They drool, they need lots of attention and they leave their toys everywhere. Let’s face it: Your family dog is basically just one of the kids, right? So when Santa makes his rounds this Christmas to leave presents for your little ones, don’t let him forget Fido!
Looking for holiday present ideas for your furry friend? We turned to expert Mike Palmer, owner of Premier Pet Supply, a locally-owned pet store in Beverly Hills – with locations in Rochester Hills, Novi and Livonia – to get some Christmas gift ideas for pets (including cats, if you’ve got ’em!)
From stocking stuffers to tasty treats, puppy parents in search of the best dog gifts for Christmas can’t go wrong with this list of goodies. Trust us. If your dog could write up its own wish list, this stuff would definitely be on there!
And if your thinking about getting a pet as a gift, check out our tips on how to pick a family pet and some professional advice on exotics, too.
Note: Prices and availability may vary based on store.
Proper Toppers Dog Treats
What dog doesn’t love getting treats? Your pup won’t be disappointed to let lose on a package of Proper Toppers from The Honest Kitchen. “It’s a great natural way to supplement and add to a dog’s diet,” Palmer says. Find them at Premier Pet running around $9.99-$19.99.
iFetch
The interactive automatic ball launcher, iFetch, will train your dog to use and retrieve their favorite tennis ball. You, or your furry companion, simply drops the ball into the iFetch, which then launches it across your yard, from 10 to 40 feet, for hours of fetching fun. Retails $39.99-$199.99 at Premier Pet.
Tall Tails Dog Blanket
Palmer suggests the Tall Tails dog blankets and throws for pets this holiday season because they have nice designs and are super cozy for pets. Choose from more than six designs for $19.99-$39.99.
Hyper Pet K9 Kannon Ball Launcher
Tired of repeatedly throwing the ball across the yard for your dog? Then this will come in handy. Send them running when you use the Hyper Pet K9 Kannon ball launcher to send a tennis ball up to 75 feet away. Just pull the handle back and launch. Find it at a retailer near you by checking here. About $39.99, depending on the store. (Also comes in mini size for smaller dogs, which goes for around $23).
Soggy Doggy Doormats
These Soggy Doggy Doormats are actually perfect gifts for the dog parents. Palmer says these doormats are “super, super absorbent,” so when Spot comes slopping in from a trek in the snow, this microfiber mat will be a lifesaver. The mats come in two sizes, or you can buy a shammy or slopmat in the same material. Premier Pet Supply has them ranging from $25-$80/doormats.
Fluff & Tuff Plush Toys
Premier Pet Supply has had some great feedback on these extra tuff plush toys from Fluff & Tuff. Palmer says the toys are super durable and last longer than many other plush toys. That’s probably because they’re stitched together with a mesh material similar to that used on your tennis shoes. Your pup will have a hard time ripping these adorable creatures to shreds. “New from Fluff & Tuff this Christmas season is the Holiday Hippo and Candy Cane,” Palmer says, which are $14.99. Others range from about $9.99 to $29.99.
Dog Treat Puzzles
Leave your dog at home for hours at a time while working? Treat puzzles are a fantastic way to “keep your dog preoccupied” and “have their senses stimulated in some way,” Palmer says. The interactive toys allow pups to smell or see the treats, but require them to “solve” the puzzle to retrieve their prize. Premier Pet carries a couple different brands, like Nina Ottosen and Outward Hound. Prices range anywhere from about $20-$50.
PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Toys
Along the same lines as the puzzles, these Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble interactive toys require pets to get active to retrieve their food. Put the whole meal in or just some treats, and watch your canine (or even feline!) work it out. This one is $13.99.
What’s your favorite Christmas gift idea for dogs on this list? Do you have other suggestions for holiday gifts for pets? Comment and share your thoughts!
This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated regularly.
