Gifts for pets and pet owners in Australia

Wet dogs and bored dogs

Australian dog owners spend a lot of time at the beach and the park, and then have to get a soaked, sandy dog into the car. A quick-dry towel with hand pockets or a microfibre drying mitt fixes that, and both get used every weekend through summer.

For a dog that gets bored, the Kazoo Hide N Treat ball does three jobs: you can throw it, stuff it with treats, or let the dog chew it. Size up for a strong chewer, since no rubber toy is truly indestructible.

Somewhere to sleep

Cats that hide want a cave or a cubby. The Snooza cave is the cheaper covered bed. The FuzzYard cubby folds down into an open bed and has a warm side and a cool side, which suits a cat in a house that swings between hot summers and cold winter nights.

For dogs on the couch or in the car, a wool blanket protects the upholstery. Wool holds hair, so the owner will need to shake it out. Give a full-size blanket for the couch and the smaller one for the car.

Treats and small gifts

Locally made biscuits are an easy stocking filler for the dog. Read the labels before you buy: one brand here has oats and coconut oil, the other is peanut butter, and some dogs have allergies.

For the person, a cat calendar, a dachshund ring holder or a two-player cat tile game suits a coworker or Secret Santa who talks about their animals constantly. Under 30 dollars covers most of these.

Where to spend more

The big gifts in this edition are the cat cubby and the wool couch blanket. Buy them for an owner who already knows where the animal sleeps and what it likes. A cat that has always slept on the bed may ignore a new bed entirely. When unsure, a towel and a toy will get more use than one large purchase.

Questions people ask

What is a good gift for someone who has a dog?

Something that fixes a daily chore. A drying towel with hand pockets helps after muddy walks, a treat toy like the West Paw Qwizl keeps a bored dog busy, and paw balm or winter boots help in cold weather. Ask about the dog's size and chewing habits first, because those decide whether the gift works.

What can I give a cat owner for Christmas?

Low-risk picks are treats, a wand lure refill or a small wobble toy, since cats are fussy and cheap misses do not matter. For a bigger gift, a covered cave bed suits a cat that hides, and a window hammock suits an indoor cat that watches birds. Check the windows are smooth glass before buying a suction-cup perch.

Are pet gifts better for the pet or the owner?

For the owner, most of the time. A pet will play with a toy for a week, but the owner uses a good towel, a heavy bowl or a reflective leash every day. A simple rule is to pair one small toy with one practical item for the person who does the walking, drying and cleaning up.

How do I buy a dog coat or boots as a gift without knowing the size?

Ask the owner for the dog's back length and paw width, or say you need it for a gift and leave the surprise at that. Each brand uses its own size chart, so a medium from one shop is not a medium from another. Keep the receipt and buy early, before popular sizes sell out.