Top 10 Gifts for Dogs

Spoil Your Pooch This Holiday Season

Do you hang a Christmas stocking for Rover? Include Fluffy in your holiday celebrations?

Whether you have a puppy or senior dog waiting for you at home, these pet gifts will be sure to engage and benefit even the fussiest canine companion.

1. Tornado Toy

Hours of interactive fun can be had with this toy, which encourages dogs to safely manipulate parts in order to find treats hidden underneath. You can decide how many treats to hide inside the toy, thus varying the degree of difficulty for your dog.

Ideal for dogs of all ages, the Tornado Toy will challenge your dog’s mental and physical proficiency, keeping him occupied for some time.

Tip: Dogs of all ages and sizes can be prone to chewing toys. Practice safe measures and never leave a dog alone with a toy that can be swallowed and cause internal health complications. Always buy a toy that is the right size for your pet.

2. Orbee-Tuff® Mazee

This popular dog toy has multiple features: an interactive puzzle that offers hours of long-lasting, brain-stimulating entertainment and a translucent and pliable outer shell combined an inner maze activates several of the dog's senses—they can hear, see and smell the treats while they solve the puzzle.

Stuff with small treats; ideal for dogs of any size.

3. Dog Toy of the Month Club

Do you have a toy-happy pup? Then a Dog Toy of the Month Club may be just right for you. A variety of subscription plans are available online, such at the new and popular Barkbox, Toy 4 Tails, and Pet Giftbox.

Clubs offer a choice of subscription plans from 3, 6 or 12 months, each at different prices. Toys are shipped directly to your home each month. Some companies let you choose from a selection of dog toys, while others choose toys for you.

4. Dog Treat of the Month Club

How would your pooch like delicious, fresh-baked dog treats delivered to your doorstep each month?

Dog treat of the month clubs also offer a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription, usually with a satisfaction guarantee attached. Prices will vary, based on the club and options you choose. Companies such as The Barkery, the Healthy Hound Bakery and TruDog are just a few providers that can be found online.

Tip: Be sure that the pet receiving the gift can handle a variety of food sources and does not have a sensitive stomach before choosing this gift option.

5. Personalized Dog Collar

If you’re in the market for a new dog collar, consider buying one that you can personalize with your pet’s name and your phone number. Not only will your dog benefit from a trendy new accessory but you won’t worry about missing dog identification tags in the case your pet becomes separated from you.

Online vendors are plentiful; Orvis, the nation's oldest mail-order outfitter specializing in outdoor gear, sells a personalized leather dog collar that is durable and water resistant for more active dogs.

DogIDs.com offers affordable, personalized dog collars so you may choose from a variety of colors, patterns and styles that will best reflect your dog’s personality.

6. New Dog Bed

All beds wear out — even your dog’s. There’s no time like winter to give your pooch a new cozy spot to curl up on. There are a plethora of dog beds available, such as orthopedic, donut-supporting, bolster enforced, heated, water-resistant, rounded, rectangular or elevated.

On the high end, Big Shrimpy offers a selection of durable dog beds made of recycled fillings. Created by a husband and wife team who wanted a long-lasting bed for their family dog, Big Shrimpy products are entirely machine washable and made with denier pack cloth, water-resistant rip-stop nylon, and soft fleece. The company also has a 2- to 3-year warranty of most of their products.

For the snuggler in your family, try the Cozy Cave Pet Bed, the perfect choice for dogs (and cats) who prefer to burrow under covers while catching some Zs. Available in three sizes, the cover is machine washable.

7. Environmentally Friendly Pet Gifts

Interested in reducing your pet’s carbon paw print?

Go green this year and buy your pet an eco-friendly gift. Petco sells a Planet Petco Argyle Eco Dog Leash made from recycled polyester that’s non-toxic, durable and machine washable.

The Cycle Dog sells only environmentally-conscious pet products including beds, treats, collars, leashes, apparel, blankets, bowls and toys such as the Springy Snake, a popular choice for pet owners with curious dogs. These toys also float in the water, making them fun outdoor toys, too.

8. Bright Steps Reflective Leg Band

This budget-friendly pet accessory is great for dogs taken on evening walks.

Bright Steps Reflective Leg Bands are made with a stretchy material for a comfortable fit and are available in three different sizes. Motorists will be sure to spot your pooch’s moving leg reflectors while on your evening stroll and steer clear of any potential incident.

Tip: Don’t forget to remove the leg bands after walking your dog to decrease the possibility of causing extended circulation discomfort and/or offering your dog the opportunity to chew on the leg bands.

9. Dog Training

Dog obedience training is the gift that keeps on giving.

Not only will your dog learn valuable socialization skills, modify any rambunctious behavior and bond with you, the training itself is a great form of mental exercise that will leave any pooch exhausted for hours after a good session.

If you’re considering a gift for a friend’s pet, gift certificates can be purchased at most dog training facilities or large pet store chains. Prices will vary based on the facility and package you purchase.

10. Annual Veterinary Check Up

For your dog or a friend’s, an annual check up with the family veterinarian can be a life-saving gift.

During an annual check up, a veterinarian will conduct a physical examination, listening to the dog’s lungs, looking in his ears, mouth and eyes, and checking for lumps and bumps over the dog’s body.

Tests such as those for heartworms, stool and urinalysis are usually optional and not included in a routine examination.

Many veterinarians offer gift certificates for services such as annual exams. If you are thinking of buying this as a gift for a friend, make sure you find out who their family veterinarian is so that the dog will feel comfortable visiting a familiar place.