Dog Christmas presents

Christmas gifts for dogs

With so much choice, it can be hard to decide what to treat your best friend to at Christmas, but there’s an easy way to narrow things down: whatever you give your dog at Christmas make sure it increases their wellbeing, enriches their lives or strengthens the bond between you.

• An interactive dog feeder exercises your dog’s brain whilst they eat, slowing them down too.

• Smart new collar or harness and lead. It’s important to replace these regularly, and Christmas is the perfect prompt. If you buy a harness, make sure it fits well and is designed to allow their shoulders to move freely.

• A new drying robe, or drying mitts for towelling your dog off after wet, winter walks.

• A light-up collar for dark winter walks, safer for you and your dog.

• Christmassy dog bowl, and mat; why should we be the only ones with festive dinner settings?

Christmas dog toys

Playing with your dog strengthens your relationship with them, staves off boredom and enriches their life. Dog toys will be chewed, tugged and tossed around, so only buy toys made for dogs by a reputable manufacturer; if the materials are “non-toxic” or the plastic or rubber components are BPA-free or food-grade, even better, as there is no UK regulatory body for safety of dog toys. Monitor them for wear and tear, and discard if the filling or squeaker could come out and be swallowed. Fun ideas are:

• Balls for them to chase and fetch for you, make sure they are larger than your dog’s throat so they cannot choke on them.

• Tuggy toys are great for engaging your dog, but check they are age and size appropriate.

• Treat feeders and boredom busters help stimulate your dog, when you haven’t got time to play.

Festive comfort

Dogs love a bit of comfort and easy ways to increase this, for Christmas and beyond, include:

• Dog cushion or pillow bed, all dogs enjoy a spot of luxurious lounging.

• Donut bed, if your dog is prone to anxiety, or the cold, curling up in this will help them feel safe, secure and snug.

• Festive blankets or mats bring seasonal cheer to the sofa or floor, or create a new cosy corner for them under your desk or beside your favourite armchair.

Dog Christmas stockings are perfect for collecting together lots of lovely things, including special dog treats. Just be sure to hang it safely out of your dog’s reach as they aren’t very good at waiting for Christmas morning, or unwrapping things before they eat them!

A note on dog Christmas outfits

Posting pictures of dogs wearing mini-me or seasonal outfits is popular, but exercise caution. Always put your dog’s wellbeing first when it comes to dressing up. Many outfits are poorly fitting, made with photo opportunities, rather than comfort, in mind and cheap fabric that traps heat. The result can be overheating, uncomfortable, stressed dogs and, in the case of Brachycephalic dogs like pugs and French Bulldogs, they could even end up struggling to breathe.

Our dogs are beautiful as they are, but you can still have a little fun with a festive dog collar or Christmas bandana. Or a light-up collar for walking in the dark: festive and practical!

Christmas gifts for the dog lover

There is an endless offering of thoughtful Christmas gifts for dog lovers, or you can safely unleash your frivolous Christmas spirit!

Christmas clothes (for humans!)

Now you can really go to town with the dog-themed outfits!

• Dog Christmas jumper.

• Matching dog Christmas pyjamas for family and dog bandana for the hound.

• Dog t-shirts, headbands, socks, hats, scarves and gloves in playful designs.

Dog cards, decorations and other gifts

• Books on dog training, games or healthcare, benefitting your friend and their dog. Or stories of Ted, Kipper, and Hairy Maclary.

• Commission a talented artist friend or student to paint a dog portrait.

• Dog Christmas cards, notebooks and calendars.

• Dog Christmas decorations, ornaments and jewellery.

• Mugs and cushions with photos of a pet pooch printed on them.

• Dog Christmas keyrings and bag charms.

• Dog printed bed linen, cushions and blankets for humans to snuggle up in.

• A cuddly toy dog, perhaps for those who long for a real one…

Make Christmas calm, cosy and dog-friendly

Christmas can be crazy and dogs often struggle with changes to routines, visitors, even locations. The greatest Christmas gift you can give your dog is your time, attention, and a safe place to retreat to when the madness gets too much, our guide will show you how. And keep festive food and drink out of reach, whilst never leaving consumables under or on the tree, that’s just too much temptation for a poor, hungry pup! 

For more information about keeping your dog happy & safe, read our dog guides and advice.

If have any concerns, all Agria policies come with 24/7 access to free vet video calls through the Agria App, wherever you are. Download it now.