Christmas Stockings for Dogs – Does your dog have a Christmas stocking?
To some, it may seem like a silly concept. For those of us who really love our dogs and treat them like a family member, it may seem crazy not to have a stocking for our dog this Christmas. While you can buy or make the same type of stocking for your dog that you would for any other member of your family, what goes into that stocking should show a definite transition from a fraternal to a four-legged member.
Dogs will not enjoy sweets, toys, nuts and fruits that would normally fit in a stocking. Well, the truth is, they may very well enjoy those things, but they’re not designed for dogs – they’re not healthy for dogs. When looking for items to fill your dog’s Christmas stocking, there are a few things to keep in mind. Different dogs prefer different things, and many have different needs. If you’ve had your dog for a while, you probably know what’s best. You are also probably aware of special items that they need or specific items that they should stay away from. If the dog is a new puppy, you may be going through the learning stages and need a little more guidance on what is best and safe to put your dog in his Christmas stocking.
For example, while relatively commonplace and inexpensive, rawhide bones are generally discouraged by dog training providers, veterinarians, and other knowledgeable individuals. These simple treats can clog and otherwise hinder our dogs’ digestive systems. You should stick to the real bones or even nylabone style products. For dogs with light body mass or short hair, you should definitely consider a puppy sweater, especially during the winter months. Of course, around the holidays, there are various festive designs to get your four-legged friend. For walking, the way of the traditional fixed-length line is long gone. Modernize the experience and make it more fun for you and your pet by investing in a retractable leash. For treats, most will do just fine, but check out what’s in there.
You want natural products more than a list of ingredients developed in a lab that are difficult to pronounce. For toys, look at their size. Make sure you don’t have anything that the dog could accidentally swallow or get stuck in its throat. As with a child, the size of the toy should match the size of the dog. Squeaky toys are great, although with high-energy pets this can interrupt our sleep some nights. Buy toys that encourage your pet to be active.
Pulling toys, a Frisbee or a ball are great for keeping our dogs active and happy. All of these and more will fit easily into your dog’s Christmas stocking. If you don’t have a stocking for them yet, don’t wait too long. The holidays are a time to share love with our loved ones, and our pets should share that time too.
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Don’t forget your dog’s Christmas stocking
Deck the halls and load up the stockings for Christmas. Don’t forget your dog. It’s a busy time for anyone celebrating Christmas, and your dog should not be forgotten. With all the business geared up for the holidays, your pet may be wondering why he’s being neglected. He won’t be surprised on Christmas morning if you give him his own Christmas gifts.
A stocking filled with a variety of toys and treats makes a great gift for any dog. Healthy treats are eaten quickly and toys can be destroyed just as quickly. But it is very nice for your dog. Be careful with your choice of treats. Food sensitivities don’t go on vacation. Be sure to provide treats that are safe for your dog. Don’t be influenced by “cute”. Read the ingredient label and buy the one that is right for your dog.
If your dog is super sensitive to grains, you may need to get creative this time of year. You may want to cut up your dog’s favorite meat and put it in the dehydrator for some delicious and nutritious treats that are out of the ordinary. Many dogs are allergic to wheat, soy and corn, but can tolerate rice. It may be possible to find a treat made from rice flour or rice and a healthy protein to mold into Christmas shapes.
Your dog may enjoy dressing up for special occasions. There are some adorable Christmas outfits available online or at your favorite pet store. Not all dogs like to dress up. If your dog isn’t used to it, Christmas may not be the time to start. It’s a busy season with a lot of activity and the addition of new clothes can put your dog in a bad mood.
You can find Santa suits, elf suits and reindeer antlers all over the internet and at most pet and discount stores. There is also the possibility that your dog will tolerate a hat but not a complete outfit. Christmas ties and collars are also available for your enjoyment. The fact is, your dog might not care about clothes and just want that food in the Christmas stocking.
Aromatherapy has proven to be beneficial for anxiety in dogs. You can fill a stocking or cute basket with the ingredients for a great aromatherapy session for your dog. That’s luxury. Of course, the same things that relax your dog can relax the dog parent too. This is a win/win situation.
If you have an extremely spoiled and special dog, you might want some designer gifts. There are memory foam beds for every dog in your house. You can also have a bed frame designed and personalised. If your dog is an outdoor dog, a new paint job on the dog house or a roof repair may also be in order. A new cushion that is weatherproof would be a great addition to the outdoor dog house.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Dogs
If you’re like me, when Christmas morning is here, I love having something special under the tree for both my dogs and my kid. Or maybe you’re trying to decorate for Christmas with your animals in mind. On the other hand, maybe you’re just trying to figure out as a non-dog person what you can get that special someone in your life who is a dog lover. That is why I am writing this article. I hope to make your life a little easier when you run errands for your dogs or their handlers. Here is a small list of things you may want to choose from.
- Dog beds and bedspreads: There are so many different types and styles of dog beds. There are raised beds, orthopedic beds, warming beds, small and large beds. It really just comes down to good, dog size and preference.
- Collars: Again, there is no shortage of physical and online stores where you can buy just about any kind of collar you can think of. So whether you’re looking for diamond-studded and rhinestone or camouflage, I’m sure you can find it.
- Toys: Some dogs like toys. I had a dog in the past who loved her soft plush dog toys. My sister’s previous dog loved opening her toys on Christmas morning. My current two dogs, not so much in the toys. Again, just an idea.
- Treats: If you are going to buy treats for your dogs or a dog for a loved one, first make sure that the dogs have no special dietary restrictions or intolerance to certain treats.
- Pet Fountains: I love this one. Fresh water that you don’t need to top up every day. This should make someone special in your life happier.
- Automatic dog feeders: same idea. Just saves you time.
Grooming sets
- Dog Shoes: These come in a variety of sizes and colors and I’ve told people who live in cooler climates they love these for their dogs.
- Dog socks or Christmas tree decorations: For Christmas I always hang a special stocking with the names of my dogs on it. Another great idea are Christmas tree decorations. There are many places you can go and have your dog’s name or photo put on an ornament with the year. This is a fun Christmas gift idea for someone you know who loves their dogs.
These are just some ideas for you. You can search the internet every day and probably come up with thousands of gift ideas for your dogs or for the people who love their dogs.
Whether you want to buy something for your own dogs for Christmas or for someone else and their dog for Christmas, there are so many options to choose from. With the holiday season kicking off next week with Black Friday and cyber Monday deals shortly after, now’s the time to think about what to buy for that special dog. You wouldn’t believe some of the deals you can find on Black Friday for dogs. Believe me.
Thanks for reading about Best Christmas Stockings for Dogs 2021