What Are the Best Gifts to Get for a Dog Owner?

It’s tricky to buy gifts for dog lovers. They already shower their pets with so many toys and treats that it is hard to find something unique and useful. The following gifts go beyond the typical dog accessories and please all dog owners and their furry friends.

Toys and Treats

Flirt Poles

Flirt poles look like fishing rods with a toy attached at the end. They are widely popular cat toys but companies also make versions for small, medium, and large sized dogs. Flirt poles are a great form of exercise for younger and adolescent dogs—which helps meet the required 30 minutes to two hours of exercise that dogs need per day.

Treat Dispensers

Treat-dispensing toys allow dogs to occupy themselves while their owners are busy. Almost like a puzzle for canines, treat-dispensing toys require dogs to sniff and slide pieces to get their treats out. Toys that entail mental simulation keep dogs from developing behavior problems due to boredom.

Pill Pocket Treats

Chicken, turkey, and beef flavored pill pockets or pouches are perfect treats for dogs who need to take medicine. Dogs are so excited for the treat that they have no idea their pills are hidden inside.

Balls

When it comes to balls for playing fetch, look for rubber balls with big holes in them. Dogs with smaller mouths can catch and grip these balls easily because of the holes, and the rubber makes the balls durable yet not too hard. Look for balls in fun, bright colors that owners can quickly spot in the grass.

Grooming Supplies

Professional Grooming Products

Grooming supplies are one of the most practical gifts to give a dog owner. It can be hard to find professional grooming products with ready-to-use shampoo and conditioner formulas for fresh-smelling, silky, smooth coats. Detanglers and finishing sprays are also handy to complete the full grooming experience.

Nail Polish

For a spa day, pamper dogs with their very own paw-dicures. Painting their nails with marker pens is less messy than bottled polishes and also dry quickly.

Pet Wipes

Dogs with sensitive skin may benefit from pet wipes to remove bacteria. Use the wipes daily where dogs show signs of redness or irritation.

Dog Accessories

Harnesses

Harnesses prevent dogs from pulling while on walks. Mesh materials are ideal because they are breathable, comfortable, machine-washable and many are adjustable as dogs grow to full size.

Collapsible Bowls

For traveling and long walks, collapsible water and food bowls are a must-have accessory. They are easy to fit in the glove compartment of cars and carry-on bags. Silicone collapsible bowls are also lightweight and easy to clean.

Protective Paw Waxes

During winter months, protective waxes protect paws against snow and ice salt while in the summer they fight against the hot pavement. Dog owners who apply protective waxes will prevent paw pads from cracking and keep dogs with sensitive paw pads comfortable.

Jackets

Dog jackets are an adorable way to keep pups warm in the winter as well as fashionable. Look for waterproof and windproof jackets. Bonus points if it’s reversible—two styles for the price of one.

Umbrella Leash

Another way to ward against the weather is with pet umbrella leashes. They look like an umbrella that has turned upside down from the wind. The umbrella leash keeps pets dry—hooray for no wet dog smell—and keeps dogs who hate the rain moving.

Home Accessories

Pet Camera

For pet lovers who wish they could watch their dogs at work and see what they’re up to, a pet camera offers a fun solution. Look for cameras with a two-way audio stream plus a built-in microphone and speaker for the best communication.

Odor and Stain Removal

Dog owners can never have enough odor and stain removal to clean up accidents on carpets, furniture, kennels, clothing and more.

Odor candles

Pet odor candles can also help with smells. These candles do not overpower and instead release natural enzymes, which break down airborne animal odors on a molecular level.

Dog-themed Gifts

When in doubt, dog-themed clothing like socks and shirts or dog-themed home supplies like glassware and blankets, are sure to win over dog lovers.

Bio:

Emily is a freelance wildlife conservation and pet blogger. To check out more of her work, see her blog, Conservation Folks, or follow her Twitter account @emilysfolk.