Written by Lisa Proffitt | 21st December 2021
A total of 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, which means that the country now has 17 million pet-owning homes. We have always been a nation of dog lovers and if you bought your dog an advent calendar this year, the chances are you’re wondering what to put in their Christmas stocking.
Do you buy them something they want – food, always food - or something they need, like a cosy new bed?
Here’s our roundup of the best Christmas gift ideas for your dog to make sure they don’t miss out on any of the excitement on the big day.
Labradors are known for eating anything, but make sure you only buy treats made by well-known pet food manufacturers to be sure the ingredients are safe for your dog to munch. Lily's Kitchen recipes are a good choice as they’re made with natural ingredients and without any added nasties. At the other extreme, chocolate and raisins can be life-threatening for dogs so keep Christmas cake and mince pies out of reach if you don’t want an expensive vet bill this Christmas.
A brand new collar is the canine equivalent of a jewellery box under the Christmas tree. With Dogatella, a British luxury brand designing handmade leather dog collars and leads, you can spoil yourself at the same time as they offer matching bracelets for style conscious dog owners.
Dog Gone Smart Pet Products are a small, family run business and their Aspen Parka with fur trim will guarantee your pooch is the coolest in the park. Available for £30 from Pets at Home, this award winning parka jacket for dogs is waterproof and windproof and fitted with a reflective trim for safety.
Containing a gin and tonic and biscuits for the owner and dog treats and toys for their four-legged friend, this is a perfect gift to share from Marks & Spencer, £30.
Christmas Pets Parcel for Dogs, £18 from Pets at Home, contains seven surprise Christmas gifts specially selected from their range of treats and toys and saves you around 30% when compared with buying the same products separately.
Banish shop bought food from your dog’s life by feeding them home made dinners, treats and biscuits. ‘Dogs' Dinners: The healthy, happy way to feed your dog’ is a book packed full of healthy recipes including one for baking your dog their very own birthday cake.
Treat your dog to a Christmas jumper to pep up their Instagram posts. Philomena London Pet Outfitters has a gorgeous Love My Dog cable knit dog sweater for £69 but truthfully you can shop for dog clothes everywhere from Harrods to Home Bargains, with prices starting at £2.50 for pet outfits and accessories.
Plenty of exercise is key to keeping your dog fit and well, especially in their advancing years, so if you're worried yours isn't getting enough exercise then invest in the Pooch Play Dog Monitor. This activity tracker and app costs £40 and just like the version for humans will show you how far they've run and keep a track on their weight.
If you’ve ever wanted to share a beer with your best canine friend, this present is a winner for you both. Woof and Brew Bottom Sniffer Beer for Dogs is a non-sparkling and non-alcoholic beer filled with healthy ingredients. Brewed with non-fermented beer wort, seaweed, natural chicken flavouring, malt barley extracts, rooibos, flax and nettle, it’s perfect for a pit stop at the pub after a bracing winter walk.
Inspired by four Italian greyhounds, Charley Chau Dogs Beds & Blankets have come up with a range of dog bedding that is not only stylish and practical but achingly cool, too. Their luxury snuggle dog bed costs from £70-£140 depending on size.
Research shows that one of the best ways to improve your pet's health is to get them to drink more water. This fountain filters and aerates continuously moving water to keep it fresher than standing bowl water. Replaceable charcoal filters clear the water and hair, food and debris are caught by the pre filter, keeping your pet’s drinking water tasting clean and fresh.
If you’re thinking of moving house in 2022, perhaps to a home with plenty of outside space your dog, why not have a look at the Michael Graham homes to buy or rent by clicking the property search button now.