Holiday Gift Ideas for Dogs 2017
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/
Toys for Dogs
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. (
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. (
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. (
