They might continually investigate the tree and try to open everyone else’s presents, but your little furry friend has surely been good enough for their own little present (or stocking full!) this Christmas?
There are so many different products around for dogs these days, we could all be forgiven for getting confused over what to buy for our best furry friends. So, here are some ideas – and some important things to consider – when shopping for your four-legged friend.
Foodie things
It’s really important to take care when buying edible treats as Christmas presents. In particular, you might want to give some guidance to well-meaning friends or relatives too.
Just because it’s a sold as a dog treat doesn’t mean it’s always good for our dogs. At Potter Paws, we’re big fans of staying with natural chews and treats but, at the very least, you should always check the list of ingredients. Whatever appears first is the main ingredient in the chew or treat so it needs to be something that will not disagree with your dog, of course this may be different for each dog, but try to look for a high meat content.
Many people think rawhide is ok but it is actually really bad for dogs. It’s common for supermarkets (who, let’s face it, aren’t animal experts) to put things on their shelves which are really quite unhealthy for dog to eat. It’s also important to choose a chew or a treat which is appropriate for your dog’s age and size.
In our chew box, we have three different box sizes and also different levels of “chewability”, so we can make sure your dog gets an appropriate selection.
Playful things
When it comes to toys, some of the same guidelines apply: make sure whatever you buy is suitable for your dog. Age and breed will need to be considered as bigger dogs will demolish – and could choke – on smaller, weaker toys. Our favourite brands include Kong and Tug-e-nuff.
It’s a good idea to look for a toy that your dog will want to interactive with. Whether it be a food dispensing toy, something can squeaks or can be chased, this will keep your dog amused and also provide some great opportunities to play WITH your dog.
If your dog is either a puppy or quite new to you, make sure you find out what sort of toys they like before buying too many of the same type. Some dogs love cuddly, soft toys while others just want something they can throw around or chew. Save your money and do your research before buying too much!
Everyday things
When it come to everyday accessories for dogs, there are lots of lovely things on the market. However, not all are entirely practical. Again, consider your dog’s breed and temperament. Not all dogs will want to wear jumpers or accessories so it is worth ensuring they are comfortable with this and they are introduced gradually. If you’ve got a chewy dog, spending a small fortune on a mini dog sofa probably isn’t the best investment!
If buying clothing or accessories, remember they do need the right size so if someone is buying a gift, give them your dog’s measurements beforehand.
Hopefully there are some useful things to consider here. If you’d like one of our chew boxes, visit our website and select a
Pawsome Parcel.
Happy shopping and have a lovely Christmas.