Gifts for Dog Lovers – The Ultimate Guide

I spend a lot of time with dogs. Not only do I love being around them, but it’s my job! In my years as a dog walker, dog photographer, and Gino’s mom, I’ve tried a lot of products for dogs. 

People often ask me for gift ideas for dog-owners, and I’m always happy to tell them about my favorite items. Here, you’ll find my ultimate list of gifts for dog lovers! From toys and treats to gear, these are my must-haves.  

This post contains several Amazon affiliate items. This just means I’ll make a small commission when you shop through my links.

Toys

Jolly Ball Tug and Toss 

I have yet to meet a dog who doesn’t go crazy for these toy balls! Jolly Balls hold up to lots of tug-of-war rounds since you can puncture them without deflating them. They’re also great for taking outdoors and can withstand water play. You’ve gotta love toys that last! Plus, they come in several sizes for small and big pups alike.

Squeaky Balls

Have you ever wondered what my secret is for getting a dog’s attention at a photoshoot? This is it! Kong’s Air Dog squeaky balls are my go-to distraction. They inspire that adorable look of intrigue and joy on dogs’ faces! The Air Dog tennis balls never fail to captivate fun-loving pups, and the balls are also available in a colorful five-pack.

Snuggle Buddy

Every pup needs a snuggle buddy, and this is Gino’s favorite! Lambchop is soft, plush, and perfect for cuddles. Its squeaker makes it a fun toy for any dog, though it’s not meant for aggressive chewers.

Home & Care

Dog Bed

Pampered pups enjoy a big and soft bed. This one is just the best! Gino has been snoozing on his Orvis ComfortFill-Eco bed since he was just a little guy, and it looks brand new even after a year and a half. The cover is removable and washable, which comes in handy when you have a puppy in the house. The bed comes in several colors and is customizable with your dog’s name. 

Dematting Comb

There’s nothing worse than getting your dog squeaky clean, only to find you have matted fur clumps to deal with. This Hertzko Dematting Comb is the easiest and fastest tool you can use to comb away mats, knots, and tangles. It’s excellent or any fur-type and is safe for dogs’ skin. 

Dog Bowls

Yeti dog bowls are excellent gifts for dog lovers who appreciate function and style! They hold up to 8 cups (or 64 oz), more than enough for dogs with big appetites. Dishwasher-safe and made with stainless steel, Yeti dog bowls are easy to clean. We’ve had since our Gino was a puppy, and they still look brand new! They also get major points for their non-slip rings, which keep the bowls from getting pushed around or tipped over by excited little snouts!

Dog Waste Bin

This waste bin isn’t the most glamorous gift on this list, but it’s a functional one! Instead of tossing dog waste into the garbage, put it in this designated and discrete bin. It’s sleek, doesn’t draw much attention, and can be left outside. The bin also features a handle for easy carrying and emptying–super convenient for cleaning up pup poop around your yard.

Around Town

Leash

The Leo Leash from Good Hound Company is always in my bag at photoshoots! It’s what I share with clients who need to borrow a photo-ready leash. Good Hound Company makes a variety of high-quality pet goods, including my favorite dog bandanas. Good Hound Company hand-crafts their products here in Milwaukee, and I love that they support local dog rescue and protection organizations.

Belt Bag

The Everywhere Belt Bag from Lululemon is one of my favorite gifts for dog lovers on-the-go! I got it for dog walking since it holds my ID and debit cards, dog treats, and extra poop bags. But it also fits a small water bottle, my keys, phone, and more. I don’t just take it on dog walks, though! I wear it cross-body on errands, too, which is ideal during the warmer months when I don’t have many pockets available.

Travel Water Bottles

When I’m carrying a small bag like my belt bag (see above), AirTan’s Dog Mini Water Bottle lets me keep water handy for Gino without having to lug a bunch of stuff. It would be a thoughtful gift for pet owners who enjoy taking their dogs for walks and quick trips around town. The bottle is leak-proof, too! 

For car trips and other outings where you might have more room, the MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle is the way to go. It’s leak-proof as well and has a 19-ounce capacity. Dog-parents holding leashes and other gear will appreciate the bottle’s one-hand operation.

Waste Bag Clip 

Doggie business is something every dog owner deals with when they’re out and about, and a Doggie Doo Clip makes it easier. This waste bag clip helps pet parents to be prepared anywhere they might be taking their dog for a walk. I appreciate it even more, now that I walk my dog in the suburbs, and there aren’t trash cans on every corner! 

Doggie Doo Clips are made in Milwaukee and are available for a variety of breeds! You can have them engraved with your favorite pup’s name, and they are made for both flat and rope leash styles.

Dog Poop Bags

Scooping up dog poop doesn’t have to be a stinky task! Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags make the not-so-fun part of walking your dog a bit more pleasant. The bags are easy to open and tie. They also mask smells with a lavender-scented (whew!), and unscented options are available. Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags discretely hold their contents, and because they’re made of recyclable materials, I always feel good about using them. 

Dog Apparel

Ripley and Rue

Ripley and Rue products are close to my heart since they’re made in my hometown. Shout out to Omaha! Ripley and Rue makes colorful and high-quality dog accessories and nice gear for humans, too. I’m a fan of their bandanas, but they also have harnesses, bows and bowties, and more. 

Rupert and Co.

You might have spotted Rupert and Co.’s adorable bandanas on Dogs of MKE in the past! Rupert and Co. sells customizable bandanas in various designs and even has a subscription service so you can make sure your pup is always wearing the newest styles. Their founder, Natalie, hails from Wisconsin, too.

Treats

Leashless Labs

It’s only fitting to gift Brew City dogs with treats made from local breweries! Leashless Lab’s sustainable dog treats are made from upcycled beer grains and other natural ingredients. Based in Milwaukee, the company supports animal protection organizations in every state where they sell their products. 

Stella and Chewy’s

It should come as no surprise that I keep a stash of dog treats on-hand at every shoot! Stella and Chewy’s are some of my favorites. They’re made with high-quality ingredients, and dogs love them. Stella and Chewy’s treats are all the incentive my dog-clients need to sit, pose, and look at the camera! They’re also great to use at home for training and to reward your pups. The Raw Beef Wild Weenies and Carnivore Crunch varieties always have the dogs I work with begging for more!

I hope this list gifts you some gift ideas for the dog lovers in your life! If you want to give them something they’ll treasure forever, grab a gift card and give them the gift of a photo session.