The holidays are here, and if you’re looking for some last-minute, fun (yet budget-friendly) gift ideas for your canine family members, here they are! We chose 4 gift options to cover all types of dogs and dog owners.
Dogs are notorious for playing with anything—from your favorite shoes or slippers to household electrical cords. By gifting one of these four toys or treats, you’re also giving yourself the gift of peace of mind!
Our Top Picks to Make Your Puppy Happy this Holiday Season
Chuckit! Ultra Ball from Canine Hardware
The Chuckit! Ultra Ball from Canine Hardware is one of the best-selling, top-rated dog toys on Amazon. Made from all-natural rubber and specifically designed for a high bounce, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball is the ideal toy for playing in the yard, at the pool, in the park, or at the lake. Easy to clean and made from non-toxic materials, this product is a great option for dogs of all sizes and ages. And priced at only $7.95 on Amazon, it won’t break the bank this holiday season.
Canine Hardware also offers the Chuckit! Ball Launcher, which gives your fetch game added speed and range, all while solving the problem of having to pick up a slobbery ball from the ground. Simply use their lightweight, ergonomic ball launcher to easily throw and retrieve the ball. Both products are available on Amazon or at your local pet store.
Wild Knots Bears by KONG
If you’re looking for something a bit softer and cuddlier for your dog, then check out the KONG Wild Knots Bears. Don’t let their soft exterior fool you! These Wild Knots Bears are strong and durable and made with a reinforced plush exterior and knotted rope interior. Minimal internal stuffing means this toy is a great, non-messy toy option for around the house. And the internal squeaker is sure to make this one of your dog’s favorite toys.
Offered in small, medium, and large sizes, these toys come in right around $10 each. They are available on Amazon and at many local pet stores.
Hide-A-Squirrel and Puzzle Plush Squeaking Toys by Outward Hound
For more inquisitive canines, the Hide-A-Squirrel and Puzzle Plush Squeaking Toys are the ideal interactive option. Available in 4 different sizes, this toy is another Amazon best seller that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment, both for your dog and you. Used individually, the squeaky squirrels are perfect for playing fetch or being used as an around-the-house toy.
Played as a game, the soft trunk and squirrels deliver just the right balance of hiding, seeking, and squeaking to keep your dog curious and engaged for hours on end. Simply hide the squirrels within the soft tree trunk and watch as your dog begins to solve the puzzle of how to find them and get them out of the trunk. This puzzle toy also makes a great leave-behind to help with any separation anxiety your dog may experience.
This product is available on Amazon and at your local pet store.
Homemade Dog Biscuits by You
Looking for something a little bit more personal, hand-crafted, and edible? If so, why not make your dog some delicious homemade peanut butter dog biscuits this Christmas. Here’s an easy-to-follow peanut butter biscuit recipe that will yield between 40-60 biscuits. As with any recipe, you can modify the ingredients to meet your dog’s particular dietary needs and sensitivities.
Recipe
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour (you can substitute other types of flour depending on your dog’s sensitivities)
- 1 cup quick or regular oats
- 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup water (more as needed)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 300° F and lightly grease two baking sheets
- Mix together all dry ingredients in a large bowl
- Add the eggs and peanut butter to form a crumbly dough
- Begin adding your water slowly to form a cohesive dough
- Once the dough forms, roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut to the desired shape (a cookie cutter works great!)
- Bake the biscuits for about 45 – 60 minutes or until they are a crispy golden brown
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let cool directly on the pan
The Very Best Gift This Holiday Season
Regardless of the gifts you give this Christmas, the very best gift always is spending quality time together. We hope that you and your family—both human and canine alike—have a wonderful holiday season together and a very happy new year!
If your dog needs care this holiday season, be sure to call us at (864) 271-1112. For after hours emergency services, visit the Animal Emergency Clinic or call them at (864) 232-1878.