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2024 is a great time to be alive, provided you’re a pet dog. You’ve likely got a TikTok account, a comfy bed, a collection of weather appropriate outer wear, and no need to worry about the November election. If you’re a human, well, at least there are dogs around to enrich your life. If you want to say thanks, you may be looking for a gift for a dog owner in your life.
Each canine is distinctive, with their own personality and hysterical quirks, which can make it difficult to know what to give a pet parent, but regardless of what phase of life your friend’s barker is at, something on this list will hit the spot. A lot of dog gear has come and gone through my home in my many years as a pet owner, and these are my top picks for thoughtful gifts for any pup parent.
For new puppy parents: The best chew toy
The one universal truth of puppydom is teeth: They clamp onto absolutely anything they can, including fingers. While new puppy parents often purchase a bunch of different toys, the Good Cuz/Bad Cuz line of rubber dog toys is perfect, and what I buy for every single new pup parent. Hold them between your fingers, making a fist, and your fingers are hidden, and your puppy has something to chew. They come in various sizes, so choose based on the size of the puppy, but I’d generally get the smallest size, since puppy mouths are small.
JW Pet Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy (2 Pack)
For rescue dog adoptees: Dog spa gear
Helping a newly adopted animal feel safe, secure, and loved is a major challenge for people who take a rescue into their homes. One of the most endearing things I saw online this year, just before I adopted, was a video from a TikToker who treats their adopted pit bull to “spa days,” literally showering their dog with attention and care. I followed their example, and the time together has brought my rescue dog and me closer, so I can assure you a pet spa starter pack (with an explanatory note) is a really thoughtful gift for anyone looking to bond with a four-legged friend. (Even if their dog doesn’t like showers, simply rubbing coconut oil into their skin once in a while can be soothing and beneficial.)
For friends with a sick pet: Monetary support
To be a pet parent is to constantly be making vet appointments and handling costs for tests and treatments. Dogs get sick, and as parents, we’re faced with expensive treatment that isn’t subsidized the way it is for humans. If you are looking for a way to support your friends through this process, the best gift you can give is a gift card to help alleviate the stress on your friend’s bank account.
A thoughtful memento for friend mourning a pet
There is nothing you can do to soothe the ache people feel when they lose their pet, whether it was quick or from a drawn out illness. But small gifts can signify your support of them, and when I lost my first dog many years ago I was gifted the book, “For Every Dog an Angel”. A small illustrated book of poetry, it is the gift I have given every single person who has lost a pet over the last twenty five years. It is always well received.
For the working pet parent: A pet camera and an interactive toy
Humans aren’t the only ones who struggle to go back to the office; their pets are stressed about it, too. Pair some activity toys with a pet camera to keep everyone’s anxiety at bay. I recommended the Eufy N140 last month with its 360-degree swivel, great resolution, and ability to pitch treats to your doggo. Wicked Bone is an interactive smart toy designed to keep your dog stimulated while you control the fun from an app on your phone.
Matching pajamas for the whole pack
Personally, I’ve always thought it was hysterical to get a friend a pair of PJs with their dog’s face on them—and then get their dog matching PJs with my friend’s face on them.
D-Story Custom Dog Face Pajama Sets for Family Personalized Sleepwear 2 Piece Pjs Xmas Valentine Fun Gift for Dad Mom Couple Friend
So many tennis balls
No dog ever has enough Kongs or Chuckits, so more are always welcome. Consider boxing up 20 or more tennis balls for a floofy friend. The look of unadulterated joy they’ll have when they unbox and are overwhelmed with balls is worth it.
50 Packs Dog Tennis Balls Pet Tennis Ball Mini Tennis Balls Training Pet Tennis Toys Ball for Large Medium Small Dogs Training Play Exercise and Fetch（Yellow）
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