The festive season may be behind us, but it’s still good to treat those you love the most. Searching for a variety of gifts for friends, family members and loved ones can be a challenge, and with so many possibilities and concerns over what each person will enjoy, it’s not surprising that some feel stressed or worried over the shopping process. Given that it’s the thought that counts, being considerate enough to give a gift definitely counts for something.
Not everybody is as hard to shop for as various friends and family members. Some of our pals are easy going, enjoy the simplest things and absolutely cherish our attention above all else. These excellent companions – our dogs – know that we love them and ask for little in return.
For this beyond Christmas, finding the right gifts for your puppies and four-legged friends shouldn’t be difficult. To make the process easier, let’s review a few great ideas you can grab as gifts in 2020 for your favourite pawed pal.
Interactive Dog Toys
Your four-legged friend may be active and healthy, but there are always new methods for encouraging their creativity and promoting exercise. A wide assortment of dog toys is available in stores, with many providing relatively basic functionality that relies on the dog’s creativity above all else.
As a special gift for your canine buddy, why not consider one of many interactive dog toys? A huge selection of these toys is available, such as interactive treat balls from manufacturers like Kong, illuminated LED bouncy balls that capture your companion’s attention, and more elaborate toys like the IFetch Interactive Dog Ball Launcher and Wickedbone Smart Bone.
Interactive toys – in particular, puzzle toys – have been reported to assist with behavioural issues and create stronger bonds between dog and owner. Therefore, these toys may just be the type of gift that keeps on giving!
Pet Insurance
Much like humans, our canine buddies can experience an array of diseases and ailments as they age. From cardiovascular and joint problems to issues with eyesight and hearing, ageing dogs can sometimes struggle. Their owners may also struggle with this as well, both emotionally and financially; vet bills are not cheap, and affording visits to the vet may require sacrifices.
As such, one potential idea to consider for your dog is pet insurance. This form of healthcare coverage may offset some of the costs associated with visits to your veterinarian. Available for dogs of a variety of ages, pet insurance comes in multiple coverage options.
As one example, pet insurance from Everypaw illustrates the choices available to dog owners. With 7 different coverage levels across two types of pet insurance (Maximum Benefit and Lifetime coverage), owners can choose a plan that is affordable for them and that fits well with their canine companion’s specific needs.
Treat Dispensers
Most dogs love to eat whenever possible. As owners, it often falls on us to demonstrate and adhere to responsible eating habits for our puppy buddies. Leaving a bunch of food or treats out for your dog throughout the day can encourage overeating and binge eating, neither of which are especially healthy for them.
Enter the array of treat dispensing products on the market for dogs. There are several different varieties, including stationary options and toy-based concoctions. Perhaps the most popular small-scale treat dispenser is the line of Kong Ball products, which slowly release food based on the dog’s amount of physical activity. Evidence shows that dogs rapidly eating their food can actually be dangerous, so avoiding this is recommended.
Other options don’t require physical exertion but rely on timing. This line of products – often sold as automatic pet feeders and treat dispensers – can be programmed to release a pre-determined number of treats or amount of food at specific time periods. Examples include the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Pet Feeder and the PetSafe Manners Minder Treat & Train Dog Behaviour Trainer, both of which can be found for around £100.
Grooming Gifts
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in your dog’s coat are to be expected. Designed to adjust depending on the climate and temperature, this natural process sometimes causes frustration for dog owners who don’t appreciate the bundles of fur and dander that end up on most household surfaces. Many dogs can also suffer from these changes if they are not properly groomed, as fur can become matted or otherwise tangled.
Enter the idea of grooming gifts. A wide selection of grooming products and services can be found to improve the look, feel and even health of your dog’s coat and skin. Basic options include brushes that de-tangle, flea combs, and speciality shampoos. For the owner who wants to take it a step further, there are professional grooming kits for trimming and shaving, dog-friendly dryers and even grooming tubs to contain the mess of sprucing up your dog.
For those who prefer a bit less work in showing their dogs that they care, it may be worth considering the services of a local professional dog groomer.
Anti-Anxiety Gear
Your dog can become anxious for a variety of reasons – long periods of being alone at home, loud noises, unfamiliar guests and changes in weather are all common culprits. While it may not be feasible to control exactly when and where they experience anxiety, it is possible to minimise the amount of discomfort they feel.
In recent years, a variety of anti-anxiety clothing and gear has been unveiled that could be ideal for your nervous puppy. One of the most popular choices is the Thundershirt, you can probably find alternatives if you are in the UK, which comes in several different sizes for dogs both large and small. You’ll also find several anti-anxiety dog beds available through major retailers, which offer them a safe space to retreat to when at home and otherwise scared.
By helping to calm your dog, you’ll give him or her some peace of mind – something they most definitely can appreciate.
These gifts and ideas for your pet all make excellent choices in the coming year, despite offering radically different benefits and potential. From optimising your pet’s health to entertaining them when you’re not at home, consider these options as sensible solutions for showing your dog just how much you care.
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