Holiday Gift-Giving Ideas for the Dogs (and Dog-Lovers) Among Us!

'Tis the season!

The holidays are here and so is the time for giving!  Giving of ourselves through our love, time, and intention; and giving of the gifts that we know will add a smile to the faces of our loved ones, both two-legged and four-legged!  In the spirit of the season, here are some suggestions for some last-minute enjoyable gifts (many that can be found locally) that will make your loved ones squeal with holiday delight…

For The Dogs:

​1) Mootugs: These unique toys are made of recycled rubber cow milking tubes and the dogs give them two paws up!  Use them for a game of tug or fetch to show your dog how much you enjoy playing with him!  These are made in Minnesota but you can buy them locally in Rhinebeck at Dexter’s Dog Boutique.

2) Cadet Bully Sticks: ​ Bully sticks may be more costly than all of the adorably marketed Christmas-themed rawhide treats out there this season, but they are a healthier choice for your dog and worth the extra change.  Since they are made from the thinnest part of the bull’s skin, they are more easily digestible than rawhide and, in my opinion, they are less messy as well.  Providing bully sticks and other chews to your dog can provide an excellent outlet for emotional energy as well as an enjoyable treat. This 1-lb bag from Cadet can last your dog the whole month and is more cost-effective than buying them individually.  Order them online from Amazon, Chewy, or a bunch of other pet supply sites.

3) Healthy, Natural Treats:  We know dogs love treats, but the best treats to offer are the ones that keep giving the gift of health to your dog by being made with wholesome, natural and organic ingredients without preservatives and artificial colors.  Coast To Coast Dog Treats provide heart-shaped biscuits made with love and human-grade organic ingredients in small batches.  Pirate Paws uses minimal ingredients – such as their beef and chicken jerky that literally only consist of dehydrated meat!  Even their Chicken Sweet Potato Chips only consist of yams, chicken and parsley.  Find both at Dexter’s Dog Boutique in Rhinebeck or on Facebook.  And you can also find similar items (as well as all sorts of fun and homemade “petisserie” goodies) at Paws of Distinction in New Paltz.

4) Puzzle Toys:  These kinds of mentally-stimulating toys and games provide a good mental outlet for your dog by giving him something appropriate to focus on to burn some of his energy.  These toys come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, ranging from game boards to labyrinths and treat-releasing balls, and offer various levels of difficulty (kind of like a crossword puzzle!).  Two of my dog’s favorites are the JW Pet Ho-lee Treat Ball and Orbee Tuff Mazee Ball by Planet Dog.  You can find both of these at Paws of Distinction in New Paltz.  For a higher level of difficulty, look for one that is weighted at the bottom – as they say, “Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down” (easily, anyway)!

5) Ashwood Estates Apothecary Naturals: This Nashville-based company makes all sorts of organic, non-GMO, healthy and sustainable products for your pets and your home!  This winter, try their Pup Balm for dry and cracked paw pads caused by sidewalk salt and cold conditions.  This balm moisturizes, contains natural antiseptic properties, and relaxes your pup at the same time.  Dexter’s Dog Boutique in Rhinebeck carries this wonderful product, as well as their Pup So Calm anxiety-reducing spray that calms your pup while reducing inflammation and muscle pains as well.

For The Dog-Lovers:

1) One Fur All Pet House Candles and Car Fresheners:  We all love our dogs, but sometimes we’d prefer to cover up the smells that come along with them – you don’t see “wet dog” or “dog breath” scents on aromatherapy products for a reason!  But these 100% natural soy wax candles neutralize pet odors with such delectable and unique scents as Mandarin Sage and Lavender Green Tea, or the seasonal Candy Cane and Gingerbread Cookies.  They are dye-free, contain no paraffin or petroleum by-products, and are allergen-free too – perfect for any of those more sensitive members of your social group!  Pick one (or five) up at Wags N Gift Tags in Marlboro before they’re all gone!

2) "Talk Dog to Me" Sweatshirt:  Need I say more?  This is kind of how I live my life!  These super comfy hoodies by Dexter’s Dog Boutique in Rhinebeck are available in either gray or a light maroon.  On the back of the hoodie is their logo, which features the silhouette of the store’s namesake, Dexter!  I'm pretty sure I could live in one of these.

3) Sleepyville Critters purses and wallets: I am enamored with these adorable products (I mean, how can I not be?  They have a CORGI purse!).  They are available in a variety of shapes/sizes and feature a plethora of animals, including dogs such as a pug, Dachshund, French bulldog, Min Pin and Lhasa Apso, as well as other critters such as a fox, cat, deer and my other personal favorite – a sloth!  Their only downside – they are not made in the USA.  But you can buy them on Amazon or a variety of other online shopping giants.

4) Made in Marlboro Dog Bone-Shaped Pottery Ornaments:  As an animal-lover, I feel I can never have enough cute animal ornaments on my Christmas tree.  And at only $3.00 each, these adorable ornaments make great stocking stuffers for the fellow dog-lovers in your life!  Visit Wags N Gift Tags in Marlboro for a great selection that will go with any of your holiday décor.

5) Dog-Themed Wall Hangings:  A real dog-lover can never be surrounded by enough dog paraphernalia, so what better than wall décor that they can enjoy every time they walk into a room?  Especially if it features their favorite breed, such as a Dachshund, Laborador Retriever or German Shepherd, like the selection at Wags N Gift Tags in Marlboro.  Or enjoy some dog-themed string art, which may even include a fantastic leash-holder or treat jar – great for just inside your front or back door!  A bunch of designs are available on Etsy and some are even made from local artists!

​Happy gift-giving!  (And no, it’s not selfish to buy a few for yourself – I certainly did!)