‘Tis the season for choosing just the perfect gifts for those that we love the most–including our beloved pets. According to Rover.com, 95% of pet owners have purchased a gift for their pet. While wrapped gifts under the tree are a fun holiday tradition, many pets have a stocking hanging on the mantel just waiting for Santa to fill it with goodies. In case your pets aren’t on Santa’s list this year, here are some dog stocking stuffer ideas that you can pick up that will delight your dog and won’t break your holiday budget.
A New Collar/Leash
Has your dog’s collar gotten dirty and tattered this year? Muddy and dirty dog collars can harbor bacteria so it’s a good idea to clean them every time you bathe your dog and replace them when they get old and gross. Holiday collars are super cute, but consider a season-less collar so that your pooch can strut in style with a shiny new collar well after the Holidays have passed.
A Subscription for a Toy/Treat/Wellness Monthly Club
Barkbox is wildly popular for spoiling pooches with new treats, toys and goodies each month. Willie & Roo is a local subscription box company who supplies dogs with premium toys, treats, supplements and chews. Slip a gift card into your pooch’s stocking and give him a gift that keeps giving the whole year long.
Clothing
Consider buying your dog a new sweater, jacket or even booties for the winter weather that’s heading straight for us (although, hopefully not as severe as last year’s winter weather!).
Lick Mat
Have you seen a “lick mat” before? It’s a silicone mat with grooves in it that you can smear peanut butter or squirt cheese on and is sure to keep your dog entertained for hours (ok, maybe minutes, for some). The act of licking is soothing to dogs, so this training device helps to calm anxious dogs.
Bed and Coat Spray
Yes, this gift might be more for you than your dog, but a nice, new bottle of all-natural bed and coat deodorizer might be a nice way to start the new year. Simply spray where your dog likes to hang out and even on his fur in between baths and enjoy the break from chronic dog smell in your home this holiday season.
Donation to Animal Charity
If your dog has absolutely everything he could ever hope for, consider donating in his honor to a local animal charity. Animal shelters and rescues rely heavily on donations to operate and by donating what you might have spent on a bunch of toys and treats for your much-loved pets, you can add some love and fun to the life of a homeless pet this holiday season.
Want to know more about ways to spoil your dog? Check out these posts:
3 Homemade Dog Treats for Fall
Mentally Stimulating Dog Toys | Tips & Recipes
Dog-Friendly Hotels & Other Places to Stay When Traveling with Pets