What Not to Gift your Dog this Holiday Season
Hi friends! Gift giving is a time-honored tradition during the holiday season. We see friends and family exchanging gifts as a way to celebrate the holidays and to show each other how much we care. And pet parents exchange gifts with their four-legged friends too… just a little more one-sided! Since we've talked a lot about what we are getting KBH for Christmas this year, I figured it was important to share what we definitely WILL NOT be buying.
What Not to Gift: Cooked Bones, Rawhide, Nylabones
Our dogs need to chew, but there are safer and healthier options for them! Cooked bones can splinter and damage their digestive tract. While rawhides can be tempting when they are shaped in candy canes and red/green this time of year, they do not digest well and can sit in a ball in their stomach. Not to mention what they're made of and how they’re manufactured (yikes!). Do a quick google if you don't already know. And while Nylabones are popular among new puppy parents, many owners don't realize they’re made of plastic. Plastic is not something I want my dogs to swallow or chew. I bet your dog thinks they're not super tasty too!
Alternative: Chews
Look into products that are going to be easily digestible, like bully sticks, pig's ears, or our favorite, Earth Animal’s No-Hide bones. You can also look into raw bones, antlers, and yak chews. These options are safer and tasty for your pup!
What Not to Gift: Boring Dry Treats
Has someone ever gifted you a dry fruitcake on Christmas? Or stale cookies? A thoughtful gift, but not all that delicious. The holidays should be memorable, and buying your dog a box of dry biscuits with no nutritional benefits, might not be all that exciting.
Alternative: Stinky and/or Soft Treats
Our dogs find smelly, moist treats to be most delicious! Our favorite treats are below:
You can even cut up your own hot dogs or cheese that will be sure to make your dog a happy pup! Do a little experimenting and find out what your dog likes best. I'm sure they wouldn't mind getting a few bags of treats under the tree!
What Not to Gift: A Retractable Leash
While we love a long leash for hiking or park walks, a retractable leash can be dangerous and inhibit training if not used correctly. Often retractable leashes are thin ropes, and if it gets wrapped around a hand or leg, it can cause a severe injury. The leash mechanism also doesn't allow you to have a great deal of control, and your dog could easily walk up to a dog or person uncomfortable with that interaction.
Alternative: 4 or 6 ft Leashes for Neighborhood Walks or Long Leads for Hiking
Our favorite decorative leashes that match our collars come from Up Country Inc. You know exactly how far your dog can go and it's really easy to tell if they're walking with a loose leash!
A Maybe Gift: Costumes, pajamas, clothing
A maybe gift, because some dogs are comfortable with having things on their body and others not so much. If you can tell that your dog isn't bothered by having antlers on their head or having booties put on, go for it! If your dog is having trouble with these items, skip it, or show them the positives, go slow, and choose less intrusive items. Instead of a sweater where they have to put their head through it, maybe a festive bandana is a better choice. Remember, we want our dogs to think it's a great gift!
Alternative: Bandanas or Festive Collar
Our dogs are used to wearing things around their neck, so go for these more specific items. Lots of companies have seasonal collars, bandanas, and leash patterns!
'Tis the Season
Don't forget there are many gimmicky items at your pet stores this time of year, so take your time to be thoughtful and always read the ingredients. Your dog will be more than delighted with the extra love, attention, and goodies!