We know that canine companions are just as deserving of heartfelt gifts as our people pals – maybe even more so! After all, they can’t really go shopping for themselves.
Below you’ll find a few gift ideas to make your fuzzy friends happy. You might find an idea for Christmas, their birthday, or the next time you want to treat your pet to something special (which, let’s face it, should be all the time!).
Tasty treats
If you’ve got your dog on a pretty strict diet of high-quality, vet-recommended, nutritionally rich dog food – great! But just like with a human’s diet, mixing things up with the occasional treat isn’t the worst idea in the world.
Depending on what your dog likes, there are a range of treat options:
Doggy chocolates
But not the kind of chocolate you’d buy for yourself, of course; that can be harmful to dogs.
Jerked meat
If you’ve ever watched a dog go crazy for a piece of jerked beef, you know there’s nothing they like better.
Peanut butter popsicles
Just mix some unsweetened peanut butter with mashed banana and a little water, then freeze it in some ice cream moulds. They can be the perfect thing to cool your dog down on a summer day.
Blueberries!
Everybody loves blueberries, right? You can even sneak a few for yourself.
If you’re a keen cook, try making them a homemade treat from a recipe online – there are lots of healthy options. Try to find recipes from a reputable source or if you aren’t sure what’s safe for dogs to eat, get your recipe looked over by a vet before you get cooking.
A road trip
Consider grabbing your best mate and heading somewhere a little different from your usual park.
If you’re after a summer treat, somewhere they’ll be able to have a swim is guaranteed to be a hit. Dogs love a run across a beach (providing you’ve checked that the beach allows them), or a splash in a nearby creek or river.
Of course, if you are going to hit the water, you might consider a doggy life jacket.
Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat. source
A whole new home
- If you’re feeling especially generous, you can splash out on four walls and a roof and get your puppy pal a whole new pad.
Kennels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the standard to the way-over-the-top. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or more unique, there are a few points you should keep in mind to help you choose the right kennel for your dog.
The size of your dog
Remember to choose a kennel a little bigger than your dog is (or a little bigger than the size to which you expect them to grow, if you’re buying for a puppy). They should be able to comfortable turn around while inside.
Your available space
Whether you have a big backyard or a cosy courtyard may influence your choice.
The material
Timber kennels can look great but may require treating to ensure they can stand up to the elements, whereas plastic kennels are sturdy and easy to clean.
Portability
Do you need something you can travel with, or do you just want something that sit permanently in your yard/home?
If you have some time, tools and the tendancy – you can try your hand at being a handyman and build one yourself! There are some cool homemade kennels around from people that have gotten their hands dirty.
A Pampering Session
You want to look and feel your best, right? We all do! And your dear little doggo is no different.
Booking them in for a grooming session can be an ideal gift – and letting the professionals take care of your dog means that you’ll get the best possible results, and you won’t have to attempt it yourself! It’s a gift for both of you!
Book in for a Bath & Tidy or a Full Groom and you’ll be able to give them a hug without wrinkling your nose (so it’s really a present to you too)
