Christmas is always an exciting time of the year. We share presents with friends and family – but most of us also share the present exchange with our dogs. Dogs get excited too at Christmas, new decorations in the house to admire, new exciting smells and some dogs absolutely love unwrapping presents. But what do we buy our furry friends? Do we buy them something practical that we can use on them or do we buy them toys or treats? Let’s have a look through what is on offer this year.  

Interactive toys 

Interactive toys are a great way to keep our dogs occupied, it can stimulate them to use their brains and exercise their problem-solving skills. Mostly interactive toys are going to involve food as this keeps most dogs occupied and stimulated. There are a wide range of different options on the market at all price points too! For example, a dog maze is a great way to encourage them to look for their treats as well as providing exercise as they move it around. Kongs are a very popular dog brand, these have a range of interactive toys that allow you to use treats and paste inside them. Dogs have to work hard to get the food therefore providing some play time.  

Christmas treats 

Now we all know that at Christmas part of the fun is to eat as much as you can! But when it comes to dogs we still have to be careful on how many treats we do give them and what we give. If your dog has allergies or health problems then do be careful with what you give them as a treat as you don’t want to upset their stomachs or make any conditions worse. Pet stores will stock a range of different treats and all festive themed and festive flavours like turkey, cranberry, pork and apple. In moderation, these can be a lovely way to get your pet engaged in the festivities.  

There is always the alternative to make your own festive treats too – even you could make them in Christmas shapes… This way you know what the ingredients are too! The Kennel Club has some great recipes you can follow. When looking for treats always use ones that are made for dogs.  

Around Christmas time also come some really common food hazards – we don’t want dogs stealing a mince pie or Christmas cake and we don’t want them raiding the tub of chocolates on the table. All of these kinds of foods are very toxic to dogs so do make sure these human treats are kept well out the way and people in the house know not to give them.  

Christmas toys 

You’ll see in pet shops there will be lots of festive toys on the shelves. If your dog loves playing with toys then this can also be a good purchase. Why not buy them a festive Christmas tree toy?! Just take care when buying toys if they do contain squeakers inside and your dog is likely to chew… Some dogs also love having their own presents to unwrap so this is ideal if your dog would like this.  

Blankets and beds 

As well as toys and treats we can also treat our dogs to a new bed. Most dogs love having their own beds, whilst others won’t appreciate it and will lie on the floor but if your dog loves being all nice and snug in a warm bed then why not treat them to a new bed or blanket.  

Accessories 

Let’s have a look at some of the more practical things you could treat your dog to this Christmas. What about some new food bowls? Or you could go for a new matching collar, lead and harness and couple it up with a new dog tag? This is something practical and you’ll get daily use from. New coat? Does your dog wear coats or jumpers, do they need a new warm fleecy jumper or a waterproof coat? (We love Equifleece!). 

Or how about going hi-tech? We could go all out and get a GPS tracker for when you’re doing your long walks, may also help if your dog likes to go a little further then you would like! 

What not to get for Christmas 

Whilst there are plenty of toys, treats and accessories out there that you can buy there would be some things on the Christmas list I would avoid. I would avoid any dog chews like rawhides. Lots of pet shops sell these kinds of chews and treats – but in reality, they can cause great problems with your dog. Raw hide is made from the inside of an animals hide, which is often then treated with chemicals and preservatives.  Raw hide as a treat is very solid, it takes dogs a long time to chew. There are many hazards with feeding raw hide as a treat such as: 

  • Choking. Large bits can splinter and break off then become lodged in the dog’s throat.  
  • Intestinal blockage. As large pieces can break off and become lodged in the dog’s intestines, often these require surgical removal.  
  • Tooth damage. Chewing on something hard can cause fractures to teeth. If this happens this can cause a lot of pain for the dog and would likely require surgical removal.  
  • Intestinal upset. Many of these products are covered in chemicals, colours and flavours. These can upset a dog’s stomach causing vomiting and diarrhoea.  
  • Organ damage. Some imported brands have been associated with direct toxicity to internal organs.  

Other toy dangers 

Another thing to be aware of is toys that contain squeakers and small parts. If you have a dog that chews up toys, then small parts and squeakers are a hazard for swallowing. This could then cause an intestinal blockage.  

If your dog isn’t a fan of being dressed up, then try to avoid buying them an outfit to wear during the Christmas period. Many dogs don’t like it with it being restricting and just generally making them feel uncomfortable.  

Christmas is a fun time of the year so why not include our lovely dogs in the celebrations – just make sure that they’ll enjoy it too!