Gifts for Dog Lovers: How to Choose a Useful One

What makes a good gift for a dog owner

Dog owners spend their money on the same handful of things: walking, sleeping, feeding, cleaning and entertaining the dog. A gift that upgrades one of those, a sturdier leash, a washable bed, a no-spill water bowl for the car, gets used daily. A gift that adds clutter does not.

Do a little research first. Ask, or check photos, for the dog's weight, coat, age and whether it is a gentle player or a determined chewer. Sizing matters for anything the dog wears or sleeps on, and chewing style matters for any toy. For Christmas gifts in particular, our dog Christmas accessories are a good place to start.

Gift types compared

For the dog: durable toys, puzzle feeders and lick mats, beds and blankets, and seasonal coats such as a Christmas pet sweater or a hooded Christmas tree dog jumper. For walks: a quality leash, a hands-free leash for runners, a poop bag dispenser, a reflective harness or light for evening walks. For the car: a seat cover or hammock that protects upholstery.

For the owner: personalized items such as an engraved ID tag, a custom portrait or ornament, a mug or blanket with the dog's photo, or a pet camera for people who work away from home. Experience gifts, such as a grooming appointment or a training class, are popular and need no sizing at all.

Best gift for each kind of dog lover

For a new puppy owner, practical starter gear such as a crate pad, puppy teething toys, enzyme stain cleaner and a training treat pouch is welcome. For runners and hikers, a hands-free leash, a collapsible bowl and a dog water bottle. For apartment dwellers, quiet enrichment toys and a stylish bed that does not dominate the room.

For owners of senior dogs, a supportive bed, non-slip rugs or a ramp. For busy professionals, a pet camera or automatic feeder. For someone who has lost a pet, a gentle memorial gift, such as a framed portrait, is often treasured more than anything else on this list.

Inexpensive gifts that still feel thoughtful

Small gifts can be the most used: a good poop bag dispenser, a rubber ball sized for the dog, a lick mat, a paw balm for winter walks, an engraved tag, or a car air freshener for the dog-smell problem. A homemade card with a photo of their dog costs little and lands well.

Bundle small items into a basket around a theme, such as a walk kit, a bath-day kit or a rainy-day enrichment kit. A themed bundle looks generous and makes sure everything inside gets used together.

What to avoid

Avoid toys small enough to swallow and toys too hard to dent with a fingernail, which VCA warns can chip or fracture teeth. Avoid human food gifts for the dog, and especially chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol-sweetened treats and fatty leftovers, which can make dogs ill. Avoid scented candles and diffusers with essential oils if the household has pets, since some oils irritate animals.

Avoid buying clothing such as dog Christmas sweaters or matching dog and owner outfits, harnesses or beds without measurements, and avoid gifting a pet itself unless the person has asked for one. If you are unsure, a gift card to a pet store or a grooming session is safe and appreciated.

Holiday timing and safety

If the gift is for Christmas, remember that the ASPCA warns tinsel, ribbon-like decorations and wrapped food under the tree can cause vomiting or blockages if swallowed, and pets can smell wrapped treats. Wrap dog gifts without ribbon, or hand them over unwrapped.

If the dog ever swallows something it should not or eats a toxic food, the owner should call their vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435; a fee may apply. Tucking that number into a card for a new owner is a small, useful touch.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.