15 GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR GREYHOUND
As challenging as 2020 has been for people, our dogs are loving it. “My people are home more - YAY!” They do help us through some tough times though and they deserve a special treat for the holidays. Here are some ideas that are off the beaten path, from inexpensive DIY to state of the art wi-fi enabled gifts.
1. BAKE SOME HOME-MADE TREATS
Here is an easy 2-ingredient recipe for delicious dog treats:
- 2 cups ground oatmeal flour
- 4 small jars meat baby food
Mix all together, turn out onto a board, roll out to about ¼” and cut out treats. How about a squirrel or bunny cookie cutter? So cute! https://bit.ly/3lYSMKL Bake 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or till crisp. Cool completely before giving to your dog.
2. DIY ROPE TOY
Take an old t-shirt, sweatshirt, or pajamas and cut into long strips. Braid till you like the thickness and length. Tie off ends tightly with another piece of fabric or just knot the braid on both ends, leaving loose “fringes”. This toy is fun for tug-o-war or for dogs who like to chew (keeps their teeth clean too). You Tube has lots of videos on how to make different dog toys. Your dog will be excited for something new, no matter how much you spent (or did not spend!) on it.
3. CHEW TREATS
Rawhides are out of favor with lots of dog owners, but there are many new long-lasting natural chews available today. How about a braided bully stick chew for less than $5 each? Also available are beef tendons, lamb tails, and ox tails. You can find these at pet stores, mass market retailers, and of course online.
4. CHRISTMAS CARD
If your hound does well with rawhide, consider a Greyhound Christmas card. These have been developed with vets and of course use non-toxic inks. https://bit.ly/36XzRvn You can even mail them if you are separated this holiday.
5. PERSONALIZED TREAT JAR
A personalized treat jar would be perfect for those home-made treats we talked about before. Etsy is the place for greyt gifts, personalized and unique. This is just one example
https://etsy.me/3m6oG8h as low as $6.99!
6. HOLIDAY MARTINGALE
Is it time for a wardrobe pick-me-up? How about a new Martingale collar just for Christmas? Once again, Etsy (your handmade marketplace) has hundreds to choose from in all price ranges. https://etsy.me/37L6SKH Some even have buckle collars and leashes to match. You can always find something unique on Etsy and support a small artisan business at the same time.
7. CHRISTMAS STOCKING
It is so much fun to hang up stockings for the pups if you have a mantle, or stairway banister, even a shelf. Here are some that look just like our hounds! https://etsy.me/36VFRos Fill with little treats and your Greyhound will be so happy.
8. FLIRT POLE
This toy is perfect for Greyhounds’ prey drive. You can use it indoors or out. Find inexpensive ones at pet stores or online.
This Squishy Face one is highly rated. You can even find DIY instructions online if you are ambitious.
9. INDOOR CHUCKIT
Bring the Chuckit fitness ritual indoors. Enjoy the benefit of no-slobber, hands-free pick up when playing fetch in the comfort of your home. Innovative indoor launcher-compatible toys provide even more ways to enjoy the interactive play millions experience outdoors. Perfect for when it's too cold, too wet, or you just want to hang out inside with your four-legged pal. Available at pet shops or online.
10. DOG TRAVEL MUG
If you travel at all with your Greyhound, a way for them to drink while on the go is a necessity. The original travel mug for dogs, AUTODOGMUG is the first and only one-handed hydration system for dogs. It's really brilliant.
Squeeze and water fills the bowl for your pup to drink, release and the remaining water returns to the bottle. No muss, no fuss! Available at pet shops or online. There are lots of other designs for portable dog watering too, but this one is my favorite.
11. THE GIFT OF DISTRACTION
The Aquapaw Slow Treater Silicone Lick Mat gives dogs a welcome distraction during bath time, making it easier for owners to get the job done. Just spread peanut butter, low-fat cream cheese, or another high-value snack into the grooves of the mat, then suction the gadget to the wall. It’s designed so that dogs can’t eat their treat quickly, giving groomers more time to deliver a thorough washing. Freezer and dishwasher safe. Can also be used in a solid crate or as a distraction during nail clipping. Around $11 online.
Another related item is the Diggs Groov Dog Crate Training Tool – this one attaches to the side of a wire crate or x-pen, but is a little more expensive.
12. HIDE-A-SQUIRREL DOG PUZZLE TOY
Oh boy, my dog’s two favorite things: plush and squeaky together in one greyt puzzle toy. The Hide-A-Squirrel is several stuffed toys in one: three small, squeaky squirrels are placed inside a tree trunk, and dogs have to work on getting them out of their holes.
It’s meant to be a boredom-busting, mentally stimulating activity, prompting pups to stop and think about how to get those critters out of their hiding place. It’s also great for families with multiple dogs—they can work together to nab the squirrels, and then chew on their own. Outward Hound makes this one, but there are other brands with other critters (chipmunk, monkeys, etc.)
13. LUXURIOUS NEW BED
Is it time for your pup to get a new dog bed? Maybe a bed to help those arthritic limbs or just to pamper your pooch…memory foam bolster beds – yes, please! There is a dizzying array of snuggle beds that your hound will love in all price ranges.
This one is from In The Company of Dogs. Try to find one with a removable cover so that keeping it clean will be easy.
14. INTERACTIVE WI-FI PET CAM AND TREAT DISPENSER
It’s amazing, but if you have to be away from home, you can still check up on your houndie. There are lots of options out there for 2-way audio as well as video on your phone. If your pup has been a good dog, you can dispense treats from the same device. WOPET or FURBO are two brands that let you listen, talk and reward your dog with his favorite snack or play and interact with your pet anytime, anywhere. Compatible with iOS 7.0 or Android 5.0 and above. ~$140.
15. SUBSCRIPTION TREAT BOX
Subscription Treat Boxes keep on giving all year. They typically contain a couple of toys, chews, treats and maybe supplies. Bark Box is the most well-known subscription treat box, but there are many others, such as Kong Box, Super Chewer, PupBox and more. Some will let you choose your own schedule or just try it once; also some are customizable as to contents. $20 and up.
Yes, the holidays this year will look different than years past for most of us, but spending time with your loved ones, especially your heart dog, is the best gift to give and receive.