It’s that time of year again. Time to start planning the perfect Christmas for your dog. Whether that means making time for longer walks than normal, letting them dive into the puddles you’d really rather they’d avoid, or being a little more generous with the treats - it’s the most wonderful time of the year for a reason.
However you’re planning to brighten up their December, we’ve got something special in mind for the 24th. A dog Christmas box is the ultimate way to get your pooch feeling festive - without requiring a bath - and provides an excellent opportunity to spoil your beloved pup. But what exactly is a Christmas Eve box and what on earth do you put in one? We’ve got the answers for you.
What is a Christmas Eve Box?
A Christmas Eve box is usually filled with little gifts like chocolate, PJs, games, and books. And, er, they’re usually for humans. Originally inspired by the German tradition of opening presents the night before Christmas day, Brits have co-opted the custom and now regularly present each other with a box of goodies the night before.
If you, like us, are devoted to your dog, you might want to consider brightening up their Christmas Eve with a dog Christmas box. The limitations are obvious - how exactly does one communicate to a beloved pup that the festive season is upon them? An embarrassment of riches is our suggestion. Not one chew, but two. A ridiculously soft new bed. The squeakier the toy, the better. Pair of antlers? Why on earth not?
What to Put in a Dog Christmas Eve Box
We can’t stress enough that silliness is the name of the game, here. Wrap your (human) presents in peace, or enjoy a quiet glass of wine before the festivities really kick off whilst your pup’s entertaining themselves with a variety of toys from their doggy Christmas Eve box.
The Pet Brands gnome dog toy is, first and foremost, a gnome. That alone should secure its place in your shopping basket.
With long legs perfect for outdoor games like tug of war, it’s a toy which offers both mental and physical stimulation for your pets, helping to relieve their stress and anxiety.
Planning a long, post-Christmas dinner walk? The Sports Pet launch toy will help you to throw the ball far, giving your pooch longer distances to run and adding to the fun. Plus, they’ll be worn out afterwards in time for the traditional afternoon nap. The complete kit consists of a launcher designed to prevent any uncomfortable twisting, an official high bounce ball and a premium carrying sleeve for tidy storage.
Everyone deserves a tasty treat over the holidays, including the dog. The Yakers Himalayan Yak Milk chew is composed of 100% natural, gluten-free ingredients, with a hard texture that’s ideal for all-day chewing. It’s a treat with dental hygiene benefits too - fighting plaque and tartar build-up. Plus, it’s rich in calcium and protein for muscle growth and repair. Not that the dog needs to know any of that. Whack a bow on it, et voila! Doggy’s Christmas Eve sorted.
Practical Dog Christmas Eve Box Ideas
Did your mum ever wrap stuff up that was more of a practical necessity than a present? Stuff like shower gel, socks, flannels? Dogs need practical presents, too. It’s not all plushies and bones! We’re not saying real basics like poo bags or brushes need to go in their Christmas haul,but it might be the right time to refresh some of the items they need everyday.
Make their Christmas Eve sleep the cosiest it’s ever been and invest in the Scruffs charcoal mattress. Built using faux-suede piping to add great durability, plus recycled green fibre to enhance the cushioning, it’s the perfect soft, safe surface for a festive doggy snooze.
If it’s set to be a white Christmas, your pooch might benefit from the Snugglesafe heat pad. With a comforting fleece cover for a cosy feel, microwaveable heat pad and a lightweight, compact size, it’s ideal for night-before-Christmas-cosiness.
With the new year comes January, and the likelihood of daily rainy walks. The Joules raincoat is a brilliant, water-resistant, lightweight, lined raincoat for dogs -perfect for those wintery walks. It’s easy to maintain, can be washed at 30 degrees, and won’t irritate your pooch’s skin, however long they’re wearing it. But the real reason we’re suggesting it for your doggy Christmas Eve box is the stunning bee print - have you ever seen anything so bee-autiful? A classic countryside design to elevate your pooch’s sartorial status.
Inject a little Christmas sparkle into your pup’s mealtimes, with the Rosewood Hammered Copper food bowl. Both stylish and practical, it has rimmed edges so that whether your pooch gulps down water like their life depends on it, or wolfs down their meals as if they don’t eat the same thing everyday, spillage will be contained by this handy design feature. A firm rubber base means it doesn't slide around and it can contain up to 1900ml, which is sufficient for even the largest dogs. The hammered copper layer resists rusting and corrosion, whilst bringing a lovely festive vibe to your pet’s dining area.
However you’re spending Christmas this year, start your celebrations early and make the 24th as special for your pooch as it is for those of us waiting on Santa. Explore our range today to curate the perfect poochy Christmas Eve box.