Best Xmas Presents for Dogs

A new coat?   Some plastic toys?  A  shiny dog dish?   No, this little dog doesn’t want any of these.   Dogs don’t have any concept of Christmas or any other holiday.  We’re the ones who like to go shopping and spend money on something the dog couldn’t care anything about.   Your dog will know that it’s a special day – because you’re happy, he’s happy.   It’s good to hand out gifts but make sure it’s something your dog will like and don’t be influenced by the snazzy packaging.

Most doggy toys and trinkets come from the other side of the world these days so if you buy them and encourage this very damaging (to the environment) trade you will be risking the planet’s survival.  There’ll be no tomorrow for your dog if the present rate of climate change continues.   Huge pet superstores didn’t exist a few years ago and animals got along perfectly alright without them.   Selling pet products is a business and to make a profit is the only reason for this massive industry.

So what are the best Doggy Christmas presents?

• A nice walk, through a wood or over the fields and with plenty of free running.
• Special food – fresh and wholesome –  a slice or two of chicken or turkey (reared free range) and a Yorkshire Pudding always goes down well.
•  A new blanket – an offcut of fleece from the market is great and costs a fraction of those in the shops.  You don’t need to sew fleece, it doesn’t fray and is easy to wash.
• A big juicy bone – a knuckle bone or marrow bone, ask your butcher to save one for you.  Dogs love them and will spend hours working away and gnawing them. Don’t give thin splintery bones though or you might be at the vets over Christmas.
• A collar although this won’t mean anything to your dog – he’ll look nice for you though.  Collars without plastic are best if you can find one.
• Comfort zone new bedding will be well liked – an inexpensive (or used) duvet, pillows and cushions makes a cosy den – much easier to wash than dog beds which are thrown away when soiled.
• Cuddles, fuss, playtime and t.l.c. – what could be better at Christmas?