Don’t forget about your dog this holiday season! Here are a few ideas for some great stocking stuffers approved by members on our team, including some options that support local Twin Cities pet businesses!
1. Canine Bil-Jac Treats
Bil-Jac has a perfect sized training treats to use when teaching your dog new tricks this year!
2. Classic KONG
Classic KONG toys are great enrichment and they can be stuffed with a variety of delicious options like cheese, peanut butter, or yogurt! When purchasing a KONG toy, pay close attention to sizes to ensure you get the best size for your dog. Learn more about KONGs here!
3. Candy Cane Treats
PetSmart has a few cute options for fun holiday pet items, but our staff loved this candy cane container filled with red and green treats!
4. Local Bakery Treat
The Twin Cities is home to some yummy homemade treat bakeries! Three Dog Bakery, Treat Me Too Dog Treats, Must Be Ruff, and Finley’s Pet Treats all have yummy options!
5. Tuff Toys
These soft toys are great options for super chewers! They have a lot of fun options, including this festive Gingerbread Man!
6. New Neckchief, Bandana, or Bow Tie
Get your pet a cute new accessory for the holidays or winter season! A few local Twin Cities businesses with cute handkerchiefs and bow ties include FuzzButt Boutique, Missy Pup & Co, Floof Woof, and Loon & Beau.
7. Dog Puzzle
Okay, admittedly this might not fit into your dog’s stocking, depending on the size, but interactive dog puzzles and treat balls are great for stimulation.
8. Paw Balm
If your dog hates booties, then paw balm is a must-have! After being outside, dry your dog’s paws with a clean, warm cloth and then apply a paw balm. There are DIY recipes or Musher’s Secret is one we keep in stock for clients here at AERC!
9. Cold Weather Gear
If your dog can tolerate booties, these would be a great gift for any Minnesotan pup! Other winter gear like coats, as well V2 Googles for winter sport dogs, are also great gifts – even if they don’t fit in the stocking! If you want to skip ordering online to ensure you choose the right size, check out CoPilot Dog Outfitters in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis.
10. Dental Toothbrush & Toothpaste and VOHC-Approved Toys & Treats
Daily brushing is an important part of your dog’s routine! We highly recommend investing in a toothbrush and dog toothpaste (DO NOT use human toothpaste as these products often include ingredients that are toxic to dogs). Chewing is also great for your dog’s teeth and we recommend getting “tooth-friendly” products that have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). See their list of recommended products here! To learn more about establishing an at-home dental care routine for your dog from our Dentistry & Oral Surgery Service, click here.
BONUS:
You can also consider sponsoring a rescued dog or cat for the holidays! Local rescues like Rescued Pets are Wonderful (RPAW) provide this great opportunity for pet lovers to give back during the holiday season.
No matter what you are gifting your dog this holiday season, please remember to always monitor your pet closely with any accessories, treats, and toys to prevent any discomfort, accidental choking, or a foreign body obstruction. For those making homemade dog treats or purchasing any special holiday dog-friendly treats, please remember to pay close attention to your pet’s calorie intake and to adjust your pet’s food or exercise to help avoid gaining weight from those extra treats!
Shopping for the cat, too? Here are a few great gift ideas!
More Reading:
- 15 Gift Ideas for the Dog or Cat Lover in Your Life
- Common Christmas Pet Dangers
- Common Holiday Emergencies for Pets
