With the festive season just around the corner, many pet owners love the opportunity to spoil their dogs just as much as the rest of the family.
In fact, a recent study revealed that dog owners around the UK are planning to spend an average of £55.72 on Christmas gifts for their furry friends this year, totalling a whopping £3 billion across the UK.
But with many pinching their pennies this time of year, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, the team at tails.com, have rounded up eight ways you can still spoil your dog this Christmas, without breaking the bank:
1. Bake a dog-friendly tasty treat
If you’re considering treating your dog this Christmas, why not bake a homemade festive treat using ingredients you already have in your cupboards? Sadly, most of the delicious goodies we indulge in over the festive season aren’t suitable for dogs.
However, with just a few simple ingredients you can whip up a batch of delicious Apple and Gingerbread Biscuits that are completely dog-friendly. If you’re looking to do something extra special this Christmas for your four-legged friend you can’t go wrong with baking.
2. Plan a festive walk
Christmas is the perfect time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and go for a walk in the crisp winter air with your furry friend in tow. Whether you’re looking for a beach to blow the cobwebs out, or a woodland area to discover creatures and nature that come to life in winter, your dog will love a festive walk this Christmas. This time of year is truly breathtaking! Be extra cautious when walking your dog during autumn and winter, as the cold temperatures, and dark nights can pose a threat to you and your beloved pet.
3. Snuggle down for a movie marathon
If the weather has taken a turn for the worse, a movie night with your four-legged friend is a great way to celebrate the festive season. Grab your dog’s favourite toy, blankets and perhaps some special treats so they can snuggle down with you to watch a film.
To make it extra special for your dog, put on a movie that your furry friend is guaranteed to love, like Santa Paws, Secret Life of Pets or 101 Dalmatians.
4. Prepare a dog-friendly dinner
There’s nothing better than sitting down to enjoy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings – and we’re not the only ones who love this festive tradition. There are plenty of delicious festive foods that our four-legged friends can enjoy safely.
But while we tuck into our delicious turkey dinners and selection boxes, it’s important to remind ourselves that not every Christmas treat is designed to be suitable for our dogs. Some human treats can cause digestive upset in our canine companions, like chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, onions, garlic, nuts, leeks, meat skin and bones.
5. A trip to the Christmas markets
The UK’s Christmas markets have officially opened for 2023, filling cities with the sound of Christmas music and the smell of delicious festive food and drinks. Some of the best markets are dog-friendly, so treat yourself to a weekend of festive fun with your dog by your side.
Remember that the Christmas markets can get crowded, so it’s important to keep your dog safe. Avoid the markets during the busier periods, keep them close to you and be careful when walking around that they don’t eat anything dangerous from the floor.
6. Spend time together
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially for our pups. From holiday parties to Christmas shopping and visits to see family, you may find yourself out of the house and away from your pet more than usual.
One way to ensure your dog has a great Christmas is to spend one-on-one time with them – block out time in your busy festive calendar to be at home with your furry friend.
7. Do something extra special
Why not treat your canine companion with their very own gift that’s bursting with fun and flavour? Make their day extra special by finding them the ultimate gift to match their personality, from personalised treats to toys or a cosy new bed.
The Jack Brussel Sprout toy from tails.com’s 2023 Christmas Range will also provide hours of fun this Christmas!
8. Take a stroll on the beach
At this time of year, most UK beaches have lifted the restrictions for dogs, meaning you can head down to your favourite spot, or travel a little further to a new destination for a stroll along the seafront. The beach provides plenty of opportunities to chase after balls, splash in the water or take a relaxing walk across the sand.
It’s important to be extra cautious when taking your dog to the beach during winter as the water will be much colder than usual, so keep your dog on a long lead.
