Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 interesting holiday gifts your dog will actually be happy about

Vera Lawlor
By

Dogs love being included in the holiday festivities and many derive extreme pleasure from ripping wrapping paper to shreds to get at the newest squeaky toy hidden inside. This is great fun for pet parents too, that is, until about half an hour into playing when the dog pulls the arms or legs off of their newest play buddy. Choosing the perfect toy can be challenging but we’ve got you covered in the doggy gift department this year. Here are five cool holiday gifts for dogs that they’ll actually use and love.

Furbo Dog Treat Dispenser and Camera

One of the hardest things for all pet parents is having to leave their dogs home alone. The Furbo treat dispenser allows you to interact with your best friend remotely. The basic camera allows you to see and speak to your pooch and even toss him treats with the press of a button. For $6.99 per month, you can subscribe to Furbo Dog Nanny that will send alerts to your smartphone if your dog barks. You can then check in on your dog to see what’s going on and help settle him down.

Recommended Videos

Benefits at a glance:

  • The camera has night vision and a 160-degree wide-angle.
  • You can toss a treat to your dog using the free Furbo iOS/Android app.
  • Your dog is safer with real-time alerts and cloud recording videos.

The camera has a 4.6-star rating and more than 20,000 reviews on Amazon where pet parents report that it’s “easy to use” and offers “considerable peace of mind” when dogs are home alone.

Related

Hurtta Extreme Warmer Insulated Dog Parka

So many winter coats for dogs look great but they don’t keep dogs warm enough, aren’t water-resistant, or don’t stay in place on long walks. You can tick the boxes when you purchase this Hurtta dog parka. Located in Finland, the Hurtta company started in the human fashion industry and expanded into designing functional canine gear when the owners sought clothing to protect their dogs during frigid winters.

Benefits at a glance:

  • The foil liner reflects body heat for extra warmth.
  • Breathable, water-resistant material helps dogs stay comfortable and dry.
  • High visibility 3M reflectors make nighttime walking safer.

The parka has a 4.7-star rating on Chewy where reviewers describe it as “awesome,” “fantastic,” and “perfect.”

Outward Hounds Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Game

If you’ve got a dog who loves a mental challenge, then this puzzle game is sure to be a big hit. It is among the top three interactive toys highlighted in a New York Times Wirecutter article where trainers referred to the Nina Ottosson line of toys as “the best for highly-intelligent breeds.”

Benefits at a glance:

  • Dogs receive mental stimulation during playtime.
  • The game boasts three different levels of difficulty.
  • Puzzles encourage dogs’ natural hunting skills.

Ottosson, who works to raise awareness about the importance of mental stimulation to a dog’s health, received a 2017 Pet Age Icon Award for her development of innovative treat puzzle toys.

BarkBox Monthly Subscription Box

A monthly subscription to BarkBox is a gift that keeps on giving to your dog throughout the year. Each month is a different theme and each box comes with two toys, two bags of treats, and a chew.

Benefits at a glance:

  • Boxes are customized for small, medium, and large dogs.
  • BarkBox offers a fun selection of durable interactive, squeaky, and rope toys, as well as toys specially designed for puppies and aggressive chewers.
  • The company’s treats are all-natural and chews are made with quality ingredients never containing wheat, corn, or soy. The company also offers allergy-friendly boxes.

Barkbox has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon where many pet parents are as excited as their dogs about the monthly surprises. Australian shepherds Nelson and Cash enjoy playing tug of war with their BarkBox goodies. Their mom reports just one drawback: “The boys think every delivery is for them!”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

5. PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed

While we’re sure you allow your dog to cuddle with you on the couch and bed, many pups prefer to snuggle up in their own beds. No matter your dog’s age you can’t go wrong with the PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed.

Benefits at a glance:

  • The bed has memory foam which provides older dogs with joint relief.
  • The cover is easy to remove, machine washable, and can be tumble-dried on a gentle cycle.
  • The bed’s bolsters provide extra support and comfort.

This durable bed has thousands of reviews on Amazon where it has a 4.7-star rating. One pet parent said her elderly boxer is enjoying the supportive thick memory foam base and “loves the cushion roll at the top for resting her head.”

After you’ve chosen a gift for your best friend why not send some holiday cheer to the homeless dogs at your local shelter? It’s as easy as checking out the wish list on your shelter’s website or giving them a call to ask what they need. It will make the holidays even more special knowing you’ve brought joy not only to your dog, but also to rescue dogs waiting for loving families of their own.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
3 great reasons why a dog stroller isn’t the most ridiculous purchase in the world (and which ones to get)
Consider this before you buy a dog stroller for your pet
Pomeranian sits in a dog stroller on the street

You might do a double take the first time you see a dog being wheeled around, but we're 100% behind this trend. Dog strollers seem to have taken over, especially in big cities and other areas with heavy foot traffic, like parks. While it wouldn't work for every animal, lots of small breeds and elderly pups benefit from being pushed around. Should you hop on the trend and get dog strollers for your furry friends? It's definitely worth a little research.
Which dogs benefit most from riding in a baby buggy?
You probably won't see a Great Dane in a stroller, but we certainly encourage you to try if you can do so safely. A stroller will most benefit a small dog, particularly if they struggle to keep up or may not always be seen by passersby. It also will work great for an elderly dog that has slowed down but still loves having outdoor time with their family.
Why should I consider a dog stroller?
If you balk at the idea of keeping your pet in a stroller, you're not alone. But we encourage you to rethink things a little bit, as many fur babies do seem to enjoy being walked in this way. There are a few good reasons to give it a try.
Navigating crowds
Little dogs often get lost in big crowds and can wind up getting stepped on or accidentally kicked. If you're bringing your buddy to an event, you should definitely consider taking the stroller along. This way, they can perch from a high vantage point and experience everything around them without any danger.
Taking longer walks
Planning a longer hike but still want to bring along your small dog? A stroller could come in handy, provided you have ample paved roads available. One option is to let them walk for the first half of the journey and then pop them in to ride the rest of the way home.
Keeping pets active
With older or injured dogs, you won't always know when they're likely to poop out. A dog stroller helps keep the option of a break open at any time. As soon as they start to slow down, you can offer the ride, and some dogs will learn to tell you when they're ready by going up to it when it's time.
Which stroller should I buy?
There are a few out there to consider, depending on your beastie's preferences and where you imagine using it most.
Folding Waterproof Portable Pet Stroller
You might think of this one as

because the basket piece lies down. Many dogs prefer this orientation, as it allows them to move around more fluidly.
Pet Stroller, Carrier, Jogger Stroller, Folding Crate Stroller With Soft Pad
The best part

Read more
What to feed dogs with diarrhea: These dietary staples might already be in your kitchen
Diarrhea in dogs can be remedied with these simple ingredients
A large dog squats to poop in a field of tall golden grass

Just like with children, adopting a dog comes with its fair share of messes. Whether you have torn-up squeaky toys strewn about your house or a muddy dog streaking through the yard, these are the things pet owners have to learn to take in stride. Besides, a little mess can be fun sometimes!
Dog diarrhea, though, is the opposite of a fun mess. No one enjoys trying to clean up something so runny and stinky, and it's even more miserable being on the other end. Luckily, there are a few simple home remedies for diarrhea in dogs that you can whip up from the comfort of your own kitchen. Odds are, you already have some of these ingredients!
Here's what to feed dogs with diarrhea.

Pumpkin is packed with helpful nutrients to help a dog's system reset
When your dog has diarrhea, you might not think of feeding them some pumpkin, but this vegetable can be a great source of bowel-regulating soluble fiber. Believe it or not, this fiber also helps dogs with constipation, so pumpkin can be a great choice whenever your pup is under the weather.

Read more
This dog food container setup will keep your pup’s food fresh
Dog food spoiling before they can eat it all? A few airtight bins will solve this
Cute dog licks his nose in front of a bowl of food

Our pets cost a lot of money and have specific needs — vet bills, food, and accessories to name a few. We love them, but they definitely put a hurt on the bank account. One way to save is to shop the sales and purchase staples in bulk, but that means doing a little planning ahead. Keeping your dog's food and treats in bins can save you money while preserving flavor for your pup.

How many dog food containers should I get?
Your setup will be unique to your family needs. Start by figuring out how much your pets eat and how long the food you buy lasts (wet food will have a shorter shelf life than dry food, and some specialty food doesn't keep as well). One approach: Buy a large container that can fit the biggest bag you can get (and use in a reasonable amount of time with no spoilage) and then smaller ones that store about a week's worth of food. This way, it all stays good and you only refill your small container every so often.
Which containers should I buy?
The most important factor here is airtight. You don't want anything getting in like bugs or even your pup — make sure it's not something they can chew through. Look into receptacles specifically for this purpose, but don't stop there. Many canisters made for human food will work just as well for your animal's, too. Stick to thick plastic or stainless steel, which will do the best job of maintaining quality.
How can I use my containers most effectively?
In the two-container method, the goal is to place most of the kibble in a large, airtight bin and only have to refill your smaller vessel every week or so (we recommend washing in between). If you have the setup for it, you can then store your big bin somewhere out of the way, like a basement or garage, while your small bin stays with the rest of Fido's things.

Read more