Are you part of America’s 69 million dog-owning households? Are you considering buying your pooch a present to celebrate their undying loyalty and love?
There are many retailers on the dog-gifting bandwagon right now, particularly online, so it’s important to follow a few guidelines for safe shopping.
Here’s your guide to purchasing gifts for dogs.
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Edible Gifts for Dogs Are Always a Hit
If there’s one thing every dog loves, it’s food. You’ll find plenty of options to choose from at your pet store, online, and even at your veterinarian’s clinic.
These are some of the food gifts dogs love best:
- Jerky sticks
- Food dispensing toys
- CBD chews
- Canine health bars
- Elk antler chews
- A juicy bone
- Hide chews
- Lots of dog treats
- Chicken Breast Dog Treats
If you’d like to add a personal touch to your dog’s day, you can also make dog treats yourself, by mixing the following ingredients and baking them at 350 °F for 20 minutes:
- 2½ cups wholewheat/rice/coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup peanut butter/pumpkin/sweet potato
- 1 cup water
- 2 T honey
You can decorate them with frosting made from cornstarch, peanut butter, honey, and hot water.
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Explore All Your Options
Even a very good boy will get tired of the same old thing every time they get a gift. Dog toys can play a significant role in your dog’s development, so explore all your options to keep things fresh and exciting.
Most dog gifts fall into the following categories:
Active Dog Toys
These dog toys encourage your dog to exercise more. They include things like tug toys, tennis balls, and ropes.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys help to stimulate your dog mentally and can keep them busy for hours. Popular puzzle toys include slider puzzles, treat-dispensing puzzles, and Kong toys.
Comfort Toys
Comfort toys help soothe dogs who suffer from separation anxiety or loneliness. If you have only one dog, a stuffed toy helps keep them company when you’re away from home.
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Always Choose Safe Gifts
Don’t blow your dog gift budget on something unsafe for your beloved hound. Make sure you follow these tips to ensure you get only the best gifts for your dog:
Pick Age-Appropriate Gifts
Always choose gifts that suit your dog’s age and activity level. Puppies are bundles of energy that need almost constant stimulation, but treat-dispensing puzzles are out of their league.
Durable chew toys are best for puppies and help them cope with teething troubles.
Aging dogs won’t get the best use out of active toys like balls, and might overdo it and injure themselves playing with these toys. A plush dog bed or puzzle would suit them best. You can like this option.
Remember, an adult dog could choke on a puppy-size ball.
Choose Substantial Toys
Never choose toys that might crumble or shatter into easy-to-swallow parts. Toys with string are another no-no, and avoid anything with a polystyrene or nutshell filling.
Make sure you pick robust, durable toys that can stand up to boisterous playtime.
Avoid Toxins
Never, ever give your dog any food with xylitol in it, it’s extremely toxic to dogs. Stick to approved dog treats and check any ingredients carefully if you’re making homemade treats.
If you plan to wrap your gifts, use pet-approved paper. Regular gift wrap may contain toxic inks.
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Purchasing Gifts for Dogs Online
Are you considering buying dog gifts online? It’s difficult to judge the quality and safety of a dog gift by looking at a web image.
It’s best to look at online customer reviews if you’re going to shop for your pet this way. You can also ask friends and family if they’re willing to vouch for any dog toy brands that they’ve supported before.
You’ll find plenty of unique customized and hand-made dog gift ideas online, as well as some great finds for their best friend too, like dog portraits and phone cases.
Remember to check the delivery times on items before you order and make sure you get your request in on time.
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Check Out Your Local Pet Store
A reputable pet store or your vet’s clinic are one-stop shops for the best pet treats, toys, and games. You can rest assured these products are toxin-free, durable, and safe for your dog.
What’s more, there’s always someone in attendance at these locations to help you choose the best gift according to your dog’s age, size, and breed.
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Buying Doggy Clothing
Do you like to dress your dog up in cute clothing? Are you worried that they’re getting cold during the winter months?
You’ll find dog outfits that suit every occasion, but you should take care to get only the best quality garment for your pet. Follow these guidelines for choosing the best outfits:
- Fleece, cotton, knits, and blends are best for dog clothing
- If possible, choose clothes made for your breed of dog
- Choose outfits that are easy to take on and off
- Avoid buttons, studs, and other choking hazards
- No zippers
- Choose hi-viz clothes for late afternoon walks
A good rule of thumb when shopping for your dog is to consider the same criteria as if you were shopping for a baby or toddler.
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Useful Gifts For Dogs
Some doggy gifts occupy the middle ground between frivolous and functional. These include things like:
- Dog beds and blankets
- Dog shampoos and grooming tools
- Training aids like collars, leads, and harnesses
These useful items increase your dog’s comfort and well-being and improve your quality time together.
It’s a Dog’s Life
Now that you know the ins and outs of purchasing gifts for dogs, you can surprise your pet with the perfect gift this festive season, on their next birthday, or for no reason at all.
Buying gifts for your dog makes you happy and keeps their tails wagging, so have fun with it and spoil them as often as you can.
Are you looking for some more useful information? Browse our blog for answers to your everyday questions.
