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Gifts for dogs to buy on National Pet Day
Every pup parent knows their canine companion is the perfect example of a dog on this planet. So, with National Pet Day today, April 11, now’s the ideal time to show how much you care.
Pets might not know what day it is or understand special occasions, but if you’re truly obsessed with your dog, those facts don’t matter. You can find all kinds of great dog products to spoil your pup with this National Pet Day.
What to consider when buying gifts for pets
- Your dog’s needs: Consider your dog’s age, size, breed, health and temperament when choosing products. For example, playful dogs might like toys better than plush beds, while dogs with food allergies might need special treats.
- Safety: Look for safe products for your dog, made from nontoxic materials and free from any potential hazards or sharp edges that could cause harm.
- Brand recognition: If in doubt, choose products from a brand with a good reputation you know and trust. While there are great products available from small businesses, it takes more work to find them.
- Comfort: Consider your dog’s comfort when choosing products. For instance, pick a bed with adequate support or a harness that fits comfortably without chafing.
- Quality: Choose high-quality products that are durable and made to last. This is especially important for items like dog toys and beds that get a lot of use.
What pet gifts should you buy your dog?
- Food and treats: Dogs that are always looking for their next meal will love receiving food or treats this National Pet Day. Consider your dog’s age, breed, size, preferences and any dietary restrictions they have.
- Toys: You can’t go wrong buying toys for playful pups. You can find all kinds of toys, including plush toys, chew toys and even automatic ball launchers for dogs who love fetch.
- Beds: If your dog loves few things more than a good nap, consider buying a comfortable and supportive new dog bed.
- Practical items: Some items make caring for your dog easier and more convenient. Some examples include collars, leashes, harnesses, grooming tools and travel accessories.
Best dog products
Best dog beds
Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
Your precious pup deserves a comfortable place to snooze, and this memory foam dog bed is great. Not only is it supportive, lessening the chance of joint pain or discomfort, but it also has cooling properties so dogs won’t overheat and relocate to your cool tile floor. This dog bed is both machine-washable and water-resistant. It’s available in six colors and patterns in five sizes.
Frisco Faux Suede Bolster Dog Bed
If your pup prefers a plusher sleeping surface, this is the dog bed to get. It features a faux suede outer and a fluffy filling, with raised sides and comfortable bolsters that create a feeling of safety as your dog snuggles in. One side is lower, making it easier for older dogs to get in and out. The bed is machine-washable, available with a neutral brown or gray outer in three sizes.
Best dog houses
Precision Pet Products Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House
This rustic dog house is durable and attractive. It’s a good match for the elements, crafted from solid wood with a protective coating and a sturdy asphalt roof. It comes in a taupe or walnut finish and three sizes to suit different dog breeds.
This cute dog house is made of weatherproof plastic, with a fold-out porch and a built-in ventilation system that keeps the interior dry on wet days and cooler when it’s hot outside. It comes in five sizes to accommodate a variety of breeds.
Best dog treats
Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Oven-Baked Biscuits
Make food-obsessed dogs feel loved with these delicious biscuits. They have a crunchy texture that many dogs love, and they come in packs of single or assorted flavors, including pumpkin, peanut butter and apple and aged cheddar.
Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Care Dog Treats
With these dental dog chews, you can give your pup a treat while cleaning their teeth. The chewy texture helps break down plaque and tartar. They’re made of all-natural ingredients that are easy to digest and filled with vitamins and nutrients.
Best dog toys
Made from fabric, this frisbee is gentler on dogs’ mouths, teeth and gums than plastic versions. It flies well, so it’s perfect for dogs who love to chase and fetch.
Arm & Hammer for Pets Super Treadz Gorilla Dental Chew Toy
This dental chew toy is perfect for dogs who love chewing but hate having their teeth cleaned. The more they chew, the more plaque and tartar get worn away, improving dental health. It comes in two sizes for smaller dogs and large breeds.
PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher
Some dogs are so into playing fetch that their humans can’t keep going as long as they want to. Enter the automatic dog ball launcher, which does the hard work for you, saving your arm and keeping your four-legged friend happy.
Starmark Everlasting Treat Bento Ball Tough Dog Chew Toy
If you’ve got a big dog that’s an aggressive chewer, they’ll love this toy. The ball is fun to play with and holds treats or kibble inside, with gum-massaging nubs that keep your pup’s teeth clean. It’s made of a tough material that’s safe for dogs, and you can toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Be sure to wet the treats or dog food first, otherwise, you’ll have difficulty getting it inside the ball.
Best personalized dog collars
Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar
This leather personalized dog collar comes in six bright colors that are easy to spot. You can engrave it with your dog’s name, your phone number or other text. There are three fonts and four collar sizes to choose from. You have the option to include bones, hearts or paws on either side of the text for a bit of extra decoration. You can even add an adorable matching bandana with your pet’s name to the order.
Didog Genuine Leather Dog Collar with Engraved Nameplate
If you want something more classic and neutral, these leather dog collars are the way to go. They feature shiny gold-toned hardware and an engravable plate that holds your pet’s name, your address and phone number. You can get it in six colors, six sizes and with or without a matching 5-foot leash.
Best dog leashes
Carhartt Shock Absorbing Dog Leash
This dog leash features tough nylon webbing and a rugged metal clasp. Elastic shock control eases the strain caused by jolting and tugging, making walking more comfortable for both you and your dog. These leashes come in nine colors ranging from bright to neutral. There are two design options, one for small dogs and another for larger ones. Both measure 6 feet long.
Tug 360 Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Leash
This retractable leash is a favorite among dog owners. It gives your pooch the freedom to move, but locks in place when you need it. Made of strong nylon tape with a tangle-free design, the leash extends up to 16 feet. The design is user-friendly, with a comfortable grip and one-handed retraction adjustment. It comes in five sizes and seven colors.
Best dog harness
This durable nylon harness adjusts in five places for the optimal fit, suitable for a range of body types. It’s comfortable for your dog to wear and has quick-release plastic buckles for taking it on and off easily. There’s a no-pull clip at the front to help train dogs not to pull. A reflective trim increases visibility in low-light environments. The harness comes with a seatbelt clip for safe car travel. It’s available in five sizes in black, blue or gray.
Best dog cameras
This advanced dog camera lets you keep an eye on your pet and even interact with them when you’re gone. By connecting to the Furbo app, you can talk to each other through two-way audio and give your dog treats remotely with the built-in feeder. The camera is packed with features; it rotates 360 degrees, has HD resolution, 4X zoom capabilities and color night vision. Without the subscription, you’ll receive real-time bark alerts sent to your phone. If you go with the Furbo Dog Nanny paid subscription, you’ll also get a variety of other notification types, such as dog activity and person detection.
Petcube Cam Indoor Wi-Fi Pet and Security Camera
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly pet camera that still has decent features, this is the one to get. The HD resolution camera has night vision, two-way audio, 8X zoom and a 110-degree view. You can control it using your voice with an Alexa device. If you sign up for the Petcube Care subscription, you’ll receive motion and sound alerts through the app and can replay up to 90 days of pet videos.
Best dog grooming tools
Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers
Dog clippers make perfect gifts for dogs who need a lot of grooming. These powerful cordless clippers make light work of trims, so your dog doesn’t have to endure being groomed for too long. The self-sharpening blades limit the amount of maintenance needed and are always sharp, so they don’t snag.
Flying Pig High-Velocity Dog Pet Grooming Dryer
For pet parents who regularly bathe their dogs, a dog dryer makes the process easier for everyone. This high-velocity dryer reduces drying time by up to 60%, so your dog won’t have to stand still for long.
Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush
To keep your pup’s coat healthy and shedding under control, you need a quality dog brush. This grooming rake’s metal tines can handle even the toughest tangles. It has a dual-sided design; one side tackles mats and tangles, and another side thins out fur. The inner blades are sharp and effective, while the smooth edges protect your dog’s skin. The nonslip rubber handle is comfortable to hold.
Best dog DNA test
Embark Dog Breed and Health DNA Test
You love your dog, so naturally, you want all the information you can get. This dog DNA test not only tells you what breeds make up your dog’s DNA but also identifies potential health risks from a database of more than 230 genetic markers.
Best dog flea and tick prevention
Seresto Large Dog Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Collar
Keeping on top of fleas and ticks is part of looking after your dog’s health. This dog flea collar might not be the most thrilling gift, but it keeps your canine companion from getting bitten and itchy. It offers eight months of protection for dogs over 18 pounds.
Best dog wheelchair
Dog wheelchairs can improve the quality of life of dogs with disabilities or senior dogs with mobility issues. By taking the weight off their back legs, dogs are free to wander, play and have fun. This one is suitable for large dogs who weigh between 80 and 170 pounds.
Best dog bike trailer
Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer
If your dog likes to join you everywhere you go, this dog bicycle trailer lets them come on longer adventures rather than having to stay home when you take a mammoth bike ride. There’s a small version for dogs up to 50 pounds or a large version for dogs up to 100 pounds.
Worth checking out
- Oster Golden Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clippers are highly durable and great for dogs who need a lot of grooming.
- Get your pup all cute and cozy with the Kooltail Plaid Dog Hoodie.
- Blazin The Original LED Dog Collar will keep your pup safe on your nightly walks — and make it easier to spot them when they’re off-leash.
- Carry around your small dog in style with the Furb Maxbone City Carrier.
- The Kong Wobbler Dog Toy dispenses treats, making it a perfect choice for food-loving pooches.
- Dogs who can play fetch for hours will love the Idogmate Interactive Ball Launcher.
- If your dog loves to lounge in all types of weather, consider the breathable Coolaroo Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed.
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