Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 interesting holiday gifts your dog will actually be happy about

Dogs love being included in the holiday festivities and many derive extreme pleasure from ripping wrapping paper to shreds to get at the newest squeaky toy hidden inside. This is great fun for pet parents too, that is, until about half an hour into playing when the dog pulls the arms or legs off of their newest play buddy. Choosing the perfect toy can be challenging but we’ve got you covered in the doggy gift department this year. Here are five cool holiday gifts for dogs that they’ll actually use and love.

Furbo Dog Treat Dispenser and Camera

One of the hardest things for all pet parents is having to leave their dogs home alone. The Furbo treat dispenser allows you to interact with your best friend remotely. The basic camera allows you to see and speak to your pooch and even toss him treats with the press of a button. For $6.99 per month, you can subscribe to Furbo Dog Nanny that will send alerts to your smartphone if your dog barks. You can then check in on your dog to see what’s going on and help settle him down.

Related Videos

Benefits at a glance:

  • The camera has night vision and a 160-degree wide-angle.
  • You can toss a treat to your dog using the free Furbo iOS/Android app.
  • Your dog is safer with real-time alerts and cloud recording videos.

The camera has a 4.6-star rating and more than 20,000 reviews on Amazon where pet parents report that it’s “easy to use” and offers “considerable peace of mind” when dogs are home alone.

Hurtta Extreme Warmer Insulated Dog Parka

So many winter coats for dogs look great but they don’t keep dogs warm enough, aren’t water-resistant, or don’t stay in place on long walks. You can tick the boxes when you purchase this Hurtta dog parka. Located in Finland, the Hurtta company started in the human fashion industry and expanded into designing functional canine gear when the owners sought clothing to protect their dogs during frigid winters.

Benefits at a glance:

  • The foil liner reflects body heat for extra warmth.
  • Breathable, water-resistant material helps dogs stay comfortable and dry.
  • High visibility 3M reflectors make nighttime walking safer.

The parka has a 4.7-star rating on Chewy where reviewers describe it as “awesome,” “fantastic,” and “perfect.”

Outward Hounds Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Game

If you’ve got a dog who loves a mental challenge, then this puzzle game is sure to be a big hit. It is among the top three interactive toys highlighted in a New York Times Wirecutter article where trainers referred to the Nina Ottosson line of toys as “the best for highly-intelligent breeds.”

Benefits at a glance:

  • Dogs receive mental stimulation during playtime.
  • The game boasts three different levels of difficulty.
  • Puzzles encourage dogs’ natural hunting skills.

Ottosson, who works to raise awareness about the importance of mental stimulation to a dog’s health, received a 2017 Pet Age Icon Award for her development of innovative treat puzzle toys.

BarkBox Monthly Subscription Box

A monthly subscription to BarkBox is a gift that keeps on giving to your dog throughout the year. Each month is a different theme and each box comes with two toys, two bags of treats, and a chew.

Benefits at a glance:

  • Boxes are customized for small, medium, and large dogs.
  • BarkBox offers a fun selection of durable interactive, squeaky, and rope toys, as well as toys specially designed for puppies and aggressive chewers.
  • The company’s treats are all-natural and chews are made with quality ingredients never containing wheat, corn, or soy. The company also offers allergy-friendly boxes.

Barkbox has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon where many pet parents are as excited as their dogs about the monthly surprises. Australian shepherds Nelson and Cash enjoy playing tug of war with their BarkBox goodies. Their mom reports just one drawback: “The boys think every delivery is for them!”

5. PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed

While we’re sure you allow your dog to cuddle with you on the couch and bed, many pups prefer to snuggle up in their own beds. No matter your dog’s age you can’t go wrong with the PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed.

Benefits at a glance:

  • The bed has memory foam which provides older dogs with joint relief.
  • The cover is easy to remove, machine washable, and can be tumble-dried on a gentle cycle.
  • The bed’s bolsters provide extra support and comfort.

This durable bed has thousands of reviews on Amazon where it has a 4.7-star rating. One pet parent said her elderly boxer is enjoying the supportive thick memory foam base and “loves the cushion roll at the top for resting her head.”

After you’ve chosen a gift for your best friend why not send some holiday cheer to the homeless dogs at your local shelter? It’s as easy as checking out the wish list on your shelter’s website or giving them a call to ask what they need. It will make the holidays even more special knowing you’ve brought joy not only to your dog, but also to rescue dogs waiting for loving families of their own.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Video: Husky wants a dog treat (and just won’t be deterred)
Watch this husky throw a tantrum after he can't get a treat from the closed pet store
A team of huskies stand in the snow while the leader makes a fuss

At some point in our lives, we've all thrown a tantrum after not getting our favorite snack. While in humans this becomes unflattering once we reach a certain age, in dogs it never ceases to be a little funny, no matter how frustrated we might feel in the moment. In fact, we can't help but laugh out loud when a pup increasingly gets himself into a fit, over a seemingly small matter. Enter Archer the Husky. While we might sometimes think that little dogs should be more inclined to pout when they don't get their way, huskies are known for being big drama queens, and these two could win the best acting award in this funny husky video shared by u/trashpix.

https://www.pawtracks.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/doggo_refuses_to_leave_pet_store.mp4

Read more
Essential tips to keep your dog safe in snowy and winter weather
What should you do with a dog in cold weather? Follow these 5 essential safety tips
A German shepherd and a husky sitting in the snow

Some people crave "summer vibes" year-round and others long for the crisp air of a winter morning. Whether you're a fan of summer or a die-hard winter enthusiast, seeing a happy dog in snow-covered parks, backyards, and sidewalks can make you feel like a kid again.

That being said, you'll want to take extra precautions with your dog in winter weather. Here's everything you need to know about spending time with your dog in cold conditions, so you can ensure they stay safe and cozy warm throughout the winter.

Read more
5 most common Bernese mountain dog health issues and what to do about them
What you should know about health issues before bringing home a Bernese mountain dog
Man holds his Bernese mountain dog outside

Choosing the perfect breed of dog for your family is nearly as hard as choosing to get a pet in the first place. When weighing the options, the health of the animal and its pedigree should enter into your decision. You want your new furry friend to stick around for a good long time!
While one of the most lovable breeds out there, Bernese mountain dogs also have one of the shortest life spans of only about 8 to 10 years. These gentle giants come with a few issues that can be managed with proper care and a little bit of genetic testing. Here are five of the most common Bernese mountain dog health issues.

Hip and elbow dysplasia
These dreaded conditions are particularly prevalent in large breeds like Berners and can contribute to stark reductions in the quality of life for pups. The good news is that there are a number of breeding programs that attempt to correct for both with careful study to pick the perfect pups for continuing the line.

Read more