sessions, the timer automatically turns the toy off after 10 to 15 minutes. Requires 3 AA batteries. 
JW® Slide ‘N Snacks™ Toys are made of durable rubber and are designed to easily slide treats on and off. This helps to prevent a dog from destroying the toy as the focus is shifted to the treat. The four shapes—Ball, Bone, Jack and Maze—come in one side and in red, blue and green colors. Of course, the toys aren’t complete without JW Slide ‘N Snacks Treats. Made in the USA, the 100 percent all-natural, low-calorie treats contain rice, flour and other natural ingredients and flavoring. They are come in chicken or bacon flavors in a 4.23-oz. bag. Both are available from 
Pioneer Pet presents a fountain that is designed to encourage cats to drink more water and complement a kitchen’s décor. The Raindrop Ceramic Drinking Fountain is made from durable ceramic material; is easy to dissemble for cleaning and maintenance; and comes with a replaceable charcoal filter. Dishwasher-safe, the Raindrop is available in either black or white and can hold up to 60-oz. of circulating water. 
BioSilk® For Dogs line of salon-quality grooming products includes shampoos, conditioners, sprays, leave-in treatment and cleansing wipes. Featuring some of the same classic ingredients and innovative technology as the original BioSilk Silk Therapy line for humans, the grooming products are formulated with silk and enriching vitamins that work together to help restore the moisture balance to the coat for a silky smooth finish. All formulas are pH-balanced and safe for use with topical flea and tick treatments. 
Ever wondered what your cat gets up to on the other side of the catflap? Or how much activity your dog really engages in every day? The G-Paws Track GPS tracker is a great way to better understand your pets and their habits. The tracker lets you accurately record where your pet goes; see your pet’s routes on aerial photography or street level mapping; upload, view and share the route on 
Cat is Good’s set of eight “Inspired by Cat” magnets represent all aspects of the cat persona from cute to snarky. The set includes, It’s All Fun and Games; Feed Me, Pet Me, Leave Me Alone; Don’t Disturb Me; I Find You Very Exciting; Not Listening; I Get Better Looking; Giving is its Own Reward; and Celebrate Little Things. Each high-quality, decorative magnet measures 2.5 x 3.25 inches. The magnets are also available individually. 
Plato Pet Treats’ Small Bites® training treats are made from single-source proteins and healthful fruits and vegetables. They contain no added sugars, artificial preservatives, by-products, artificial colors, protein meals or soy-, wheat- or corn-fillers. The low-calories treats come in two varieties, Organic Chicken (3.36 calories per treat) and Organic Duck (3.6 calories per treat), in 4-oz. & 10.6-oz. bags. 
Summer is coming—and the hot pavement that goes with it. Even though dogs’ paws are relatively tough, they are not armor-plated. To help keep paw sensitivity at bay, the Jorge Bendersky at M Boutique product line presents Paw Therapy Cream. Made from natural ingredients, including waxes and aroma-therapeutic essential oils, the cream is formulated to deeply nourish, safely heal and protect paw pads. The soothing cream is also rich in vitamin E and aloe. 
The special edition 
Cycle Dog’s 3-Play toys collection includes Turtle, Hippo and Dino shapes in regular and mini sizes. The dog toys are made with Ecolast, a high-durability, post-consumer recycled material, and combine a squeaking-play head and a treat-hiding Busy Belly. The nontoxic toys feature SuperFloat, which enables them to float above the water’s surface and come in a variety of colors. 
Petrageous Design’s Silly Kitty bowl collection includes a 6.25-in. oval bowl in white/lime green and white/pink, a 6.5-in. oval bowl in yellow and matching 5 x 1-in. saucers available in all three colors. The handcrafted, stoneware bowls and saucers are dishwasher and microwave safe and feature a character logo in the basin and embossed paw design around the outside. 
Soggy Doggy’s Slobber Swabber was created for owners who have extremely slobbery dogs. Designed to absorb up to five times more dog slobber than a regular towel, the microfiber chenille pad can be used on myriad surfaces, including windows, floors, car seats and consoles, as well as on dogs’ faces. Sized to fit conveniently in a car console, the removable pad is machine-washable. 
Halo Rabbit & Garden Green and Quail & Garden Greens Recipes for cats are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. The quality protein sources are wholesome and highly digestible. Completely grain free, the formulas include dandelion greens and barley grass, which add fiber for digestive health. The cat food is free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives and does not contain chicken meal or other rendered animal parts. 
Muttluks Mud Monsters and Snow Mushers boots are made for walking, hiking, rugged terrain, snow, ice and extreme heat or cold. Made with 100 percent recycled rubber, the unique flexible soles with traction treads incorporate “barefoot” technology that makes the boots “pawsitively” comfortable for dog paws. Mud Monsters are a rugged summer boot with a breathable mesh upper fabric; Snow Mushers are a rugged winter boot with warm fleece inner lining. Both feature elastic soft-cinch fastening and are available in eight sizes and three colors. 
Designed to improve safety and visibility for dog owners during evening walks, the flexi® Neon retractable leash offers highly reflective, neon components, on the leash handle break button and the 16-ft. retractable cord or tape. Highly durable, lightweight and equipped with an easy-to-use thumb breaking-system, NEON comes in three different sizes—small, medium and large. 
