Dog Gift Ideas

A stress-free Christmas for your pets

I hope this blog post will provide tips to help your dog feel calm and comfortable during the holiday hustle and bustle. Tony & I know first hand how our furry pals can unintentionally get lost in the celebrations.

First:

Should You Include Your Dog in the Festivities?

Of course! Christmas is all about family, and your dog is a beloved member of your family. Here are a few ideas on how you can include them in the holiday fun:

Holiday Photos: Dress your dog in their new festive bandana or sweater and take some cute holiday photos for memories. (see gifts below)
Gift Exchange: While you might be used to exchanging gifts with family and friends, your dog will love receiving their own stocking filled with treats and toys.
Holiday Treats: Treat your dog to a special holiday snack. You can even bake some homemade dog cookies with festive shapes, such as bones or stars.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Stress-Free This Christmas

The holiday season can be a lot of fun, but it can also be overwhelming for our dogs. Between the loud noises, crowded spaces and change in routine, Christmas can be stressful for some pets. Here are a few tips to help your dog feel calm and comfortable this Christmas:

1. Maintain a Routine

Even though the holidays might be filled with parties and travel, it’s important to keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible. This includes feeding times, walks and playtime. A predictable schedule helps your dog feel secure.

2. Create a Safe Space

During holiday gatherings, there may be lots of noise and activity, which can overwhelm your dog. Set up a quiet space in your home where your dog can retreat to and relax. This could be a cozy bed in a calm room or even a crate if your dog finds that comforting. (don't forget their favorite stuffy)

3. Limit Access to Holiday Hazards

Christmas decorations, wrapping paper and holiday plants can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Make sure your dog can’t access things like tinsel, ornaments or poisonous plants like poinsettias. Keep harmful items out of reach and supervise your dog when around holiday decorations.

4. Avoid Overindulging in Holiday Treats

It can be tempting to share your holiday food with your dog, but many human treats are not safe for dogs. Stick to healthy dog-safe treats to avoid an upset stomach. Some human foods, like chocolate, raisins and alcohol, are toxic to dogs, so it's important to be mindful.

5. Provide Mental Stimulation

The holidays can bring long stretches of downtime, especially if you’re busy with guests or preparations. Keep your dog mentally stimulated with toys, puzzles and games. A well-exercised dog is less likely to feel stressed or anxious.

6. Keep Your Dog’s Comfort in Mind

If you’re traveling or hosting guests, make sure your dog has their bed, favorite toys and familiar scents nearby to keep them comfortable. A cozy bed or blanket can help them feel more at ease in a new or busy environment.

7. Include Your Dog in Holiday Photos

Christmas is a great time to create lasting memories with your dog. Involve them in the holiday fun by dressing them in a festive sweater or bandana and snapping some adorable family photos. Not only will it make for great memories, but it can also help your dog feel included in the celebrations.

Including your dog over the holidays — **Christmas Dogs**

THE FUN PART:

What to Fill Your Dog's Stocking With This Christmas: 7 Paw-some Gift Ideas!

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how to include every member of your family in the holiday fun—even your furry friend! Your dog has been a loyal companion all year and what better way to show your appreciation than by treating them to some special holiday gifts? Whether you’re filling their stocking or looking for the perfect present under the tree, Tony & I decided to rounded up 7 gift ideas for your dog this holiday season. Best of all, these are all Canadian-based options, with a few local gems like Bones and Biscuits Port Credit to check out.

Dog gift ideas

1. Durable Chew Toys

Chew toys are a must-have for any dog, especially those who love to gnaw and chew. A tough, durable chew toy can keep your dog entertained for hours and even help with dental health by cleaning their teeth.

Gift Idea: The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is a long-lasting chew toy made from durable rubber, perfect for aggressive chewers. It can also be filled with treats for added fun!

Where to Buy: Bones and Biscuits Port Credit - KONG Extreme Chew Toy (Support your local pet store in Port Credit!)

2. Treat Dispensers and Puzzle Toys

Keep your dog mentally stimulated with a treat dispenser or puzzle toy. These toys challenge your dog to figure out how to access the tasty treats inside and can help combat boredom.

Gift Idea: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy - A plush puzzle that challenges your dog to "find" the squirrels hiding in their tree trunk.

Where to Buy: PetSmart Canada This popular Canadian retailer offers a variety of puzzle toys for all types of dogs.

3. Personalized Dog Collar

A personalized collar can add some festive flair to your dog’s wardrobe. Get their name engraved on a sturdy, stylish collar to make them stand out on walks or playdates.

Gift Idea: A custom leather collar with your dog’s name and a cute charm to match their personality.

Where to Buy: Bones and Biscuits Port Credit Find personalized collars and a variety of unique pet accessories at this cute local store.

4. Cozy Sweater or Jacket

If you have a smaller dog or one that gets chilly during the winter months, a cozy sweater or jacket can be a lifesaver. It will keep your dog warm during cold walks and winter adventures.

Gift Idea: Canada Pooch "The Arctic Voyager" Dog Jacket – A stylish and functional jacket that will keep your dog warm through the harsh Canadian winters.

Where to Buy: Amazon Canada Look for great deals on cozy jackets and sweaters for dogs on Amazon, with a variety of sizes available.

5. Gourmet Dog Treats

Let your dog indulge in some gourmet treats this Christmas! Opt for healthy, all-natural treats that will delight your dog while also being good for them.

Gift Idea: BarkBox Gourmet Treats - A box filled with delicious treats that are both healthy and tasty for your dog.

Where to Buy: BarkBox Canada BarkBox offers a monthly subscription, but you can also purchase individual boxes filled with festive goodies.

6. Interactive Dog Ball

Interactive toys like a smart dog ball can provide endless hours of fun and exercise for your dog. They can chase it around and even play independently, helping them burn off some of that holiday energy!

Gift Idea: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher - This interactive toy launches balls for your dog to chase and fetch, perfect for high-energy dogs.

Where to Buy: Best Buy Canada Find the Pet Safe Ball Launcher and other interactive toys online or at your local Best Buy.

7. Holiday-Themed Bandana

A festive bandana is a cute and easy way to include your dog in the Christmas celebrations. Whether you're attending a holiday gathering or taking family photos, a bandana can make your dog feel part of the fun. I swear, Boba the Pug shows off with his head high, when wearing his.

Gift Idea: Holiday-themed Bandanas - Choose from a selection of Christmas-themed prints and colors to match the season.

Where to Buy: Bones and Biscuits Port Credit Pick up a festive bandana at Bones and Biscuits Port Credit for a fun and seasonal touch!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to Christmas, dogs are just as deserving of holiday cheer as anyone else. Whether it’s a new chew toy, cozy sweater or tasty treats, your dog will be thrilled with whatever you pick. Be sure to check out local pet stores like Bones and Biscuits Port Credit to support local businesses this holiday season and find the best gifts for your furry friend.

By keeping their routine consistent, providing a safe space and making sure they don’t overindulge in holiday food, you can help your dog stay stress-free while you enjoy the festivities.

Merry Christmas from Barks and Parks and may your holiday season be filled with wagging tails, happy paws and joyful barks!

Heidi & Tony

Links to Purchase:

Bones and Biscuits Port Credit - Visit Website
PetSmart Canada - Outward Hound Puzzle Toys
Amazon Canada - Canada Pooch Dog Jackets
BarkBox Canada - Gourmet Dog Treats
Best Buy Canada - PetSafe Ball Launcher

Merry Christmas! Dog Gift Ideas