Unleash the Joy: Gift Ideas Your Dogs Will Love
One of our favorite holiday traditions is hanging monogrammed stockings on the mantel for our dogs. Yes, we have stockings for them, and I know we aren't the only ones! It started 16 years ago with our Weimaraner, Bailey, our first puppy, and we've continued the tradition with Jack, Patton, Tiki, Lizzy, Waylon, and Tucker. Even though Bailey and Jack are no longer with us, sentimentality washed over me when I rediscovered their stockings in my Christmas bin this year. I added them to the mantel to honor their memory and the indelible paw print they left on our hearts.
You might be wondering whether we purchase stocking stuffers for our dogs, and the answer is yes! But, after realizing that smelling dog bones and treats in a stocking is more tempting than a dog can bear, I retrieve their presents from a grab bag—often bigger than what a stocking can hold and, in my best Santa voice, exclaim, "Merry Christmas," handing them their gifts, while Andrew captures their joyful tail wags.
For those who delight in including their dogs in holiday merriment, I've compiled a list of treats and toys that have received our dogs' enthusiastic four-paw stamps of approval.
Earth Animal Chews - I have these no-hide rolls on auto-ship from Amazon, but you can also order directly. They are easily digestible and don't result in soft stools or upset tummies. Turner's tails voted, and the peanut butter flavor received five wags.
Wet-Noses Granola Treats – These have been a staple in the pup pantry for years. You can buy directly from Wet Noses or Chewy. They love the crunch, and we've discovered that if a pup feels a little punky, it helps soothe their stomach. 100% organic, human grade, and made in the U.S.A. Patton picks peanut butter & molasses or berry blast.
Squeaky Snake – The dogs have so much fun carrying this around and squeaking. I like the ginormous size so the crew can play tug with each other.
Bocce’s Bakery Campfire S’Mores and Bocce’s Bakery Pumpk’n Spice – Bocce has tons of yummy flavors to choose from, but Campfire and Pumpk'n Spice are two of my favorites. Whenever you open the bag, it smells like the holidays—almost.
West Paw Qwizl – Super durable, the Qwizl is designed to stick treats or bones in the middle or through the sides. This makes the treats last longer and keeps the dogs occupied while also calming their minds. Also check out the Toppl for quick treat release, Tux or the Zwig (great for play).
West Paw Wilson & Custer – These toys are built for rough play and the dogs love them! The only caveat is if you have a dog that enjoys pulling fur off fuzzy things (ahem – Tucker), then these may not be for you or your pooch.
Fieldcrest Farms – Nothing to Hide - I took a vote, and our canine crew unanimously gives the peanut butter flavor four paws up. If you have a heavy chewer, these don't last long, but the dogs love them, and are healthy for their teeth and gums.
Outward Hound Hide n Slide – This is a fun hide-n-seek interactive challenge to engage your dog’s mind and reduce boredom. I love to bring this out on rainy days to counter canine cabin fever.
May your holiday season with your furry friends be merry and bright in the spirit of the love we share with our pups.
P.S. Please share your holiday tradition with your pets in the comments. I’d love to know about their favorite treats or how you include them in your celebrations .
