The Best Christmas Presents for Your Dog

Should you buy your pets Christmas presents?

Do you? Should you? It’s completely up to you, but buying a Christmas present or three for your dog could be worthwhile because it gives you a chance to include them in the festive fun. They may not fully understand, but they’ll know they’re opening presents just like the rest of the family, which comes with a sense of belonging.

Not just that, but you can also enhance your shopping achievements by purchasing essentials you’ve been needing and opting for slightly fancier or better quality options.

Christmas presents for your dog

For us Kiwis, Christmas falls in summer so there’s lots of time to spend at beaches, lakes, rivers, pools, forests, mountains and more! That’s why we’ve selected Christmas gifts for dogs that help them stay cool, hydrated, stimulated and even stop them from gaining added kilos.

Choose from these savvy dog Christmas gifts:

1. Slow eating puzzle toy

We all love dogs – many of us also love rugby – and dogs, of course, love food. What do you get when you combine these three concepts into a single dog Christmas present? A rugby-shaped kibble dispenser from Fluff n’ Stuff for dogs!

Your dog needs to use both their brawn and brains to access the kibble, helping slow down the eating process and fulfilling their foraging instinct.

This is a significant point for responsible pet parenting, especially with issues of fat and obesity in dogs being a top canine concern. The little rubber points on this dog puzzle toy may also help clean their teeth (read about pet dental insurance).

However, remember: as fun as puzzle toys are, we always recommend supervision.

2. Pet cooling mat

A pet cooling mat is the perfect solution for hot dogs in need of cool relief. You can place it in your dog’s favorite spot at home, pack it up, and bring it along for outings. It’s also super useful during car rides

There are a variety of size and price options for different dog breeds. We like the Hercules Pet Cooling Mat that comes in multiple size options.

3. Dog life jacket

On the list of good Christmas gifts for water-loving dogs in NZ is a life jacket. We’re not talking about the standard orange variety; it’s the festive season, so we’re pulling out all the bells and whistles and opting for the Malibu dog jacket.

This adorable and stylish dog Christmas present offers your dog safety and fashion in one go. It features a padded neoprene handle, buoyancy foam, and adjustable straps to keep your dog afloat while making a splash in style. Thanks to its quick-drying material, it’s also easy to pack away afterward.

4. Portable dog water bottle

In keeping with the theme of keeping pets cool on hot summer days, we believe a portable dog water bottle is essential. This sleek and portable bottle comes with a lid that slides open, allowing dogs to drink from it as though it were a bowl.

After all, maintaining their precious health and hydration on the go is a must! It’s available in pink or blue and includes a built-in lock to prevent spillage in your bag. This dog Christmas present sends the message, ‘Stay hydrated, my friend,’ in the most simple and useful way possible.

5. Dog booties

Dog booties aren’t just good dog Christmas presents, they’re essential items for walking on hot tar, sand or concrete. It’s easy to forget how hot the ground can become in summer when you’ve got shoes on. Dogs usually walk barefoot, but if their paw pads burn they can become blistered, swollen and infected.

We like the Ruffwear Hi and Light dog boots that come in different sizes. Be sure to take these booties off as soon as you’re off the hot surface so your pet’s paws can breathe and sweat. Remember, you should always avoid the midday heat whenever possible – dog shoes on or off.

6. Dog getaway time

It’s been a long year and a little holiday getaway might just be in order for us and our dogs. Getaway gifts for dogs in NZ that love rustic settings are our top five pet friendly Airbnb getaways.

7. Dog sunblock

Dog sunburn is super serious (yes, dogs can get sunburnt)! The Life of Riley Sun Balm is one of those savvy dog Christmas presents that doubles as an essential. For those not keen on using a balm, try out Vetpro Pet Sunblock Powder.

Overexposure to sun is a risk factor for cancer in dogs. However, keep in mind that human sunscreen isn’t safe for dogs, so it’s best to stick to dog-safe sunscreen.

8. Go slow lick meal mat

Among the great gifts for dogs in NZ are dinner lick mats, like the Enrichment Lick Mat. These innovative textured mats turn mealtime into a fun challenge for your pup and slow down eating. You can spread delectable treats like dairy-free yoghurt, peanut butter or other wet dog food over the grooves.

Your dog gets to lap it all up, gradually.

The mat is made from food-grade silicone and fastens to surfaces with 77 suction cups, so you can stick it to a floor or wall. This nifty device is a game-changer for bath time too because it keeps your dog occupied, making washing them a breeze.

9. Pet insurance

While we’ve ticked off most of the best dog Christmas presents, here’s one not to be missed… Pet health insurance to help pay for non-routine vet bills!

Whether that’s a swallowed Christmas tree decoration or food poisoning from Christmas mince pies, you won’t regret it. Of course, even though accidental ingestion is a top claim for pets, there are many others that range from illness to dental issues.

Compare pet insurance providers here!

Do puppies make good Christmas presents?

If you’re wondering whether a puppy is a good Christmas pressie, the answer is probably not. A dog is not a good Christmas present – unless the person getting the puppy is very much involved in the decision and planning process. Christmas is a day but a dog is for life and giving someone an unplanned pet can mean that it ends up at a shelter.

Even someone who absolutely adores dogs may not have time or budget to own a dog. Having a pet is a special responsibility with a range of obligations. No one should make that choice for someone else (unless they’re their mum or dad of course)!

Compare pet insurance providers here!

About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.