Celebrate International Dog Day With These Gifts for Dog Owners (and Their Pups, of Course)
International Dog Day is August 26, but as dog owners, we know that every day is a great day to celebrate our pups. Not every animal gets the title of, “man’s best friend,” after all. Whether you’re a pet parent or know a great dog owner, every pup deserves a special treat for being such a good boy or girl, which is why we created this list of the best gifts for dog owners.
As the pandemic continues to keep people home and available for walks and fetch breaks, more dogs are being adopted and rescued. New dog owners who may have never owned a pet have a big learning curve, while those who have enjoyed the company of their four-legged friend for years may suddenly find themselves getting a lot more invitations for dog playdates. But regardless, the best dog owners could use some of the best gifts for dog owners.
When it comes to knowing how to outfit your home for a pet, the information can feel a bit overwhelming. We’ve curated a list of some of the best gifts for dog owners that both dogs and dog owners will love. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a dog owner or want to treat yo’self (and your pup), these items are sure to get tails wagging.
1. Electric Qalo Leash, Collar and TraQ Dog Tag Set
BEST OVERALL
Qalo, the company that has been making comfortable, safe, and fashionable rings for years is going to the dogs. Thanks to a new partnership with Tile, the company is now offering a Qalo TraQ dog tag that makes it easy to keep an eye on your pet regardless of where they roam. SPY received a sample of the new tag and we were impressed by how easily dog owners could customize a tag complete with their pup’s name and address. Pair the tag with the Tile app to easily locate your pooch on your phone or by playing a soft, pleasant piece of music through the tag. The waterproof tag has a 200-foot Bluetooth range (the app will show the dog’s last location if outside of the range) and can be added to any dog collar. Qalo sells the tag on its own or in a set along with a high-quality silicone dog leash, collar and collapsible bowl, making the perfect gift set for new dog parents.
Buy: Eletric Qalo Leash, Collar and TraQ Dog Tag Set $144.85
2. Aura Buddy
FOR PHOTOGENIC PUPS
Aura has been helping people share memories for years thanks to their beautifully designed and easy-to-use smart frames (we’re big fans) and now the company is releasing a special edition frame specifically for our loved ones with paws. The Aura Buddy has all the same great features as the original Aura frame, including the ability to add and share up to 10,000 photos from anywhere using the Aura app, but with a few additions. The Aura Buddy comes in a limited edition ‘biscuit’ color, features a paw-print reaction for ‘liked’ photos, and a pet-inspired gift box that makes this a great gift for all the dog owners in your life. Or, yourself. You’re a great parent, too!
3. PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps
BEST FOR AGING PETS
As pets age, so do we. Maybe not as fast as dog years, but it can feel like it sometimes. Lifting your four-legged child up on the couch or bed may become increasingly difficult as they (and we) get older, which is why we recommend investing in a great set of pet steps when it comes to finding the best gifts for dog owners. We like PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps, which are available in a Standard and Extra Large size for bigger dogs. The steps come with comfortable treads that can be replaced (the company sells replacement pads) to keep dogs safe while going up and down the stairs. The steps can hold between 150 and 200 pounds and can collapse flat for easy storage and portability. A great way to keep your dog independent and able to reach their favorite sleeping spot, these pet steps are designed with safety in mind for your beloved pooch.
Buy: PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps $47.90
4. BarksBar Large Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
BEST DOG BED
Loving your dog doesn’t necessarily mean wanting to share your bed with them. We get it, which is why we are fans of the BarksBar Large Gray Orthopedic dog bed. Available in three sizes, the orthopedic foam base provides a comfortable and supportive cushion for your pup, while can help to reduce their joint pain and keep them mobile. The mattress is covered with a padded rim cushion that contours to your dog and a non-slip rubber bottom to keep Fido’s bed in place. As with any dog item, being able to keep your pup’s space clean is important, which is why we like that the outer cover can easily be vacuumed or zipped off and machine washed.
Buy: BarksBar Large Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed $71.99
5. QUMY Dog Boots
BEST FOR HOT CLIMATES
Whether you like taking your pup out for runs on the trail or you live in a hot climate, protecting their paws is im-paw-tant. The QUMY Dog Boots have a durable anti-slip sole that provides added stability and helps to protect paws from hot pavement, sharp rocks, and any other debris that could be painful for them. The washable shoes are available in a variety of colors and sizes and have a wide split seam to make them easy to put on and take off. We also like that the two side straps that can be used to achieve a perfect fit are reflective to help make your dog more visible in low lighting. For those living in hot climates, this is one of the best gifts for dog owners.
6. Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket
BEST FOR WATER DOGS
Outward Hound doesn’t just have a great company name, it also makes great products for dogs. The company’s dog life jacket is one of the top-rated options online thanks to its smart and functional engineering. Available in a wide variety of sizes based on the girth of a pet, the ripstop life jacket provides ample buoyancy while still giving your pet room to move freely and swim. Safety features like bright colors, reflective strips, and a large grab handle make it easy for owners to feel safe while their pet works on their doggie stroke. We also like that the life jacket features a front neck float that helps keep the dog’s heat out of the water, making this jacket appropriate for beginners.
Buy: Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket $15.20
7. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Wobble Bowl
BEST DOG BOWL FOR FAST EATERS
Coming in with another great Outward Hound product is the Fun Feeder Wobble Bowl. The company makes several snack and food bowls that help them to slow down their eating, which is good news for pups with stomach issues. The Wobble Bowl Fun Feeder engages your dog’s mind while extending dinner time, making it one of the best gifts for dog owners. Dogs must rock the bowl back and forth to free their food, which activates their innate digging and hunting instincts. The brightly colored bowl is made using BPA- and Phthalate-free plastic and the removable lid makes it easy to add kibble and clean once dinner time is over.
Buy: Outward Hound Fun Feeder $24.99
8. Chuckit! Ultra Ball
BEST DOG TOY
Want to feel overwhelmed? Google ‘dog toy’ and wait for the millions of listings to flash on your screen. Like humans, not all dogs will fall in love with the same toy, but one that has some impressive universal appeal is the Chuckit! Ultra Ball. Available in six sizes, the rubber ball features a squeaker that pups will love and a buoyancy that means it won’t get lost on trips to the lake. The textured surface is soft on a dog’s teeth while still tough enough to be able to take a bite or two … or many, many more. The durable ball is compatible with most launchers and unlike tennis balls, it’s easy to wipe clean, making it one of our favorite gifts for dog owners and their energetic pups.
Buy: Chuckit! Ultra Ball $5.89
9. Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat
MULTIPURPOSE PLAY MAT
Dogs love to sniff, so give them something other than your dirty laundry to dig into with the Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat. Available in two sizes and four color combinations, this great gift for dog owners is made from upcycled polar fleece that can be machine washed. Dog owners can hide kibble or treats in the mat to engage their dog’s sniffing senses, as well as their hunting and gathering skills. Like the Wobble Bowl, the Snuffle Mat helps to slow down eating, which gives dogs more time to digest their food. For older, less mobile dogs or dogs who are beginning to lose their sight, this mat also provides an alternative play option to fetch.
Buy: Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat $33.98
Bark Box Subscription
BEST MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION
For dogs and dog owners who love getting new treats, there’s the Bark Box Subscription service. Monthly curated boxes are sent to recipients and feature a new theme each month, such as WWE. The Rock puppet and No Fair Folding Chair are two of our favorite toys. Subscribers will receive two toys and two all-natural bags of dog treats to try out with their pets. Your dog already barks every time a package is delivered, wouldn’t it be nice if once a month, the delivery was actually for them? We thought so too, which is why we had to highlight this perfect gift for dog owners.
Buy: Bark Box Subscription $23 per month
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