Unofficially, every day is "spoil your dog day" in this house, but we spotted that today is the only official one. It's the perfect opportunity to give your furry friend a little extra love, a treat, and a proper thank you for being the resident face of positivity in the home, whether they've had their dinner or not.
After bringing together our favourite pet treats for Valentine's Day, we've found there's no such thing as too much love for the four-legged member of the family. To help you treat your dog to something extra special, we've pulled together 15 gifts under £50, grouped by the different ways you might spoil them: something new to snuggle up in (inspired by Morris & Co collaborations we've already seen), a proper pamper, a few treats that sound tempting to even us, a toy that'll actually get played with, and the kit for a longer walk than usual.
So whether yours is a muddy-pawed Labrador who'd be happy with an extra biscuit and a longer walk, or a small dog with distinctly expensive taste, we've pulled together a few ways to mark the day properly.
Sleep & Snuggle
Morris & Co collaborations have been in all the premium shops this year, which is why this mini version of our own luxury home is perfect for your bet. The heritage print covers an irresistibly soft bed that's also washable, when you need a little refresh.
With a generous 150 X 100 cm span, this cosy blanket fits with our classic print theme. It's perfect for covering furniture whist comforting your dog and giving them space to curl up. The throw has a super soft velvet reverse and is easy care for popping in the wash.
This is as much for your home as it is for your pet. It's the perfect place to put all the toys and treats that you've accrued over the years, giving your home a tidy look, and them some well-deserved storage. It's H33 by 30cm diameter.
At the Table
Proof that Le Creuset can do luxury anywhere, this charming container is part of their pet collection. The generous 2.3L storage will keep pet food looking smart and tidy wherever you choose to store it - and the handy scoop makes serving easy too.
In my scandi-style house, this is the feeding station hero. Raised on a bamboo stand, these ceramic bowls look surprisingly beautiful. There are non-stick feet that keep it steady and the bowls are really easy to clean (and dishwasher safe, if you so wish).
Underneath the bowls sits this stylish mat. It protects the floor from spills and mess with a wipe-clean surface and non-stick reverse. It's a hard working, but brilliant base for the food station.
Party Treats
Another recommendation from Sennen, whose dog "goes feral" at a whiff of these. They're not just a delicious treat though, they're good for your pup's teeth and gums.
Perfect for making yourself, this is a recommendation from Head of eCommerce, Heidi. It's perfect for hotter weather, because it can help your pooch to cool down a little.
It's not a celebration without cake and this trio have been made with pet-friendly ingredients. Dogs don't seem to discriminate, but at least these are a treat for you to gift.
Playtime
This has been a hero for my busy dog. The non-stick bottom means she's busy for a long time, tending to the carrot patch, pulling each out one-by-one. If only she could help me with my actual gardening...
Recommended by Ariana, our celebrity writer, this is a dog toy she loves for her pooch. It's a fun joke for owners and the squeaky, soft feel is brilliant for dogs that are a little bit extra.
Our Fashion eCommerce Editor, Caroline, says her dog won't leave the house without one of these. Made from canvas with rope and a squeaker, it's brilliant for throwing - keeping even the most energetic dogs busy.
Out & About
In this heat, a long walk means factoring in a water station. Or, you can take this neat water bottle, which lets you squeeze water into a nifty bowl. I take mine everywhere.
Everyone likes their own style of lead, but this leather one has stood the test of time (4 years) with my large and very strong dog. It's classy and robust - a dream duo.
They might already have a collar, but a harness can be handy to have too. With multiple places for lead attachment, you can find a way of walking that works for you and your dog.
Pamper & Groom
Ouai is a favourite for our beauty team, so we were thrilled to see a pet-friendly shampoo from the brand. It's enriched with nourishing ingredients like rambutan seed extract, vegetable protein and panthenol to give fur a soft, shiny finish. And it smells incredible too.
Recommended by Sennen, our Digital Beauty Writer, as "the treat we love for ourselves" this gentle spray is perfect for making her lovely dog smell fresh and lovely between washes.
It's hard to resist Barbour's pet-friendly collection and whilst we could have featured it all, we've kept to their classic towel. Soft enough to double up as a blanket, it's a godsend for travelling, long journeys, and holidays.
Whichever category catches your eye first, the truth is your dog won't clock the price tag or the styling, they'll just know they've had an extra good day, and that you were the one behind it. Sometimes that's a new bed to sink into, sometimes it's a slightly longer walk with all the right kit, and sometimes it's simply an extra biscuit they weren't expecting. However you choose to mark it, National Spoil Your Dog Day is really just an excuse to say what we should probably say more often: well done for being you. Now, where's that lead?
