Spoil Pup in Other Ways These 12 Days of Christmas (Treat Alternatives)

The 12 days of Christmas are nearly upon us, and we all know that during this time it’s all about the food. But too many treats can cause a host of health problems for both humans and dogs. So this festive season we’re sharing ways to spoil your dog without turning to Christmas dinner scraps.

Why you should spoil your dog without food

Giving your good boy or girl a treat now and then does them no harm, just to be clear. And there’s no doubt that food-based treats are valuable. They have a big role to play in positive reinforcement dog training, they also help in bonding with your pup, and are good for getting their attention when needed.

Unfortunately, giving your furball too many treats or exclusively rewarding them with treats can lead to pet obesity and diabetes in pets, which are growing concerns in New Zealand. 

Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important if your dog is prone to IVDD, hip dysplasia or heart or lung problems. Limiting their treats will help keep their weight in check and in turn, keep them happy and healthy.

Luckily, you can spoil your furbaby without polishing off the cookie jar! Show your dog you care about them (and their health) by trying out some of the cool ideas we’ve found below.

Playing a game is a good way to spoil your dog

One of the best ways to spoil your pup is by playing a game with them. This can be as simple as playing fetch with them in the garden for half an hour. Fetch is thoroughly gratifying for a dog. It allows them to show off their athletic prowess, appease their instincts, bask in our undivided attention, and burn off some of that never-ending energy. 

If you find that the fetch makes your dog manic or they seem stressed out by it, Kiwi Canine has some alternatives for different dog breeds that you might find interesting. 

Or, you could read our articles on puppy games (“the shadow”, scavenger hunt, etc) and exercising dogs without walking (sandpits, swimming, etc).

A walk or outing

With another year of COVID coming to an end, going for a walk is still a great way to spoil your dog and get both of you out of the house. This could be a simple walk around the neighbourhood or a trip somewhere new.

Most socialised dogs enjoy outings, too. Maybe you could take them to a park, a river, or even on holiday? What better way to spoil your pup for Christmas than taking them along on a roadtrip or a weekend away from the hustle and bustle. Here’s a list of tips for travelling with pets.

And on hot days, a swim is the best way to cool down. Just make sure you know how to keep your dog safe at the beach (or lake) before you go and catch some waves.

Buy them a toy

When you’re out and about or busy, spoil your dog with a new toy. There are plenty of options, and a brand we can recommend is Pet.co.nz‘s great range of robust chew toys.

Dogs who aren’t big chewers might prefer something like a soft plush toy to cuddle and carry around. Other dogs will prefer things like balls or rope toys that they can shake, chase and run around with. You know your dog’s preferences best, so we’ll leave that up to you.

You may even bring out that special toy when you leave your dog alone over Christmas. Like when you go out to lunch or to see family or head out for a party with friends. If it’s something they love, your dog might even look forward to you leaving – sorry, human! But at least you won’t have to worry about pet separation anxiety posing a problem.

Spoil your dog this Christmas with insurance

If something does go wrong over Christmas, and your dog breaks into the chocolate stash or picks a fight with the wrong dog at the park, a pet insurance policy will take the financial stress out so you can focus on helping your furball recover. 

With a policy to help you cover the bills for consultation, tests and treatments, you can get vet care pets deserve. And that’s the ultimate way to spoil your dog over Christmas.