With the holiday season fast approaching, the race for the best Christmas gifts is on again.

But what to put under the tree for our 4-legged friends ? What can you offer your dog to really please him? What is the ideal gift for your dog according to his personality and tastes?

Are you lacking inspiration? Treats, toys, stuffed animals, accessories, boxes, wellness products… Here are some tips and ideas for Christmas gifts for dogs that will delight your pet.

 

Why give your dog a Christmas present?

Christmas time is the perfect time to show our loved ones that we love them.

The same goes for our dogs (and cats).

As true members of our families, they too have the right to experience the magic of Christmas .

Christmas is indeed an additional opportunity to:

• Showing our dog that we love him
• Take time to strengthen your bond
• Please him
• Take care of him
• Play with
• Cuddle him more
• Remind him that you will always be there for him

But how do you find the best Christmas gift for your dog? Here are some tips.

How to choose the best Christmas gift for my dog?

There are many criteria you can consider when choosing the most suitable Christmas gift for your dog. Among them:

Your dog’s age

An older dog will not have the same interests as a young puppy.

As dogs age, they become calmer and less easily distracted by their surroundings. Similarly, an older dog’s activity level will not be equivalent to that of an adult dog.

So think about your dog’s age, and adapt his Christmas gift to his energy level, his endurance level but also his current interests.

If your dog is no longer interested in playing, there is no point in getting him a tug of war . Instead, opt for a cocooning product, such as a soothing cushion .

If he has dental problems or jaw pain, avoid chew bones and opt for soft kibble treats .

Your dog’s character

Your dog is unique. So is his personality.

He may be particularly fearful or, on the contrary, totally extroverted.

He may also be the type to destroy all the toys you give him, or, conversely, the type to put them wisely in his basket.

Maybe giving him a ball for Christmas is taking the risk that he will destroy it instantly, but on the contrary, giving him delicious cookies will be perfect to delight his greedy side.

Maybe your dog is also a couch potato, and would prefer a nice, cozy cushion or soft doghouse to a squeaky , bouncy toy.

Does your dog tend to get bored and like to be kept busy? Consider occupation toys like lickmats or a Kong .

Your dog’s health

Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to health.

Your dog may have osteoarthritis , in which case giving him a toy to catch, such as a Frisbee , may not be the best idea.

The same applies if he is overweight. If your dog is obese , protect him and avoid treats that are too high in calories or other products that are too fatty.

In other words, think about what medical issues your dog has and tailor his Christmas gift accordingly.

For example, if your dog’s joints are causing him pain, you can opt for a gentle body massage .

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety , give him a pillow made from your old clothes so he can smell you when you’re gone. This pillow reminds him of your presence and will help him feel safe when you’re not around.

If your dog is stressed or suffers from a phobia, choose calming treats like BotaLicious from Botaneo . These treats will ensure a delicious moment of relaxation and indulgence. The winning combo!

Your dog’s size & breed

The perfect gift for a small dog, is not the perfect gift for a large dog.

For example, a Chihuahua will prefer a small tennis ball to a basketball which could hurt it.

Similarly, small, short-haired dogs often tend to get cold, while large dogs cope well with the winter period .

If your dog is one of those dogs that are sensitive to the cold, you can opt for a Christmas gift such as a dog coat .

But if your dog is more of a St. Bernard or Newfoundland, he might consider this gift a poisoned chalice and do anything to never have to wear it.