‘Tis the festive season, and while we’re busy unwrapping our Christmas pressies, we think our dogs should be in on the action too! So, if you’re trying to decide on the pawfect Christmas present for your dog, or a friend’s dog, and need some inspiration, we’ve pulled together a list of the 10 best gift ideas for your four-legged friend.

1. Christmas Cards

Why not give your dog a Christmas card? You can buy cards personalised with your dog’s name or get the kids involved in creating homemade cards for their canine companions. You can also buy cards for pet parents designed to be from their dog. Why not take a festive family portrait and get it printed on a pack of Christmas cards to give to your friends and family.

2. Christmas Toys

Christmas-themed dog toys are always popular gifts. Dogs love a new ball, chew, tug rope or cuddly toy to play with. Puzzle toys will keep your dog busy for hours and hopefully won’t be destroyed within minutes of giving it to them. Always check that any toy you give them are dog-safe and suitable for your pooch’s age and size.

Dogs may also like the wrapping paper so take it away as soon as you can before they’re tempted to eat it. If a dog eats a large amount of wrapping paper and ribbons, it can lead to an obstruction in their tummy. This would mean an urgent visit to your vet.

3. Christmas Treats

Chocolate-style (not real chocolate), festive turkey, meaty or fishy – there are lots of different Christmas treats that you can buy to tempt your dog. You can even spoil them with luxury dog Christmas biscuits. Make sure the treats are dog-safe and from a trusted and reliable brand. If you have time, why not make your own home-made Christmas treats with your dog’s favourite ingredients (recipes can be found online).

Make them extra special by cutting them into festive shapes using cookie cutters. But don’t keep treat gifts under the Christmas tree as your dog’s keen nose will be sure to find them before the big day!

You can go large with a hamper box for dogs or buy a special Christmas dinner so your dog won’t feel left out when the rest of the family is tucking into their festive meal. There’s always a risk that they may not like eating something new or, worse, it might disagree with them, and no-one wants that on Christmas Day. So be careful when choosing new foods and treats.

To avoid any unwelcome tummy upsets, don’t feed too many treats (or titbits from your Christmas dinner). It’s best to keep your dog to their usual diet and feeding routine. Many of our traditional celebration foods are very rich and can be harmful for dogs, even in small quantities.

Chocolate, mince pies, nuts, and foods containing onions and artificial sweeteners are toxic to dogs. So make sure these and other tempting foods are kept well out of reach. Most dogs will quickly spot any food left unattended, so make sure you’re one step ahead!

4. A Christmas Stocking

You can’t go wrong with a Christmas stocking full of tasty Christmas dog treats to make your dog a very happy pooch. You can make your own with their favourite treats or buy stockings already filled with treats and small toys for your dog to shred open. Just make sure you include treats that are specifically made for dogs and bought from a trusted, reliable source. You can buy personalised Christmas stockings online which can be customised with a name and portrait of your beloved pet.

5. Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are not just for children (and adults) - you can buy dogs calendars too! Advent calendars for dogs include small treats or nibbles in every window leading up to Christmas Day so you can start giving your dog Christmas treats as soon as December is here. You could also make a DIY advent calendar with your dog’s favourite treats, or even make some homemade treats - just remember chocolate's poisonous to dogs!

6. Christmas Collars and Bandanas

A new collar is a great idea for a Christmas gift - these can be glittery, have Christmas patterns, even Christmas lights. They can also be personalised with your dog’s name. Festive bandanas and collars with bow ties for dogs are also very cute and make the perfect accessory for those traditional Christmas photos. And if you’re feeling particularly generous, most collars can be brought as part of a set with matching leads and harnesses.

7. A Christmas Jumper

We all love a Christmas jumper and many dog lovers like to dress up their pet pooch in a special Christmas woolly. Some jumpers can be useful to keep your dog warm on Christmas walks but remember that not all dogs will be happy to wear them. If they appear uncomfortable or agitated, don’t force them to wear it.

Some dogs may find the fabric irritating or find the clothing too restricting or it may rub in places. And if worn indoors they will probably get too hot. Take a quick photo and then let your dog spend the rest of their day free of Christmas clothing.

You could also just buy a smart, new waterproof coat to keep them warm and dry during winter walks, either with or without a Christmas themed design.

8. Christmas Hats and Costumes

Antlers, dog-sized Santa or Elf hats are fun gifts. Some dogs are happy to wear them for a short time, but others will just take them off as soon as they can and start chewing them!

Some pet parents like to dress their pooch up in a complete festive outfit. Santa suits, reindeer and elf costumes are available for dogs that don’t mind dressing up for special occasions. But if your dog becomes distressed, take them off immediately.

9. Christmas Bedding and Bowls

Dog beds and blankets with a cosy Christmas theme or a new dog bowl are other possible and practical gifts. They can usually be personalised with your dog’s name too – great if you’ve got a couple of dogs! There are so many types of bedding shapes and designs to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

If your dog is a fast eater, a maze bowl would help to slow them down. Maze bowls prevent your dog from taking big mouthfuls as they have to work their tongue around ridges to find the food.

10. Other Kinds of Dog Gifts

While not very Christmassy, you could also buy your dog some dog training classes, a trip to the grooming salon or a session at a dog park. Or buy a heating pad, perfect for dogs that are getting on in years. The heat will help to ease their aching joints and provide the comfort of a warm bed.

Another idea, that benefits both you and your dog, is a pet camera so you can watch them when you’re out and interact with them when they need reassurance. Some gadgets even have a treat dispenser so you can reward your dog for good behaviour!

Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers

And for dog lovers at Christmas, why not give them dog-themed Christmas presents? Cards, baubles, key rings, cushions, board games, bags, jumpers, and mugs make great gifts. These can all be personalised with their favourite dog’s photo and/or name. Pet portraits are a popular gift idea too, drawn or painted by local artists, or you can have a go at creating one yourself.

Always make sure that any Christmas present you have chosen for your pet is dog-safe and if the fuss and noise is all too much, let your pooch chill out where they’re happiest. Some may find the chaos and change in routine overwhelming so try to keep to their normal routine as much as possible.

Make time for their daily walks and watch what they eat to avoid any tummy issues. And don’t force them to wear any festive clothing that makes them uncomfortable regardless of how adorable they look.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – https://www.vetlexicon.com/treat/canis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.