Happy Holidays! Have you finished your shopping yet? Or are you one of those last-minute shoppers? No matter which end of the spectrum you fall under, you’ll want to remember to pick up something for your pup! In fact, a 2023 study by Circana indicates that over half of pet owners buy their pups holiday presents. What do you think would be on Fido’s wish list? Bacon and cheeseburgers are a pretty safe bet, but those aren’t the only options! A local vet lists some of the things that Santa Claws might drop off in this article.
Getting Fido Toys For Xmas
Dogs are adorably easy to please: it doesn’t take much to get Fido’s cute tail going. But while picking dog toys isn’t exactly rocket science, there are things to keep in mind as you are trying to find the right toy for your dog.
- Age While the basics of dog care never change, some aspects of your pup’s care will change over time. When Fido is a puppy, he’ll need lots of chew toys and things that just keep him active and moving. Adult dogs also are still interested in chewing, but also require mental stimulation as well as exercise. Seniors usually don’t need to chew very much: they often prefer softer toys or things that provide mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys.
- Size Always choose toys that are the right size for your pet. A big dog can choke on something that was made for a smaller pooch, while a little dog may hurt his jaws or mouth on something that’s too big for him.
- Material Unfortunately, not all dog toys are as safe as you would expect. In fact, many have been found to contain BPAs. Look for things that say BPA-free on the label. This certifies that the toy is free from Bisphenol-A, which has been linked to cancer. Rubber and silicone toys are generally safe. Nylon is also fine, as are many natural materials, such as cotton. Dogs toys may also include things like preservatives, fire retardants, dyes, and preservatives.
- Origin Things made overseas may not be subjected to the same—or even any—quality standards as products manufactured in North America. Check to see where a toy was made.
- Personality Dogs are all unique, and their play styles reflect that. One pooch may absolutely love playing Tug O War with a rope toy: another may be more interested in playing Fetch. Try different things, and pay attention to what Fido responds to. Keep in mind that your pet’s tastes may change over time.
What Should I Avoid When Choosing Dog Toys?
Safety should always be one of the most important considerations—if not the most important—when picking toys. It’s important to know what the general dangers are.
- Avoid toys with dangling ropes or threads. Anything with small parts is also unsafe. That includes things like plastic eyes, ribbons, and feathers. These things can be serious choking hazards!
- Things with holes can also be extremely dangerous. The suction these can create can trap dogs’ tongues, and can lead to potentially fatal incidents.
- Pass up anything that seems brittle or flimsy.
- Soft plastics often break into small pieces, and can not stand up to the force of heavy—or even moderate—chewers. Anything with sharp corners is also unsafe.
Always play it safe here. Ask your vet for more information on safe and unsafe toys.
Selecting Safe Chews For Your Dog
You’ll also need to be careful when choosing chews. Never give Fido chicken or rib bones. Hooves can also fracture and break into small pieces. Items such as pig ears can be safe for some pups, but can be dangerous for heavy chewers.
Rawhide products can also be dangerous, as they can break into pieces that are choking hazards, and can also cause internal damage or obstructions if swallowed. Ask your vet for specific tips.
Holiday Treats For Fido
Treats are also a great option, and will definitely get you that adorable reaction. These can make wonderful stocking stuffers as well. If you enjoy cooking, you can even make homemade treats. There are plenty of recipes online. You can also make up something.
- Stick with safe options. Some of the ingredients that you can use for a base include ripe bananas, pureed pumpkin, boneless meat, canned fish or chicken, whole wheat flour, olive oil, wheat germ oil, plain yogurt, and egg. Baby food also works, though you would need to check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain garlic, onion, or anything else that isn’t safe.
- You can also add things like bacon bits, shredded cheese, pieces of kibble, or safe fruits and veggies.
- Feel free to experiment with cooking temps and times. For most dog treats, start with something like 15 minutes at 375F (190C) and go from there.
- To divide them into small portions, you can use a muffin tin, a mini-muffin tin, a cookie mold, or roll them into balls. Or, just pour the batter into a brownie pan and then cut it once it’s cooked. Another option is to get a dog treat maker. This is basically like a waffle maker, but with bone-shaped holes.
- Treats also make great gifts for Fido’s four-legged buddies! Put them in a Mason jar with a pretty ribbon. You may want to include a label with the ingredients written down. That will help prevent any mishaps in case a pup has allergies.
What Are Other Good Gifts For Dogs?
Toys and treats are guaranteed tail waggers, but they aren’t the only options! You can also get things that benefit both you and your pooch, such as a pouch for walking your pet or a light-up leash for walking Fido after dark.
That said, here are some things on Fido’s wish list.
Beds
Beds are always a good option. Keep in mind that dogs have their own preferences here as well. Small pups and timid dogs often like beds with raised sides: these help them feel secure. A dog that likes to sprawl out will probably enjoy a plain bed, while one that likes to stamp and smoosh their bedding down may love a beanbag bed. If your canine pal is a senior and/or a large breed, he may enjoy an orthopedic bed. Raised beds are also good for big dogs.
Grooming Supplies
Fido may not get too excited over paw balm or new shampoo, but he will appreciate feeling clean and well groomed. Doggy dental products also make great stocking stuffers! Dog wipes are another good option.
Wardrobe
If your pet has thin fur, you may want to consider getting him a coat or jacket to help him stay warm in chilly weather. A new harness or collar is also a good bet! Make sure everything fits well. If you want to go all-out, consider getting your furry pal a customized collar or harness.
Tags
While we always strongly recommend getting dogs microchipped, that chip won’t eliminate the need for a tag. Smart tags would also be a great gift, particularly if your furry buddy has a penchant for running. Many of these have QR codes that link to a personal website with your contact information. You can also look into GPS tags.
Pupscription Boxes
Another great option would be a pupscription box. You can sign up for different ones, according to Fido’s age, size, or other qualities. It’s always really, really cute to see how excited dogs get when they open their gifts!
Can I Wrap My Dog’s Gift?
Yes! We would just recommend sticking with wrapping paper brands that are dog-safe. That way, if FIdo eats some of it, you won’t have to worry about whether your pooch ingested toxic ink or chemicals. It’s actually really, really cute seeing how excited dogs get when they know they get to open a gift!
Be sure to ask your vet for more suggestions, as well as for other tips for what would and would not make a great gift. We’re here to help!
Make An Appointment At OUr Pet Clinic
Is your dog due for a visit to our pet hospital? Contact us, your local animal hospital, anytime. We are always here to help!
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