Key Takeaways
- It is fun to give your dog stocking stuffers to celebrate the holidays.
- Traditional stocking stuffers like chocolate and nuts are dangerous for dogs.
- Instead of only chew toys, you can make homemade dog treats and DIY dog collars for stocking stuffers.
- Other ideas include doggie scarves, breath mints, and nose conditioners.
- Get creative with what your dog needs and likes to guide your holiday gift-giving.
Christmas Eve is just around the corner. Are your stockings hung by the chimney with care? Don’t forget your four-legged family members’ too! Dog-friendly stocking stuffers provide the perfect distractions for pets while humans unwrap their presents.
But what to put in a dog Christmas stocking? Traditional stuffers like chocolate and nuts are out, and big ticket items like dog houses and beds belong under the tree. There are only so many chew toys a pet parent can buy; check out these DIY ideas for dog Christmas stocking stuffers!
1. Homemade Dog Treats
What’s more personal than your pup’s favorite treats, made from scratch? Whether pumpkin, peanut butter, or apple strikes your pet’s fancy, there are tons of dog treat recipes available online. (Check out our Pinterest!) If you’re operating last minute, try some no-bake dog treats. For a festive touch, put homemade dog treats in doggie bags tied with ribbon.
2. Dinner-Worthy DIY Dog Collar
Regift that old flannel into a holiday collar for Fido! Make sure you measure your pet’s neck first; add a button and loop closure for larger dogs. If your pup’s more the outdoorsy type, braid paracord into a stylish yet rugged DIY dog collar. Always check to see if a collar is chafing or choking before letting a pet wear it unsupervised! This dog Christmas stocking stuffer is perfect for the pet who has everything.
3. T-Shirt Dog Toy
Pets are some of the few who don’t mind blatant regifting – turn your worn-out t-shirts into a tug-of-war toy for your pup! With some basic braiding you can create a DIY dog toy that will keep Fido occupied while humans open their presents. If you have a tennis ball or water bottle on hand, get creative and embellish your DIY dog toy.
4. DIY Paw Wax & Nose Conditioner
On every canine’s Christmas list, paw wax is a must-have for pups who spend time outdoors in winter. The sensitive surface of pets’ paws can be damaged by both ice and deicing chemicals, picked up on paw pads after a walk. Store-bought paw wax can be expensive; if you’re the DIY type, make your own using this recipe from Good Dogs & Co. Use a cute, seasonal tin for your dog Christmas stocking stuffer. All-natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut butter soothe and moisturize paw pads, preventing painful cracking.
5. Doggie Breath Mints
Bad breath is inevitable for pets, especially after eating all the rich, homemade treats in a dog’s Christmas stocking. If brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t an option – say, in the middle of a holiday party – slip your pup a DIY doggie breath mint! Parsley and mint freshen breath, while coconut oil sweetens. This dog treat recipe from HelloNature Blog offers a dairy-free option for dogs with food allergies.
6. No-Sew DIY Dog Scarf
Slip a winter scarf into your dog’s Christmas stocking to keeps Fido warm on early morning walks. Small dog breeds, seniors pets, and puppies are especially prone to hypothermia and frostbite. If the weather is freezing or below, keep these vulnerable pups inside. Healthy adult dogs can venture outdoors with proper protection, including winter boots and a waterproof jacket. This DIY dog scarf tutorial from pet lifestyle blogger Pretty Fluffy requires no sewing, just a hot glue gun – perfect for a last minute gift.
