Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs in Australia 2025

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for your dog isn’t just about grabbing the first squeaky toy you see. Different dogs have wildly different needs—a border collie who destroys every toy in minutes needs something completely different from a senior staffy who just wants a comfy spot to nap.

This guide breaks down the best dog gifts by budget, dog type, and category, with a focus on what actually works for Australian dogs dealing with our summer Christmas heat.

Quick Navigation:

• Budget Gift Guide
• Interactive Toys & Tech
• Comfort & Relaxation
• Summer & Outdoor Essentials
• Treats & Food Gifts
• For Senior Dogs
• For Anxious Dogs
• For Power Chewers
• Safety Tips

---

Gifts by Budget

Under $25: Stocking Stuffers

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your dog’s Christmas special. These budget-friendly options are perfect for stockings or as add-ons to a bigger gift.

Best Budget Toy: KONG Sherps Llama

The KONG Sherps Llama is a soft plush toy with minimal stuffing, making it less messy if your dog does manage to tear into it. The crinkle sounds and squeaker keep dogs engaged without being as annoying as some squeaky toys. Great for dogs who like to carry toys around or use them as comfort objects.

Other budget options to consider:

• Christmas-themed bandanas ($8-15)
• Rope toys for tug-of-war ($10-20)
• Tennis ball multi-packs ($12-15)
• Basic treat puzzle toys ($15-25)

$25-100: The Sweet Spot

This price range offers the best value—quality toys that will actually last, plus treats and accessories that feel like a proper gift.

Best Mid-Range Pick: Interactive Puzzle Toys

Dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats turn mealtime into a game, which is especially useful for dogs who eat too fast or get bored easily.

Lickimats are a popular Australian option—spread some peanut butter or wet food on the textured surface and watch your dog work for their treat. They’re also great for anxious dogs who need a calming activity.

Other $25-100 options:

• Snuffle mats for nose work ($15-100)
• Quality fetch toys like Chuckit balls ($10-30)
• High Quality Collars ($25-45)

$100+: Premium & Luxury Gifts

When you want something that’ll genuinely improve your dog’s life (and maybe yours too). This price range is for the dog who has everything—or for owners who want to invest in quality gear that will last for years.

Best Premium Pick: Adventure Gear

If you love taking your small dog on adventures, a high-quality carrier is a game-changer. It allows you to go further on hikes or navigate busy city streets without your dog getting tired or overwhelmed.

Other Premium options:

• Snuggle Puppy Plus with Smartbeat ($100+)
• SportDOG Brand Sport Trainer 575 ($340+)
• Potaroma Dog Puzzle Feeder Toy ($135)

---

Interactive Toys and Tech

For High-Energy Dogs

Some dogs need more than a daily walk—they need jobs. These toys help burn mental and physical energy.

Electronic Interactive Balls & Launchers

These toys are a fantastic way to keep high-energy dogs entertained and active when you can’t be fully hands-on with play.

Other automated toy options:

• PETGEEK Motion Activated Dog Bone ($70) - Great for indoor play and curious dogs.
• MEKAPLE Automatic Ball Launcher ($288) - Ideal for small dogs with adjustable 10-30ft launch distance.
• PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher ($250+) - The classic reliable option for fetch-obsessed dogs.

For Herding Breeds

Border collies, kelpies, and cattle dogs have strong herding instincts that regular toys don’t satisfy. The Race & Herd Herding Ball is specifically designed for this—it’s too large to pick up, so dogs push it around with their nose and chest, mimicking the herding behaviour they’re bred for.

This is particularly great for Australian working breeds who don’t have actual livestock to herd.

Puzzle Feeders & Brain Games

Mental stimulation tires dogs out faster than physical exercise alone. A 15-minute puzzle session can be as exhausting as a 30-minute walk.

Beginner Level:

• Freezable Treat Dispensing Ball - Cooling summer toy
• Snuffle mats - hide kibble in fabric strips
• KONG Classic - stuff with treats and freeze
• Lickimats - spread soft food on textured surface

Intermediate Level:

• Sliding puzzle toys
• Treat-dispensing balls
• Nina Ottosson puzzles (various difficulty levels)

Advanced Level:

• Multi-step puzzle boxes
• Hide-and-seek toys (like ZippyPaws burrow toys)
• DIY puzzle combinations

Pet Monitoring Tech

For peace of mind when you’re not home, a good camera is essential.

• Tapo Pan/Tilt Pet Camera ($60) - A budget-friendly powerhouse with 360° view, 1080P night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. Great for checking in on your dog (or catching them on the couch!).

---

Comfort and Relaxation Gifts

Beds That Actually Last

A quality bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. They spend 12-14 hours a day sleeping—a supportive bed matters.

What to look for:

• Orthopedic foam for joint support (especially important for large breeds and seniors)
• Removable, washable covers (essential in Australia’s climate)
• Raised edges if your dog likes to rest their head on something
• Cooling gel or breathable materials for summer

Australian brands worth considering:

• Snooza - Melbourne-based, known for orthopedic beds ($100-250)
• T&S Pet Products - Australian-made, various styles
• Big Barker - Premium orthopaedic, 10-year warranty (imported, $400+)

Calming Products for Anxious Dogs

If your dog struggles with anxiety—whether from storms, separation, or general nervousness—consider gifts that help them relax.

Calming beds with raised bolster edges give dogs a sense of security. The “donut” style beds are particularly popular for anxious dogs who like to curl up.

Calming supplements (consult your vet first) can help some dogs, particularly around the stressful Christmas period with visitors and changes to routine.

---

Australian Summer Essentials

Christmas in Australia means 30°C+ days, so forget the cosy winter gifts you see in American guides. Our dogs need help staying cool.

Cooling Products

Cooling Mats

Gel-based cooling mats provide a cold surface for dogs to lie on. They don’t require refrigeration—the gel activates with pressure and cools through the dog’s body heat. The Rywell Dog Cooling Mat uses endothermic color-changing Arc-Chill fiber for advanced cooling. Look for mats sized appropriately for your dog; they need to be able to lie fully on the surface.

Dog Pools

A shallow pool is one of the best summer investments. Look for:

• Sturdy, claw-resistant materials
• Foldable designs for easy storage
• Appropriate size (dogs should be able to stand comfortably)

Portable Water Solutions

For walks and outdoor adventures:

• Collapsible water bowls
• Water bottles with built-in bowls
• Dog-specific hydration packs for hikes

The Great Outdoors

For the adventurers and backyard explorers, these gifts make outdoor time safer and more fun.

Outdoor & Indoor/Outdoor Gear:

• Long Training Leash (15-50ft) ($15+) - Great for recall training, camping, and beach days.
• Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket ($135) - Essential floatation vest for swimming dogs. Reflective and adjustable.
• Baboni 3-Flap Pet Door for Wall ($100+) - Steel frame with double flaps and aluminum lock for security.

Tick Prevention: A Practical Gift

It might not be glamorous, but tick prevention is genuinely one of the most valuable things you can give an Australian dog, especially on the east coast. Paralysis ticks are responsible for more pet deaths than snakes, and summer is peak season.

Popular options in Australia:

• NexGard Spectra (chewable, monthly)
• Bravecto (chewable, 3-monthly)
• Simparica Trio (chewable, monthly)
• Seresto collars (8-month protection)

A 3-6 month supply makes an excellent practical gift—especially for puppies getting their first summer protection or for family members who might not stay on top of preventatives.

---

Treats and Food Gifts

Advent Calendars

Dog advent calendars have become hugely popular, and Australian options are much better than they were a few years ago. Look for:

• Australian-made treats with recognisable ingredients
• Variety packs so your dog gets different flavours
• Appropriate sizing for your dog (some calendars have tiny treats better suited to small dogs)

Popular Australian brands include Laila & Me, Byron Bay Dog Treats, and SavourLife (which donates 50% of profits to rescue dogs).

Treat Hampers & Gift Boxes

Pre-made hampers take the guesswork out of gift-giving. Most include a mix of treats, toys, and sometimes accessories.

What to check before buying:

• Ingredient lists (avoid artificial colours and preservatives)
• Treat size appropriate for your dog’s size
• Expiry dates on perishable items

Christmas Stockings (Pre-Filled)

You can find pre-filled Christmas stockings for dogs at most pet stores. These typically include:

• 2-3 small toys
• Selection of treats
• Sometimes a bandana or accessory

Great as a complete gift for dogs you don’t know well (friend’s pets, etc.) or as a base to add to.

---

Gifts for Senior Dogs

Older dogs have different needs—less about high-energy play, more about comfort and joint support.

Mobility Aids

Dog Ramps

If your senior dog struggles to get onto the couch, bed, or into the car, a ramp can be life-changing. Folding ramps are a practical option—folds flat for storage, has non-slip traction, and adjusts to different heights.

What to look for in a ramp:

• Weight capacity suitable for your dog
• Non-slip surface (essential for dogs with mobility issues)
• Appropriate incline (shouldn’t be too steep)
• Sturdy construction that won’t wobble

Joint Support Products

Orthopedic beds become essential as dogs age. Look for memory foam or similar supportive materials that help distribute weight evenly.

Raised food bowls reduce strain on neck and joints during eating—particularly helpful for large breeds prone to neck and back issues.

Joint supplements (again, consult your vet) containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oils can help maintain joint health.

Gentle Toys

Senior dogs often still want to play, just at a lower intensity. Look for:

• Softer plush toys they can carry
• Gentle puzzle toys for mental stimulation
• Toys they can chew without risking teeth

---

Gifts for Anxious Dogs

If your dog struggles with anxiety, strategic gift choices can genuinely help.

Calming Toys and Tools

Lickimats and Kongs - The repetitive licking action releases calming endorphins. Spread peanut butter, yoghurt, or wet food and freeze for extended calm time.

Snuffle mats - Nose work is naturally calming for dogs. Hiding treats in a snuffle mat engages their brain in a low-stress activity.

Heartbeat toys - These contain a device that mimics a heartbeat, which can comfort anxious dogs (especially puppies newly separated from littermates).

Environmental Aids

Calming diffusers using synthetic pheromones (like Adaptil) can help reduce anxiety in the home.

White noise machines or leaving classical music on can help drown out anxiety triggers like fireworks or storms.

For Separation Anxiety

If your dog struggles when you leave:

• Interactive cameras let you check in and even dispense treats remotely
• Long-lasting chews give them something to focus on when you leave
• Puzzle toys stuffed and frozen provide extended distraction

For more detailed advice on managing grooming-related anxiety, see our guide to grooming anxious dogs.

---

Gifts for Power Chewers

Some dogs destroy everything. If your dog can demolish a “durable” toy in minutes, standard recommendations don’t apply.

Actually Durable Toys

KONG Extreme (black line) - The toughest KONG formula, designed for aggressive chewers

Goughnuts - Designed with a safety indicator; if your dog chews through to the red layer, you replace it

West Paw Zogoflex - Guaranteed tough, recyclable, and made in the USA

Rope toys (supervised only) - Great for tug, but should be taken away if your dog starts shredding the fibres

What to avoid:

• Anything with squeakers that can be swallowed
• Stuffed toys (they’ll be shredded immediately)
• Thin rubber toys
• Bones that splinter (cooked bones especially)

Safe Chewing Alternatives

Not toys, but items designed to be chewed:

Yak milk chews - Hard cheese chews that soften as dogs work on them Frozen carrots - Budget-friendly, healthy, and good for teeth

---

Grooming Gifts

Since you’re on a grooming directory, we’d be remiss not to mention grooming products as gifts—both for the dog and for their owner.

Home Grooming Tools

Deshedding tools - Essential for double-coated breeds heading into summer. The Pet Grooming Glove Set is a gentle alternative to metal rakes—it removes loose fur while you stroke your dog, making it less stressful for grooming-shy pets.

Nail grinders - Many dogs tolerate grinding better than clipping. Look for quiet models with variable speed.

Quality brushes - Different coats need different brushes. Slicker brushes for long coats, rubber curry combs for short coats, pin brushes for silky coats.

Professional Grooming Gift Cards

Sometimes the best gift is letting a professional handle it. A gift card to a local groomer is practical and appreciated—especially for breeds that need regular professional grooming.

If you’re looking for a groomer in your area, browse our directory to find trusted professionals near you.

---

Where to Buy: Australian Retailers

Major Retailers

• Amazon Australia - Huge range, fast Prime delivery, and competitive prices.
• Petbarn - Largest chain, 2-hour metro delivery, click & collect
• PETstock - 250+ stores, same-day delivery options
• Pet Circle - Online-focused, competitive pricing, AutoDelivery discounts
• My Pet Warehouse - Price-match guarantee, good range

Shipping Deadlines for Christmas 2025

To ensure your gifts arrive in time:

Service	Metro Deadline	Regional Deadline
Australia Post Parcel Post	December 16-19	December 11-14
Australia Post Express	December 20-22	December 16-19
Retailer Same-Day	December 24	Not available
Click & Collect	December 24	December 24

Pro tip: Order early. Every year, delivery networks get overwhelmed in the week before Christmas, and “guaranteed” delivery dates become suggestions.

---

Christmas Gift Safety

Before you wrap anything, make sure your gift won’t cause problems.

Toys to Be Careful With

Squeakers - If your dog is likely to tear out and swallow squeakers, either avoid squeaky toys or supervise closely

Stuffing - Polyfill stuffing can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed in large amounts

Small parts - Eyes, buttons, or decorations that could be chewed off and swallowed

String and ribbon - Can cause serious intestinal issues if swallowed; never leave ribbon on dog toys

Treats to Avoid

Toxic ingredients:

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener) - extremely dangerous to dogs
• Chocolate - toxic, especially dark chocolate
• Macadamia nuts - toxic to dogs
• Onion and garlic - toxic in large amounts
• Grapes and raisins - toxic

Choking hazards:

• Treats too small (can be inhaled)
• Treats too large (can be choked on)
• Cooked bones (splinter dangerously)

General Christmas Hazards

While not gift-related, keep these away from your dog over Christmas:

• Tinsel and ribbon - intestinal obstruction risk
• Christmas plants (lilies, poinsettias) - toxic
• Chocolate decorations - tree chocolates are a common poisoning cause
• Alcohol - even small amounts are dangerous
• Cooked bones from Christmas dinner - splinter risk

---

Final Thoughts

The best gift for your dog isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—it’s the one that matches their personality, needs, and your lifestyle. An anxious dog will get more value from a calming bed than a ball launcher. A senior dog needs joint support more than high-energy toys.

Think about what would genuinely improve your dog’s daily life, and you’ll find the right gift.

---

Last updated: November 2025

Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support GroomerLink and allows us to continue providing free resources for Australian dog owners.