15 Christmas Present ideas for your dog

Christmas is coming up and we always want to show our love and appreciation to those around us. I know I always have something little under the tree for my horses and dogs.

Dogs are a major part of the family, and are as loved and respected as the other 2 legged family members.

We all know our dogs have everything they could possibly wish for, and want for nothing... Well, except that snack you are eating...

Most of their needs being looked after long before our own needs are addressed.

Here are some ideas on how to spoil them (and you) even more.

Christmas present ideas for your Dogs

1. Special snacks/ Treats

We all treat our dogs throughout the year with snacks and treats. Many of these are healthy chews, or healthy food morsels. Sometimes there are special bone treats as well.

Making some special homemade cookies that are dog safe, and cut into Christmas shapes can be a nice touch.

I also like to stock up on some of my dogs favourite chews. Luckily my dogs don't have any issues with any different protein types. However there are many different meat types available for the sensitive dog.

A great treat option is the Provex Premium Dog Hemp Treats these come in three flavours. Beef, Kangaroo and Mackeral.

These have the benefits of lean protein bites, combined with the anti-inflammatory benefits of hempseed.

I also love the treats from PS Pet Treats

A great range of pet treats made from a wide range of different protein types. There are even crocodile treats for the super sensitive allergic dog.

Treats I do not recommend are the rawhide chews. These can be dangerous when ingested, and are processed with a huge amount of chemicals which we should be avoiding.

2. A new collar and lead

Dog collars and leads get daily use. A good quality lead and collar will last for years, but sometimes they need replacing.

Getting a new collar and lead can freshen up the daily walk.

A harness can also be a great new addition to their wardrobe. Harnesses can be a better option for dogs that has breathing problems, or pull a lot. We dont want the collars putting pressure on their thyroid!

3. New toys

Toys are always a hit. Toys are often short lived, and are best disposed of once damaged.

I am not a huge fan of plastic toys that are easily chewed, however there are some great natural fibre toys available today.

I like to have a range of toys, and rotate them over time so they do not get bored with them.

4. New Grooming Gear

Freshening up the brush and comb can be a good present option. Practical and functional.

Replace old brushes that have become damaged, or chewed (yes, I have lost several to the chewer)

5. Winter attire

Not all dogs need a coat for winter. My dogs for example, are German shepherds, and we live on the Mid North Coast of Australia. Even our winters are mild, and my dogs have plenty of hair cover. For the cold nights, they curl up in front of the fireplace.

Dogs that need coats are short haired breeds, which are in cold areas, or if they are living in a windy or exposed area.

Some dogs have a better wardrobe than me.

6. New Food or water bowl

Is their food bowl ready for an update? Do they have a ceramic dish with a crack or a chip? Is the stainless steel scratched and damaged?

This can be an important health consideration, as damaged and scratched surfaces can create the perfect environment for bacterial contamination.

For dogs that scoff their food, you can also move them to a licky bowl, where they have to slowly work to get their food rather than gobble it up quickly.

These are often made from silicon and dishwater safe to help keep them clean.

7. An artwork of them.

This can be a commissioned artwork, or a framed picture you, or your kid has drawn of them.

This can be as low or high cost as your budget dictates.

For the non artistic, this could be a paw print in paint or their silhouette in black and white.

8. A consultation with a Canine Nutritionist

What can be better than the gift of optimal nutrition?!

There are so many opinions around what a dog should, or should not be fed. Diets are not a one size fits all, and diets can be therapeutic for the dog with a health concern, or functional for optimal health and disease prevention in the healthy dog.

you can book in for a Nutrition consult here

9. A Naturopathic Consultation

For dogs that have been struggling with a health concern, a naturopathic consultation can help to restore their health, or better manage a chronic condition. If you have a dog that needs some more specialised and individualised health care, this can be a great present.

My naturopathic consultations include the nutrition consult as part of this service, so they are getting two presents!

In the long run, nothing is more valuable than your dogs health.

10. A new product or supplement

Christmas can be the perfect time to trial a new product you have been eyeing off, but not been able to put into your everyday budget. This can be a joint support supplement, or an antioxidant.

11. Herbal Teas

I love herbal teas, and I love to share them with my dogs.

This inspired my range Tea with my dog

These are easy to include into a dogs daily health regime. You can use the herbal tea in any recipe that requires water, or you can add this directly into their meals. 

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Some dogs will even lap it up. (I'm looking at you Mr Labrador)

Others will eat it as an ice cube. But most will accept it mixed into their meals. 

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These formulations have been developed with taste in mind. So there are no unpleasant and bitter herbs included. 

12. A Session with a body worker.

Who doesn't love a massage voucher for Christmas!

13. A professional photo shoot for you and your dog.

capturing these moments will last a lifetime for you.

Find a photographer whose work you adore, and buy yourself a nice outfit for the occasion. Choose your favourite/s and have them framed and hang them in your house.

14. A new companion

I'm not one for recommending buying anyone a puppy for Christmas, unless this is something you have been planning for for some time, and its a collective family decision. Many breeders do plan litters around Christmas, and it can be a good time if you have some additional time off work, and the kids are home for the early stage of puppy ownership. Make sure you pick a good reputable breeder, if you are looking for a certain breed of dog. Alternatively, there will often be puppies available at the rescue centres, who desperately need a loving home.

A mature rescue may be a better option for you. Keep an eye on the dogs that are available, and visit the centres to meet them and you may find one that will fit into your home, and most importantly get along with your existing dog.

15. Training

One of the most practical and useful gifts of all.

A well trained dog is a much happier dog as they can integrate into the human world in a way a poorly trained dog ever will.

Training opens up the world of adventure and socialisation, and they are an absolute joy to be around.

Already have a well behaved dog? Awesome, try some specialised training like scent training or tracking. Herding or trick training.

What Christmas presents do you like to get for your dog? Please let us know what Christmas present ideas you have for your dog in the comments below.

Give your dog a pat for me!