Santa Paws Is Coming to Town: 17 Dog Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Your Spoiled Pooch
With the holidays just around the corner, don't forget to spoil your pup too! Arguably your favorite family member, your dog may hog all the covers but he's awesome at cuddling and making you feel 100-percent loved.
"The human-animal bond is incredibly powerful," Angela Hughes, DVM, PhD, veterinarian and senior manager of Global Scientific Advocacy at Mars Petcare, says. "Pets provide us so much companionship and comfort and it's all unconditional."
Science shows those warm, fuzzy feelings aren't just all in your head either. Petting your pooch actually decreases the stress hormone (cortisol) and boosts the happy hormone (oxytocin) in both you and your dog, according to research.
So it only makes sense that you'd want to share some holiday cheer with your furry friend. Fill your dog's stocking with some of these fun picks that'll spark lots of tail-wagging joy.
Toys Worth Their Time
Playtime is an important part of a dog's development, and helps pups burn energy and stay occupied. And while we love the trusty tennis ball for games of fetch, these toys offer a little extra oomph in the doggy entertainment department.
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Talking Babble Ball
Want to see your dog turn into a puppy again? Toss the motion-activated ball and watch him cock his head to the side when it squawks, growls, and chatters before pouncing and playing.
Shop now: Talking Babble Ball, $9; amazon.com
KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy
Some toys are easily destroyed (looking at you, Mr. Fuzzy Squirrel). But this squeaky plushy has less stuffing and an inner, knotted rope that makes it practically indestructible—ideal for mutts who love tug-of-war.
Shop now: KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy, $9; chewy.com
Twist 'n Treat Dog Toy
This device does double duty and gives your pup something to do while he snacks. "Treat-dispensing toys are great for keeping dogs entertained. They challenge dogs to figure out a way to get at the treats," Jessa Paschke, pet behavior and training specialist with Mars Petcare, says. This one is a dishwasher-safe rubber ball that spills treats as it rolls. Just make sure to supervise your pup while they play since some determined dogs may try to chew through softer materials to get to the treats!
To buy: Twist 'n Treat Dog Toy, $10; chewy.com
Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Bone
Power chewers will have something tasty to gnaw on for a long time with this bone made of tough nylon. Nubby textures and the savory bacon flavor will keep your pup coming back for more. Just keep in mind that you'll want to be careful to pick a chew that's not too tough for your dog. Hughes says a good rule to follow is to try digging your thumb nail into a chew to make sure it's not too hard. If your thumb won't go in, it's probably not the best option.
Shop now: Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Bone, $11; amazon.com
Paw-some Apparel
Cooler weather means the holiday season is near, and you know what that means: Chilly walks and photo ops! Keep your pup warm and your Instagram account adorable with these super-cute apparel options.
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Holly Jolly Flannel Dog Bandana
Get your pup in the holiday spirit with this adorable red and green plaid bandana. The festive design is subtle enough to wear all season long, and the thick flannel will allow your dog to rock it for years to come.
Shop now: Holly Jolly Flannel Dog Bandana, $26; thefoggydog.com
LL Bean Mountain Classic Dog Parka
Get your pal a quilted parka for added warmth on the coldest winter days. This reversible one features reflective piping for better visibility once the sun goes down.
Shop now: LL Bean Mountain Classic Dog Parka, $25; llbean.com
Reversible Teddy Fleece Dog Vest
Shorthaired pups are sure to appreciate this handsome, lightweight fleece layer on chilly days. Plus, the reversible pattern gives any fashion-forward dog multiple styling options.
Shop now: Lucy & Co. Reversible Teddy Fleece Dog Vest, $45; nordstrom.com
Charming Collars
Sure, the standard, solid-colored nylon collar does its job keeping your pooch's ID tags attached. But why not make a statement with these fashionable-yet-functional dog collars that let your pup's personality shine through instead?
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Leather Dog Collar With Laser Engraved Name
Dog tags, schmog-tags. This charming leather wraparound collar has an engraved nameplate so nothing dangles (perfect for quieting the clinking as your pup pads around the house in the wee hours).
Shop now: Leather Dog Collar With Laser Engraved Name, $15; etsy.com
Rifle Paper Company Floral Dog Collar
This eye-catching pattern with bold florals will make it extra difficult to resist your puppy's sad, I'd-like-some-too, dog eyes at dinnertime (but you still should!)
Shop now: Rifle Paper Company Floral Dog Collar, $25; etsy.com
Mealtime Must-haves
Upgrade your fur-baby's standard dish on the floor to something more stylish. From an on-the-go thirst quencher to a customized food and water bowl, there's no better way to celebrate their favorite time of day ... dinner!
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Highwave AutoDogMug
Whether strolling the neighborhood or hiking the hills, this portable water-bottle-dog-bowl combo makes it easy to give your pup a drink of water anywhere you go.
Shop now: Highwave AutoDogMug, $15; amazon.com
Handmade Personalized Pet Ceramic Bowl
There's no mistaking who's kibble is who's with a personalized dog bowl like this one. Handmade and glazed in a handful different of colors, this sturdy bowl won't tip over no matter how enthusiastic the eater.
Shop now: Handmade Personalized Pet Ceramic Bowl, starting at $28; etsy.com
Stuff for Snuggles
When you're sharing your space with a furry roommate, it's important both of you are comfy and cozy to optimize cuddle time.
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Calm Home Diffuser for Dogs
Although humans won't smell anything, filling the air with pheromones can make your dog happier and more content. "Pheromone plug-ins mimic the chemicals released by dogs when they nurse their pups," Paschke says. "So they can help calm anxious dogs." Paschke suggests setting up a pheromone plug-in in the weeks prior to the holidays to help anxious pups when company comes. Less barking and more cuddles? Yes, please!
Shop now: Calm Home Diffuser for Dogs, $29; amazon.com
Sofa Bolster Dog Bed
If your pup needs a new comfy spot to nap this holiday season, this sofa-style dog bed is a perfect fit for under the Christmas tree. The high sides allows your dog to comfortably rest his head, and the pine green color will fit in perfectly with any holiday decor.
Shop now: Sofa Bolster Dog Bed, $40; target.com
Tasty Holiday Treats
There's nothing better than opening your stocking on Christmas morning to a handful of your favorite snacks. Give your canine the same joy this season with these holiday-themed treats.
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Stocking Stuffer Polkadog Holiday Treats
Get your pup's tail wagging on Christmas morning with these tasty chicken treats in adorable holiday packaging. And if chicken isn't your dog's go-to, Polkadog understood the assignment and has over a dozen holiday-themed dog treats to choose from this season.
Shop now: Stocking Stuffer Polkadog Holiday Treats, $6; polkadog.com
Chicken & Peppermint Seasonal Snacks
Holiday foods aren't just for people! These chicken and peppermint-flavored snacks are the perfect Christmas treat and will keep your pup's breath minty fresh.
Shop now: Chicken & Peppermint Seasonal Snacks, $30; sundaysfordogs.com
Turkey Dog Treats
While it's probably best to keep the Christmas turkey away from your dog, he can still take part in dinnertime with these turkey treats. These oven-baked snacks have just five ingredients: turkey, peanut butter, banana, oat flour, and chia seeds.
Shop now: Turkey Dog Treats, $18; maxbone.com