Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  November 25th, 2023

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With so many great products on the market, you can find the ideal gift for your dog so they can participate in the opening of presents with everyone they love. Here are some tips to help you find something that your pooch will get excited over.

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What to Think About When Looking for Holiday Gifts for Dogs


Although there are plenty of pet products these days, they aren’t all created equal. And when it comes to your furbaby, you only want the best items that will deliver on their promises and be worth the cost. So, as you shop, keep the following in mind.


  • Is it durable and safe? Read about a product’s features carefully, and check out some customer reviews, too, to see if the product lives up to its claims. Whether you’re shopping for a dog harness or a dog toy, make sure the materials are durable and safe. Avoid products that can break easily, pose choking hazards, or be dangerous in any way. Plus, you don’t want to have to replace an item right away, so something that’s built to last will help you save money as well.

 

  • Will your dog use it? As you browse the myriad items available, consider your dog’s personality, needs, and preferences This can help you narrow down your options to those that your pet will enjoy using so you won’t end up wasting your money and disappointing your companion.


  • What benefits will it provide? Think about what you want a product to do for you and your pet, and consider how it can enrich your dog’s life on a daily basis. For instance, you might find a new toy that will get your canine excited to exercise and play, there might be products designed to reduce your dog’s anxiety, or you might find a snuffle mat that makes mealtime more interesting.


Gift Ideas for Your Canine Friend


Not sure where to begin when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts for dogs? Here are a few products we suggest looking into. 


For the Dog That Likes a Good Challenge: Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Smart Composite Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy 

Is your dog always in search of a snack? A puzzle feeder can be a good way to give them some treats while making them work for the food a bit. This product provides mental stimulation because it challenges pets to figure out what they need to do to get to the treats. Plus, it helps prevent boredom and keeps your dog occupied. And, by switching the food you place in these puzzles, you can keep things interesting and keep your dog coming back for more.


There are puzzle feeders of varying difficulty levels, from those that are easy for beginners to those that are challenging for dogs who are more experienced with these products. If your pet is new to puzzle feeders, a great option is the Dog Smart Composite Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy from Outward Hound. This item is PVA, phthalate, and BPA free. Just place treats in the nine compartments and let your dog figure out how to get them.  


For the Dog That Loves to Lounge: FurHaven Sofa Dog Bed - Plush & Diamond Decor Comfy Couch

If your dog doesn’t have their own pet bed to relax on, consider getting them one as a gift this year. But don’t just go with any dog bed; instead, look for something that will provide extra benefits for your canine companion, like the FurHaven Sofa Dog Bed, which is available in multiple sizes and colors.


The nice thing about this bed is the fact that you can choose from several mattress types (orthopedic foam, memory foam, cooling gel foam, and fiber filled pillow) to better meet your dog’s needs, no matter their age. And this pet bed looks like a mini sofa for your pooch, with side bolsters that are soft and supportive. Plus, you can remove and clean the cover in your washing machine. 


For the New Puppy in the Family: KONG Puppy Goodie Bone   

Puppies will chew on things, and you certainly don’t want them damaging your belongings around the house. So, if you have a new puppy in the family, getting them a variety of chew toys and dog chews is wise, especially if they’re teething. A product you can consider is the KONG Puppy Goodie Bone, which is available in pink and blue for your little girl or boy pup.


This chew toy is made of soft rubber that can soothe your puppy’s gums and teeth. Plus, you can add tasty treats on each end of the bone to make it even more enticing and keep your pet engaged. 


Shopping for Your Dog Can Be So Much Fun!


Whether you’re stuffing a stocking for your dog or wrapping a present that they can tear open with their teeth and paws, getting your companion a gift for the holidays is a wonderful way to include them in the activities of this special time of year. And it’s also an opportunity to get your hands on new products that will make your life easier while enriching your pet’s life.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

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What is the Best Catio for My Cat?

Do you have a cat that loves being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, but you worry about their safety and well-being? Does your cat refuse to walk to wear a harness or walk on a leash? The answer might be a catio! These kitty-focused enclosures are gaining a lot of attention lately, popping up in backyards, on the sides of travel trailers, and even as portable safe spaces for cat parents to take their furry friends anywhere. With so many designs, materials, and features available, choosing the best catio for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I will do a deep dive into the world of catios, exploring different types and the situations they are best suited for. I will also discuss different features and key considerations to help you while shopping for your cat. Get ready to create the perfect (and safe) outdoor space for your furry friend today! What is a Catio? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is a catio? The term is a mix of “cat” and “patio,” referring to enclosed outdoor spaces designed specifically for cats. These range from small playpen-style spaces to allow them to get a bit of fresh air to large patios with space for both the cat and their people. Are Catios Good for Cats? Yes! Catios are a great way to allow your cat to spend time outdoors without putting them at risk. While domesticated cats are safer indoors, spending time outdoors has benefits. Allowing your cat to watch the birds and explore new spaces is a great way to provide them with mental enrichment and stimulation. Many cats also simply enjoy sunbathing or watching the world around them. At the same time, the catio keeps them safely contained. Outdoor cats have considerably shorter lifespans due to their increased risk of diseases, predators, car accidents, outdoor toxins, and other unfortunate accidents. According to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, the average outdoor cat lives to be 2-5 years old, while the average indoor cat with only safe, supervised outdoor time lives to be 10-20 years old. Keeping your cat in a catio is also a great way to protect the local wildlife. Cats are natural predators with a strong hunting instinct. Stray cats and cats allowed to roam outdoors significantly impact the ecosystem by killing large numbers of birds, rodents, and other wildlife. What Are the Downsides of a Catio? Allowing your cat to be outdoors in a catio is a great compromise. However, as with any product for our pets, there are pros and cons to consider. Even though your cat is contained, it may create a false sense of security regarding some of the risks of being outdoors. The mesh or screening around a catio isn’t enough to keep parasites like fleas and ticks away. You will still need to consider the necessary flea preventatives and regular tick checks to keep these pets away. The other risk that isn’t completely mitigated by the confines of a catio is the dangers introduced by local strays. Cat fights and confrontations can still occur through the flexible mesh and screen sides. This means your cat is still at risk of unnecessary stress from these encounters and the potential spread of diseases. Careful supervision of your cat outdoors, even if they are safely contained in their catio, will allow you to keep these strays away. What is the Difference Between a Catio and a Fenced Yard?Even if you have a fenced yard, a catio can provide an additional level of safety and security for your cat. But why might you need this extra layer of protection? There are many stray and outdoor cats that easily climb over fences, viewing them as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Even if your cat has never escaped the fence around your yard before, there is a first time for everything. It only takes a couple of seconds for your cat to climb a tree, scale a shed, or jump up to the top of your fence from a patio chair, and they are now running loose. As we already discussed, there are many significant dangers putting your cat at risk when running unsupervised outdoors. A fenced yard is not a reliable solution to this.

Teeth Grinding in Cats: Why It Happens

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Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

Can I Fly with My Cat on My Next Vacation?

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Loss of lifestyle guru's 15-year old fur kid now leaves her feisty feline, Blackie in charge.

Can Dogs Have Insomnia?

We all had trouble sleeping, at least once in our life. Some have a more persistent problem, which is called insomnia. This is a sleep disorder that can make it very hard to stay asleep or even fall asleep to begin with. But can dogs suffer from this problem as well? If you notice your pooch having trouble snoozing and staying up all the time, it could be a sign that they have some form of sleep disorder. And it could very well be canine insomnia. Can Dogs Have Insomnia and What Causes It?In short, the answer is yes, dogs can experience insomnia, although it is not as common as it is in humans. Insomnia in dogs can be caused by various factors, including physical discomfort, anxiety, changes in routine or environment, underlying medical conditions, or even age-related issues. If a dog consistently has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it's essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns and to determine the best course of action to help the dog sleep better. After all, it might not be insomnia that is causing the issues, as there could be several factors to cause changes in sleep patterns for doggos. For example, pain from injuries and physical discomfort can affect their quality of sleep. Dogs that are recovering from surgery, or senior dogs with arthritis, can find it difficult to lie down in a comfy position to sleep. So they can’t sleep at all. What is more, chronic conditions such as hip dysplasia or intervertebral disc disease can also contribute to insomnia.Anxiety and stress can also affect sleep in dogs. Things like loud thunderstorms, fireworks, or similar noises can cause great stress for doggos, and completely inhibit them from sleeping. Similarly, changes in their environment or routine, or being in unfamiliar surroundings can make them anxious, as well as being separated from their owners. All this affects sleep. Another common cause of insomnia in dogs is canine cognitive dysfunction ( dementia) which affects senior doggos. Being old, these dogs may experience changes in their sleep patterns due to cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. They may become disoriented at night, leading to restlessness and difficulty sleeping.But young dogs too can have trouble with sleep, especially if they are hyperactive or have excessive energy levels. Due to this excess energy, young dogs can have difficulty relaxing and settling down to sleep. It is always best to tire out young dogs and help them spend that energy with classic dog toys, so they can sleep “like babies”. By far the best way to tire out a young, active dog is a good ol’ game of fetch – small but sturdy balls such as these tough rubber ones by Chuckit! are the best choice as they can be thrown far and will withstand your pet’s gnawing without any issue.

Can Dogs Have ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is commonly discussed in relation to humans, children in particular. And just as its name suggests, this mental disorder is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, in recent years pet owners and veterinarians have begun to wonder if similar behavioral issues can also affect dogs. Can dogs have ADHD? Here’s what the facts say.Can Dogs Have ADHD?In humans, ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder and is usually diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms typically include difficulty focusing, excessive energy, and impulsive actions. It is often treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. And, understanding these traits in humans can help us look for analogous behaviors in dogs as well.Just like humans, dogs can also exhibit a range of behaviors that might seem similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Common behaviors that concern pet owners include excessive barking, restlessness, an inability to settle down, destructive behavior, and an apparent lack of focus or attention. However, it is essential to recognize that dogs naturally have higher energy levels compared to humans, for example, especially certain dog breeds. For instance, Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy and require significant physical and mental stimulation. This is why it is crucial to distinguish between normal breed-specific behavior and potential behavioral disorders. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists have mixed opinions on whether dogs can genuinely have ADHD. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist who wrote the revolutionary book “ Pets On the Couch”, has suggested that dogs can exhibit behaviors akin to ADHD in humans. He points out that some dogs may show persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that go beyond typical high-energy behavior. 

How Much Water Should a Cat Drink?

Drinking plenty of water is very important for cats, especially in the hot summer months. Of course, it’s up to you to ensure that your feline friend stays properly hydrated, as they are usually not big on drinking water – but it ensures their well-being and good health. Cats can often be picky and peculiar when it comes to their drinking habits, which makes their owners unsure as to how much water a cat should drink in the first place. This amount can vary based on several factors, including the cat’s diet, weight, age, and their health. Taking all these aspects into account can help you provide the best possible care for your furry feline friend.How Much Water Should a Cat Drink Each Day?It has to be said right away that one of the most significant factors that influences a cat’s water intake is its diet. Cats primarily eat either dry kibble or wet food, and each type of food has a very different moisture content. For example, dry kibble contains just 10% moisture, while wet cat food can contain up to 80% moisture. Because of this, kitties that consume dry food will naturally need to drink much more water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their diet. In contrast, cats that eat wet food may drink less water, since they get a lot of their hydration from their food. Incorporating wet cat food into your pet’s diet can increase their liquid intake. Even mixing a small amount of wet food in their dry kibble can help up the moisture content. For those particularly finicky felines, liquid treats are always a good way to entice them into hydrating, the unconventional way – if they are stubborn when it comes to drinking more water, they might be more open to liquids if they have a savory flavor they love.

Veterinarians Warn About Rise in Deadly Parvo Cases

As loving pet parents, we do everything we can to keep our pets safe. From buying the best food we can afford to keeping their vaccinations up to date – we understand that our furry family members rely on us to care for them. Unfortunately, some illnesses make this more challenging. One example is the risk of deadly canine parvovirus (also known as parvo) in puppies. While there is a vaccine to protect dogs from the disease, there is a window of time before your puppy has received the complete series of vaccinations needed to be effective. It is highly contagious and spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, further increasing the risk during the curious stage of a puppy’s life. The disease was first discovered in 1978. It quickly spread, causing concern among veterinary professionals and dog lovers. During the pandemic, another concerning increase in cases was seen. Now, in 2024, veterinarians in several locations are sounding the alarm. In April, vets in Kansas City released a statement after The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City faced 20 cases in a week. At the same time, San Antonio Animal Care Services warned dog parents in the city that they, too, were seeing a rise in cases. Since that time, the areas of concern have continued to grow.What is Parvo? You may be wondering what parvo is and why veterinarians are so worried about the increase in cases. Canine Parvovirus is a disease that impacts a dog’s stomach and small intestines, disrupting their ability to digest food and absorb much-needed nutrients. It can also impact the lymphatic system, bone marrow, and heart. It is highly contagious and, when contracted, often severe or fatal. “Without treatment, up to 90% of animals will die,” explained Chief Veterinarian Melia Washington of The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City. “Even with treatment, we only tell people it’s a 50/50 shot.” Traditionally, treatment focuses almost entirely on supportive care, relying on the puppy’s ability to fight the virus naturally. However, in May 2023, the USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment, which experts hope will change the outcome for many dogs. What are the Warning Signs? If your puppy does contract parvo, time is of the essence. The sooner you see a veterinarian and start treatment, the better their chance of survival. Watch out for these common warning signs: Vomiting Diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea)Loss of appetite Sudden high feverLethargyDepressionYou should seek veterinary care if you notice signs that something is “off” in a young puppy, especially if it occurs before the puppy has completed all recommended puppy vaccines. Puppies are vulnerable, and a minor illness can turn life-threatening very quickly when left unaddressed. How Can You Keep Your Puppy Safe? The most important step in keeping your puppy safe from canine parvovirus is to ensure that you stick to the recommended vaccination schedule. Puppies should receive vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and the vaccine will not be fully effective until all three rounds have been administered. Socialization is crucial for puppies, but you must take extra care before they are fully vaccinated. Avoid high-risk locations like dog parks, kennels, and doggy daycares. If your puppy is being introduced to other dogs, ensure the other dog is fully vaccinated. The best way to socialize a young puppy with other dogs is to do so with dogs you know, like those owned by family and friends. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or are unsure if a situation will be safe for your puppy. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Train a Cat to Wear a Collar

Whether you want to take your cat on outdoor adventures or want to be sure your kitty will be easier to find if they dart out the door, a cat collar can give you peace of mind. The tricky part is training your feline to wear a collar. Although this can be a little challenging, it isn’t impossible, and some cats take to it more readily than others.Keep reading to learn about some of the ways to get your cat used to wearing a collar.

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