The Christmas countdown is on, and if you think you’ve ticked off all the names on your list and checked it twice... what about the family dog? Let’s be honest: the pooch is the MVP of the clan. They’re the least likely to bring up politics, or polish off the bottle before you’ve had a glass — and are always on hand for a stroke to help reduce those Christmassy cortisol levels.
Also, it turns out it’s a faux pas not to treat them — according to research by Pets at Home, the nation is set to spend a staggering £1.1 billion on pets in the name of Christmas. And 68 per cent of owners surveyed would spend in excess of £50, while 43 per cent of grand-paw-ents see it as duty to buy pets a gift. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Need the perfect present for a pampered city dog in a hurry? Here’s the very best ideas you can get before the Big Day or pick up in London stores. From treats to blow-the-budget gifts for furry friends big and small — let them know it’s Christmas.
OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo
£28, cultbeauty.co.uk
Owners will be delighted to put OUAI’s chic scented shampoo alongside their own, and the gentle, hydrating formula is blended with Italian lemon, Turkish rose, jasmine sambac, iris, lily, and white musk to make the dog smell delicious.
Hiro + Wolf Dog toys
£12, hiro-and-wolf.com
Give the dog something to chew on while you’re chowing down on the turkey with one of these sweet wool toys from boutique pet shop Hiro & Wolf. A sustainable alternative to plastic versions.
St. Pia Marsu Tote Bag and Pet Carrier
£110, st-pia.co.uk
If the family dog is teeny or a senior that needs a little help getting from A to B, then there’s no more stylish way to carry them than in one of St Pia’s bow-adorned, handmade and 100 per cent cotton canvas bags. The inner is water-resistant — in case of unseasonal walks — and it features a net window which can be unzipped so they can hang out! The women-led brand focuses on giving back to dogs in need, regularly providing food and veterinary care for stray animals and assisting with fostering projects. So it’s got the feel-good factor too.
Penelope Chilvers Dog Collar in Bitter Chocolate
£45, penelopechilvers.com
Fans of the boho aesthetic know Penelope Chilvers for its wear-forever boots, but why should the dog go without? These handmade leather trocollage collars will make them the envy of the pack.
Smith & Goat Concrete Pet Bowl
£70, glassette.com
Indoorsy dogs will be thrilled to see their dinner served up in these designer, tie-dye look concrete bowls from Smith & Goat, which are made in East London.
Muzungu Sisters Peruvian Dog Sweater
£100, muzungusisters.com
Skip the novelty Christmas jumpers and treat the dog to one of Muzungu Sisters’s colourful collab versions with Ruby Rufus. It’s 100 per cent cashmere and crafted in Peru. Only the best!
A sleepover at The Hoxton, Holborn
Shoebox rooms start from £199, while standard Cosy rooms start from £239. thehoxton.com
Want to escape the clan for a night, just you and the dog? When it comes to catering to pups, the Hoxton leads the charge. Its Hox Hounds stay allow one dog per room at no extra cost. A stay includes a bed of their own for the night, bowls and gifts of a dog tag and a Mutt Manual, with tips for dog-friendly spots nearby. Haul up and enjoy the chic, boutique vibes, and bistro fare and cocktails at Rondo restaurant. Also, if you want to match with Fido: check out the shop for a limited jumper edition collab with Barc London, with 10 per cent of profits going to shelters.
HAY Dog Bed in Red and Blue
£155, goodhoodstore.com
Scandi favourite Hay makes one of the most design-led and comfy dog beds around. So, treat the pooch to the perfect place to crash over Christmas.
Omni Treats Variety Pack
£25, omni.pet
You can’t go wrong with treats, especially with Omni’s variety pack, which has differing biscuits to suit the your pet’s mood or boost their health. They’re plant-based and vet-formulated, as well as good for joints and mobility. Guaranteed to get tails wagging!
Anya Hindmarch Dog Poo Bag Dispenser
£135, anyahindmarch.com
Anya Hindmarch accessories are a fail-safe for luxe-loving Londoners. The brand has even managed to make poop bags look elegant — what more could owners ask for?
The ultimate foodie getaway to Cliveden House, Berkshire
Rooms from £445 (additional room charge of £35 per night for the dog. mrandmrssmith.com
Really want to push the boat out? A weekend away for your dog-owning giftee at historic National Trust country house, Cliveden is the ultimate present for pooch and owner. Set in 376 acres of Grade-I listed gardens, it’s a bucolic haven just 40 minutes from London and is known for its royal connections. For those on four legs, there’s a special doggie menu in The Astor Grill, featuring Fillet steak and rice, served with gravy. The surrounding woodlands, riverbank and gardens aren’t to be sniffed at (though your dog probably won’t be able to resist).
Donate to a dog in need
If you have a pampered pooch who’s impossible to buy for, then consider donating to Wild At Heart Foundation on their behalf. As little as £25 will help vaccinate a vulnerable dog at its partner global aid projects — and you can do it on Christmas morning... they’ll never know. wildatheartfoundation.org
