Looking for the ultimate dog Christmas presents in 2026? Look no further. We’ve sniffed out the most wag-worthy Christmas gifts for dogs. Take our quiz or scroll through our guide below. Either way, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something your dog (and you) will love.
Do you buy your dog Christmas presents?
Do you? Should you? It’s completely up to you, but as pet lovers we believe buying a dog Christmas present or three is worthwhile because it lets you include them in the festive fun. They may not fully understand, but they’ll know they’re tearing into wrapping paper just like the rest of the whānau – and that comes with a real sense of belonging.
You can also double up on your shopping wins by ticking off the essentials you’ve been meaning to buy anyway, while choosing slightly fancier or better-quality options.
Take a look at what we mean with these gifts for summer safety and fun for dogs in NZ…
What present to give my dog for Christmas?
Christmas also means summer, so we’ve picked good Christmas gifts for dogs that help them stay cool, hydrated, safe and mentally stimulated – and maybe even keep the festive kilos in check.
Choose from these 10 savvy dog Christmas gifts:
In this article
- Do you buy your dog Christmas presents?
- What present to give my dog for Christmas?
- #1 Kiwi-made dog ice-cream
- #2 Pet cooling mat
- #3 Dog cooling vest
- #4 Dog life jacket
- #5 Portable dog water bottle
- #6 Dog summer booties
- #7 Dog sunblock
- #8 Slow-feeding puzzle toy or snuffle mat
- #9 Go-slow lick mat
- #10 The ultimate dog Christmas present: Insurance
#1 Kiwi-made dog ice-cream
What’s a Kiwi summer without ice cream? Dunedin-based Scoop Dog makes a dog-friendly version so your pup doesn’t have to give you the side-eye while you finish your cone. It’s made from NZ goat’s milk and comes as a powder – you just add water and freeze. Flavours include vanilla, peanut butter, bacon, choccy (made with carob, not chocolate) and a celebratory ‘Barkday’ flavour.
You’ll find it at Animates for around $11 a pack, which makes it a brilliant stocking stuffer. Serve it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack, and keep portions small for little dogs.
#2 Pet cooling mat
A pet cooling mat is the perfect solution for December heat and hot dogs needing cool relief (read: Is a Pet Cooling Mat Worth the Investment?). Pop it in your dog’s favourite spot at home, then roll it up and bring it along for road trips and baches.
Gel-style mats don’t need a freezer or power – they simply draw heat away as your dog lies on them. Bunnings NZ stocks the Pillar cooling mat in a medium 50 x 40cm size and a larger 90 x 60cm size, both well under $25. Keep it out of direct sun so it stays cool.
#3 Dog cooling vest
For active dogs who don’t want to sit out the summer adventures, a cooling vest is a game-changer. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler works through evaporation: soak it in water, wring it out, pop it on your dog and head out. Its light-coloured fabric reflects the sun, and when it dries you just re-soak it. It also has a leash portal so it can be worn over a harness.
The Swamp Cooler is available through Further Faster in sizes from XXS to XL. Keep in mind that cooling gear helps, but it’s no substitute for avoiding the midday heat – read up on the signs of heatstroke in dogs before summer kicks off.
#4 Dog life jacket
On the list of good Christmas gifts for water-loving dogs in NZ is a life jacket. We’re not talking standard orange here – it’s the festive season, so we’re opting for a designed dog swim jacket from Stylish Hound.
It offers safety and style in one go, with a padded neoprene handle, buoyancy foam and adjustable straps to keep your dog afloat while they make a splash. It’s quick-drying, too, so it’s easy to pack away after.
What’s better for hitting dog-friendly beaches in NZ or taking a dip in the pool? Speaking of poolside time, be sure to read our guide to dog pool safety this summer.
#5 Portable dog water bottle
In keeping with the stay-cool theme, a portable dog water bottle is a must. The Thirsty Dog Bottle is a 100% NZ-owned design from Christchurch. The lid doubles as a drinking cup, so you can leave the separate bowl at home: press the button to fill the cup, and tip the bottle back to return any untouched water for later. It holds 550ml and comes in white, black and peach.
At $65, it’s a dog Christmas present that says, “Stay hydrated, my friend,” in the simplest, most useful way possible.
#6 Dog summer booties
Dog summer booties aren’t just good dog Christmas presents – they’re essential for walking on hot tar, sand or concrete. It’s easy to forget how hot the ground gets when you’ve got shoes on. Dogs usually walk barefoot, and if their paw pads burn they can become blistered, swollen and infected.
We like the Ruffwear dog boots that come in a range of sizes. Take the booties off as soon as you’re off the hot surface so your dog’s paws can breathe and sweat. And always avoid the midday heat whenever possible – dog shoes on or off.
#7 Dog sunblock
Dog sunburn is serious (yes, dogs can get sunburn)! The Life of Riley Sun Balm is one of those savvy dog Christmas presents that doubles as an essential. If you’re not keen on a balm, try Vetpro Pet Sunblock Powder.
Human sunscreen isn’t safe for dogs, and overexposure to the sun is a risk factor for cancer in dogs. Stick to dog-safe sun protection and plan outdoor trips for early morning and late afternoon.
#8 Slow-feeding puzzle toy or snuffle mat
We all love dogs, many of us love rugby, and dogs love food. Combine the three and you get a rugby-ball-shaped kibble dispenser from Pet.kiwi. Your dog has to use brawn and brains to get the kibble out, which slows down eating and satisfies their foraging instinct.
Prefer something softer? A snuffle mat hides treats in fabric ‘grass’ for your dog to sniff out – and Bunnings NZ has a seriously Kiwi option in its Happy Tails Avocado Snuffle Mat.
Slower eating is a big win for responsible pet parenting, especially with fat and obese dog health issues being a top canine concern. As fun as puzzle toys are, we always recommend supervision.
#9 Go-slow lick mat
Lick mats like the LickiMat from Pet.kiwi turn mealtime into a fun challenge and slow down eating, which helps digestion. Spread dog-friendly treats like dairy-free yoghurt, peanut butter or wet dog food into the grooves. (Just beware of xylitol toxicity in dogs and avoid peanut butters that contain it.)
Tip: pop a loaded lick mat in the freezer for an extra-long-lasting summer treat. Suction-cup versions stick to the wall during bath time, keeping your dog happily occupied while you wash them.
#10 The ultimate dog Christmas present: Insurance
While we’ve ticked off most of the best dog Christmas presents, here’s one to gift yourself … pet insurance to help pay for non-routine vet bills.
Whether Bella has swallowed a Christmas tree decoration or gotten food poisoning from Christmas mince pies, you never know when they might need emergency treatment. Of course, even though accidental ingestion is a top claim for pets, there are many others that range from illness to dental issues.
Take a couple of minutes to grab a quick no-obligation quote for our hassle-free pet insurance. PLUS, you can get one 1 month free when you sign up.
Product recommendations in this blog are general suggestions only and are not endorsements. Products and prices were correct at the time of posting but may have changed by the time you click through.