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Gift guide · 9 picks · Updated

Gifts for Dog Owners & Dog LoversUnder $100

Quick answer: A good gift for a dog owner is sturdy, washable gear that makes walks, play or cleanup easier, such as a well-fitting harness, a stuffable rubber toy or a deshedding brush. Check the dog's size and chewing habits first. Avoid flimsy toys, hard-to-wash bedding and anything sized by guesswork.

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Buying guide

Choosing a gift for dog owners

Dog owners plan their days around the dog. There are walks before work and after dinner, games of fetch in the park, muddy paws at the door and the occasional car ride to somewhere new. Most of them already own a lead and a food bowl, so the gifts that stand out make one of those daily routines a little easier.

What tends to land is sturdy, washable gear that holds up to a dog's enthusiasm. A harness that fits well, a toy that keeps a bored dog busy, a brush that tackles shedding, a seat cover that keeps the back seat clean. What usually misses is anything flimsy, hard to wash or sized by guesswork. Before buying, find out the dog's size, chewing habits and coat type, since a gift that suits a small terrier may not survive a large retriever.

What to look for

  • Know the dog's size and chewing style

    Toys, beds and harnesses all depend on it. A durable rubber toy that can be stuffed with treats should be sized for the dog's jaw, not the owner's taste.

  • Make walks simpler

    Small additions help on every outing. A hands-free bungee lead or a bag dispenser that clips to the lead keeps both hands available.

  • Choose washable materials

    Dogs bring in mud, hair and drool. Beds with removable covers and car seat protectors that go in the wash stay fresh far longer.

  • Give the dog something to think about

    A puzzle feeder with sliding compartments turns treat time into a game and keeps a bored dog occupied on rainy days.

FAQ

Questions people ask

What's a good gift for a dog lover under $25?

Under $25, a stuffable rubber chew toy, a lead-mounted bag dispenser or a portable water bottle with a built-in bowl is a sensible pick. Each gets used on most walks or play sessions. Small practical items like these suit owners who already have the basics. Ask about the dog's size first so the toy is neither too small nor too large.

What should you not buy a dog owner?

Avoid flimsy plush toys, treats you have not checked with the owner and novelty clothing for the dog. Many dogs have food sensitivities or are on specific diets, so edible gifts can cause problems. Cheap toys may be shredded within minutes. Beds and covers that cannot be washed tend to be thrown out quickly. Durable, washable gear is the safer route.

What do you get a dog owner who has everything?

Think about travel and time apart rather than more toys. A bench seat cover keeps the car clean on trips to the park, and a home pet camera lets them check in while they are at work. A cosy, raised-edge bed with a washable cover is another welcome upgrade. Ask what the dog has worn out lately, since favourites wear thin.

What's a good gift for someone with a dog that sheds a lot?

A deshedding brush suited to the dog's coat length is the most practical choice. Regular brushing lifts loose undercoat before it ends up on the sofa and floor. Pair it with a washable seat cover for the car or a bed with a removable cover. Check whether the dog has a short or long coat, since brushes are designed for one or the other.