Choosing the right footwear is an absolute necessity to meet your needs for dog walking. We’ve selected a range of footwear to help keep you comfortable, dry and warm, whatever challenges you meet on your walks.

H&H’s quick links

• Best waterproof trainers for dog walking: Ariat Ascent
• Best short boots for dog walking: Merry People Bobbi
• Best long boots for dog walking: Dubarry Galway

Best waterproof trainers for dog walking

Ariat Ascent Waterproof Paddock Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: UK 3–8½

RRP: £160

Reasons to buy

• Waterproof
• Available in half sizes

Reasons to avoid

• Neoprene collar style might not suit everyone

Ariat is a well known brand within the equestrian community for comfort and durability of its boots. These short, waterproof boots are ideal for dog walking. Designed to double up as riding boots, they are wonderfully versatile. They’re similar to trainers and have a flexible, lightweight build with a breathable, sock-like fit for comfortable compression, ankle support and instep comfort.

H&H’s news editor Eleanor Jones tested these boots and found them to be incredibly comfortable and great for wearing around the yard as well as good riding boots. For dog-walking, the cushioning gives you a spring in your step, and their lightweight build means you can stay on your feet for hours. They are waterproof up to the ankle, so fine for most conditions but not deep puddles.

Read H&H’s independent Ariat Ascent paddock boots review.

LeMieux Trax Waterproof Trainers

Colours: Black, cinder or petrol

Sizes: UK 3–9

RRP: £99.95

Reasons to buy

• Quick and easy toggle lacing system
• Michelin rubber sole’s unique tread for stability
• Ergonomic and shock absorbing sole for comfort

Reasons to avoid

• Less foot and ankle protection than the other boots

These lightweight and versatile waterproof trainers are suited to equestrian and active lifestyles in all weathers. They feature a quick and easy toggle lacing system, exclusive Michelin rubber soles with unique tread patterns to provide stability on slippery surfaces. Ideal for those slippery footpaths. The tread also reduces the build-up of mud and gravel. The ergonomic heavy duty insole offers all-day comfort and the lightweight EVA foam midsole is shock absorbing to help keep your feet comfortable.

Best short boots for dog walking

Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boots

Colours: 19 options

Sizes: UK 3–10

RRP: £89.95

Reasons to buy

• Waterproof
• Neoprene lining
• Versatile Chelsea boot design

Reasons to avoid

• Shorter style doesn’t provide full coverage

These stylish ankle boots combine functionality with a modern design, making them suitable for a variety of settings. Crafted from waterproof materials and featuring a soft, insulating lining, they offer both comfort and protection in wet weather. Great for keeping you dry on dewy morning walks and unexpected rain. Their classic design and vibrant colour options make them a fashionable choice for everyday wear.

The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport II Mid Boots

Colours: Black, black magenta, wine, brown, navy, black grey

Sizes: UK 3–8

RRP: £145

Reasons to buy

• Warm
• Sturdy and practical

Reasons to avoid

• If you don’t feel the cold

Wellies are a must if you’re a dog walker, these short wellies are great if you suffer from cold feet. These boots are great for winter dog walking as they have a 5mm insulating neoprene inner boot, plus a cosy fleece lining. While the stretch-fit top will help keep the boots snug to your legs, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.

They have a supportive midsole and a grippy outsole, making them an ideal option for a dog walk. They also feature a pull tab to help you get them on and off, and benefit from odour control and moisture management technology. H&H’s head of ecommerce Georgia Guerin tested the longer version of these boots and said “They are comfortable and supportive and feel like trainers to walk in. The sole offered good grip in the mud”. If you suffer from cold feet these would be ideal for you and I would recommend sizing up if you usually take a half size.

The Original Muck Boot Company Originals Pull On Boots

Colours: 10 options

Sizes: UK 3–9

RRP: £135

Reasons to buy

• Waterproof
• Neoprene lined
• Durable rubber sole
• Easy to slip on and off

Reasons to avoid

• Low profile not the best for wet ground

These short wellies are totally waterproof and easy to get on and off. They have an antimicrobial insert with odour and moisture management treatment that keeps you fresh all day. Great for when it’s wet but too warm for tall wellington boots.

Georgia Guerin has a pair of these short wellies and has worn them for many miles without any problems. She says: “I’ve worn these everyday and they’re so comfortable and easy to slip on. There are loads of colours to choose from but I actually love my yellow pair – they make me feel summery! And they’re great for when I’m gardening, too.”

Le Chameau Explore 7”

Colours: Brown

Sizes: UK4–12

RRP: £250

Reasons to buy

• Waterproof and breathable
• Michelin sole for superior grip
• Two-year warranty

Reasons to avoid

• Laces might not appeal to everyone

These boots have been designed to be comfortable from the first wear and tackle the toughest of terrains. They’re described as being waterproof and breathable with a Michelin sole for superior grip and traction. So if you’re looking for new boots to stand up to your more challenging dog walking routes these could be the pair for you.

North Face Hedgehog Futurelight Hiking Boots

Colours: Taupe green/black or black/zinc grey

Sizes: UK 3–13

RRP: £135

Reasons to buy

• Short boot style
• Great grip in uneven terrain

Reasons to avoid

• Take a fair amount of maintenance to keep looking good

An extremely comfortable and lightweight hiking shoe, they offer great traction on slippery going, as well as stability on uneven terrain. They have decent cushioning and protect your feet and ankles well against injuries from flints, tree roots, mis-steps and so on. They are marketed as waterproof and breathable, and are pretty good in this regard for what is effectively a fabric shoe, albeit very high-tech, but obviously given that they only go up to the ankle, and are lace-up, we wouldn’t recommend marching through deep puddles in them.

Best long boots for dog walking

Dubarry Galway Country Boots

Colours: 7 colour options

Sizes: EU 35–48, with regular, slimfit or extrafit calf

RRP: £379

Reasons to buy

• Waterproof
• Smart enough to wear beyond a walk
• Three calf widths available

Reasons to avoid

• Height of boots might not appeal to everyone

These are undoubtedly Dubarry’s most popular country boots. They are made of a “dry fast, dry soft” leather and are 100% waterproof with a Gore-Tex lining, allowing the boots to be both waterproof and breathable. The Galway boots are built to last, when worn regularly and cared for correctly will last for years, whilst the versatility of this design makes it perfect for both muddy fields and in-town looks. If these long waterproof boots don’t fit your needs, check out our guide to the best country boots here.

Grub’s Rainline 2.0 Boots

Colours: Black, aubergine or navy

Sizes: UK 3–8

RRP: £109.95

Reasons to buy

• Waterproof
• Stretch panel is great for wider calfs

Reasons to avoid

• Might not offer enough adjustment for some

These Grubs rubber boots are lightweight and easy to clean. They have a moisture-wicking and odour-preventing lining, and a soft underfoot cushioning that aims to give an athletic shoe feel, which is ideal for feeling energised on your dog walk. The sole offers excellent grip and shock absorption. The waterproof neoprene flex-pannel offers a great fit around the calf.

Aigle Parcours 2 Vario Wellington Boots

Colours: Bronze, brun, noir or kaki

Sizes: UK 3–13

RRP: £175

Reasons to buy

• Shock-absorbing sole
• Suitable for all terrains

Reasons to avoid

• Expensive but worth the investment

These boots have a rubber sole and shock-absorbing cushion, allowing you to walk further without getting tired. Ideal for keeping you comfortable on those extra long dog walks. They have a shock-absorbing, abrasion-resistant outsole that provides stability, as well as a waterproof, adjustable gusset and a quick-drying lining that can be cleaned with a sponge. Ideal for those muddy dog walks as they can be easily washed clean.

I have a pair of Aigle wellies and I wear them everyday in the winter. They keep my feet warm and comfortable even when wearing them for long periods of time. They are really worth the investment as they are designed to last.

How to choose the best shoes for dog walking

When looking for your next pair of dog walking shoes the top qualities you should look out for include…

• Durability – consider how often you will be wearing them and the different types of terrain you’ll cover. If you’re only walking short distances and wet feet is your main concern, wellies might be the perfect choice for you.
• Comfort – consider the weight of the boots, how flexible the material is, and whether it offers extra support around the ankle or arch of your foot.
• Waterproof – some level of waterproofness isa must to avoid wet and cold feet, but consider the types of path you usually walk on to see how far you need to go with this.
• Grip – boots will offer a variety of grip, so this is also something to consider.

How often to replace shoes for dog walking

An hour’s dog-walking equates to around three and a half miles, or some 7,000 steps. If you’re a professional dog-walker – or really enjoy getting out – you could be clocking up tens of thousands of steps a day. A conservative estimate of 10 miles a day is a fair amount of time on your feet, and wear on your shoes. Given that experts advise running trainers should be replaced every 400 miles, that gives you some idea of the workload you’re demanding of your footwear (not to mention that you need to think about new ones every six weeks!). Mercifully the best shoes for dog walking are more durable than your average trainer.

What shoes do you wear for walking the dog?

The best type of shoes for dog walking are comfortable, sturdy and durable. When choosing a pair look out for boots with ankle support, a good grip for covering different terrains as you will need them to offer excellent grip for walking on loose, wet or uneven surfaces and ideally be waterproof to keep you comfortable and dry no matter what the weather throws at you.

What are the best wellingtons for dog walking?

With wellies you definitely get what you pay for, so don’t be put off with a higher price tag. You want to guarantee quality, comfort and a pair that will last. If you feel the cold look for wellies with a neoprene lining. Consider the fit around your leg many brands offer an adjustable fit around your calf to accommodate your individual needs. They need to be waterproof as nobody like soggy feet. And finally the grip needs to work for the conditions you intend to use them in. take a look at our best wellington boots guide for a greater range of wellies.

You may also be interested in…

Get your dog picture ready with our range of best Christmas jumpers for dogs. Let them stand out from the crowd this Festive season.

Best dog Christmas jumpers

Red Reindeer Knitted Jumper

Sizes: XXS–XXL

RRP: From £9.99

A stretchy jumper, in acrylic and cotton, available in seven sizes. This is a fairly thick, cosy fabric, with small sleeves for an extra-cute look. We love the pompom red nose, and the tasteful garlanding around the neck and bottom.

In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk

White and Black Tinsel Bow Christmas Dog Jumper

Sizes: XS–XL

RRP: From £18

This cosy white and black knitted jumper is perfect for your furry friend to celebrate Christmas.

In the UK? View at next.co.uk

Abrrlo Dog Christmas Jumper

Sizes: XS–XXL

RRP: From £10.99

If your dog is after a more grand-dad vibe – pipe-and-slippers look – how about a cardigan? This cute knitted cardie is available in white bear, red snowflake or wine red reindeer patterns, with a button-up style along the back.

In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk

JoJo Maman Bébé Multi Christmas Fair Isle Pets Jumper

Sizes: S–M

RRP: £22.50

Your dogs will go barking mad for our multicoloured Christmas Fair Isle Pets Jumper. It features a smart ribbed collar, and a fun design based on traditional Fair Isle patterns. Snowmen, reindeer, Christmas pudding, and Santa Claus’s knitted bright colour stripes give the jumper a sparky personality, perfect for Christmas family pictures!

In the UK? View at next.co.uk

Joules Navy Dog jumper

Sizes: S–XL

RRP: £24.95

Designed for the cold weather, its crafted from a super soft knit, and has a ribbed funnel neck and ribbed leg holes. For a seasonal twist it features a colourful Fair Isle pattern.

In the UK? View at next.co.uk or joules.com

Emust Christmas Dog Jumper

Sizes: XS–XL

RRP: From £8.99

Available in red or green, this snowflake-patterned jumper comes with a fur-lined hood with reindeer antlers. This is full-on festive garb, and certainly will make your pet look like he’s made the effort – but you won’t want to keep that furry hood on for too long.

Best suited to small dogs (and cats), for which there is a variety of sizes.

In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk

Barbour Fair Isle Dog Jumper

Sizes: S–L

RRP: £27.95

A sweet design will see your dog win best-dressed on every walk, the Barbour Case dog jumper is a Fairisle-knit style that matches the Fairisle Pom beanie. It’s finished with a roll neck and a ribbed knit throughout for comfort and warmth.

Best suited to small dogs (and cats), for which there is a variety of sizes.

In the UK? View at johnlewis.com

How to choose the best Christmas jumpers for dogs

It’s fair to say that even the best dog Christmas jumpers are not practical purchases – you’re not after high-vis, waterproof or even thermal properties (although those are a bonus for thin-skinned dogs). We need to agree that this garment is more for the sake of the human than the pooch, but if it brings a bit of festive cheer, what’s the problem with that? Often, we’ll just pop it on our pet for quick photo and leave him au naturel for the rest of the day.

Just bear in mind that dogs don’t enjoy being laughed at, however comic they may look as a canine snowman. And certain fabrics, including wool and nylon, can irritate the skin or make the dog overheat, while poorly fitting jumpers may rub or cause discomfort. A cotton blend is the least irritating, and always monitor your dog to check he is comfortable. Look out for any signs of irritation, such as scratching, sneezing, head-shaking, swelling, rubs or cuts.

You may also enjoy reading…

Advent calendars for pooches to start the Christmas countdown

Best dog coats for warmth, wet walks and drying off afterwards

Carry on walking! Dog coats with harness hole for happy outings whatever the weather

No need for a drip dry: the best drying coats for wet dogs

Cosy up in the colder weather: hot water bottles for dogs

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

All in all, it’s best to stick to food manufactured specifically for dogs to ensure everyone enjoys their Christmas Day. If you don’t want your dog to miss out on the festivities, check out these specialist doggy Christmas dinners – especially if you’ve treated him to a selection of the best Christmas dog treats or one of the best Advent calendars for dogs, he’ll have high expectations.

Best Christmas dinners for dogs

Lily’s Kitchen Christmas Three Bird Feast

Size: 400g

RRP: £3.80

A new nutritionally complete grain-free, wet food recipe for adult dogs (four months plus). This limited-edition, exclusive Christmas recipe is made with easily digestible meats: 40% turkey, 10% goose and 10% duck – a spectacular three-bird feast with all the trimmings for Christmas dinner. Includes vitamin A-rich carrots for healthy eye support, cranberries for vitamin C, broccoli for potassium and iron.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, lilyskitchen.co.uk or petsathome.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt Christmas Turkey Wet Food Dinner

Size: 400g

RRP: £2.49

This Christmas dinner is turkey and chicken with “all-the-trimmings”. It’s made from locally sourced produce in the UK, is grain-free and puppy-friendly, too.

In the UK? View now at poochandmutt.co.uk

Forthglade Turkey Christmas Dinner

Size: 7 x 395g trays

RRP: £12.95 for 7 trays

Treat your four-legged friend to a limited edition festive feast this Christmas with this bundle including grain-free wet food and soft-bite treats. The food is made with festive turkey (75%), cranberry and parsnip. Bursting with goodness, made with natural ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals and botanicals. The soft-bites consist of turkey and cranberry, designed to help nourish the relationship with owners and their dogs in between mealtimes.

In the UK? View now at forthglade.com or amazon.co.uk

Little BigPaw Turkey with Cranberries in Gravy

Size: 12 x 390g tins

RRP: £29.61

This traditional turkey dinner is packed with lean, digestible proteins and superfood veggies, providing fatty acids, omega 3 and antioxidants as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and healthy cartilage. It’s 100% natural, grain-free and hypoallergenic.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt Ski-Sonal Gift Box

RRP: £11.99

A premium gift box for dogs containing wet food and healthy meaty treats from this ethical, award-winning small British company. This vet-recommended wet food is low-calorie, high-protein turkey and chicken, with fruit and vegetables for a traditional Christmas dinner. It also includes the cheese fondue meaty treats, cheese fondue dental sticks and a pack of poop bags.

In the UK? View now at poochandmutt.co.uk or amazon.co.uk

Wainwright’s Festive Feast

Size: 395g tin

RRP: £2.50

Made from a single-source protein – 70% Christmas turkey – this nutritious meal includes festive carrot and parsnip, as well as yucca extract and herbs. Suitable for dogs aged one to seven years old.

In the UK? View now at petsathome.com

Don’t be tempted

There is always the temptation to sweep the scraps and leftovers off our plates and into the dog’s bowl, turkey scraps might contain cooked bones, which can cause internal damage or choking. And even those foods that aren’t highly dangerous may upset your dog’s digestion – for example, he probably won’t benefit from a yummy baked brie, and the high fat and salt content of pigs in blankets means they should be offered only sparingly as a treat. Fruits and vegetables are safer ground, but be aware that stuffing contains onions.

How we chose the best Christmas dinners for dogs

It’s all a bit of fun, a festive dog’s dinner. As dogs should be following a routine diet, and any changes should be made gradually, we wouldn’t advise suddenly swapping to a new food for Christmas Day. However, if the ingredients are along similar lines to his usual diet, let your pooch enjoy his own version of turkey and trimmings! Turkey is typically an excellent protein source, being lean and easily digestible. Many of the fruits and veg typically eaten for Christmas dinner are packed with antioxidants and vitamins – such as cranberries and carrots. We picked products from well-reputed dog food companies using natural ingredients.

What can I give my dog for Christmas dinner?

Many of the Christmas dinner ingredients, on their own, are fine for dogs to eat in moderation, such as turkey, carrots, cranberries and parsnips. However, you should not make sudden changes to your dog’s diet. Also bear in mind that the food you have cooked for your human company is likely to include ingredients such as onion, garlic, salt and spices (for example, in stuffing) which could be toxic to your dog. For this reason, never give your dogs scraps from the Christmas dinner table. Far better to chose a meal specifically put together and safety-checked for dogs, such as one of the products listed above.

As for Christmas puddings, this is a no-go area. In traditional Christmas puddings and mince pies, the raisins and other vine fruits are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal, as well as the alcohol used in the cooking process. Chocolate logs and the like are equally poisonous – the theobromine found in chocolate (the darker the more toxic) can kill your dog.

Is Christmas stressful for dogs?

The disruption to routine, the visitors, children, music and decorations can all cause a dog anxiety. They don’t know it’s Christmastime – although they’ll sense something’s up with all the upheaval that goes on in most homes.

• Try as hard as you can to stick to your dog’s routine – with walks, feeding and bedtime.
• If you have visitors, introduce them carefully and quietly so your dog can meet them at their own pace.
• Make sure your dogs has a haven to which they can escape, chill and rest.
• Don’t forget about them! Although it’s a busy time, your dog will still need walks, interaction and love.
• If you’re going out for Christmas lunch, don’t leave your dog alone for too long. If you can take your dog with you, bring a familiar item such as blanket to help him settle in.

You may also enjoy reading…

Advent calendars for pooches to start the Christmas countdown

Do they know it’s Christmas time? The best festive treats for dogs

Top treats to keep your dog happy, healthy – and hopefully more obedient

Train your puppy with tasty treats to entice and reward

Dental chews to keep your dog’s gnashers in tip-top condition

Give a subscription to H&H this Christmas

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Here are some ideas if you’re looking for Christmas gifts for dogs that will be sure to set tails wagging…

Best Christmas gifts for dogs

Rosewood Festive Turkey Wrapped Carrot Treats

RRP: £3 for 100g

These rawhide-free sticks are made with real carrot wrapped in turkey breast meat. They’re grain-free, gluten-free, low in fat and have no added salt.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Doggy Christmas Pudding Cookies

RRP: £7.99 for 3 cookies

Spoil your pup! With these handmade doggy Christmas Pudding Christmas Cookies – an ideal Christmas present. These Christmas dog treats are adorned with yogurt frosting and delightful crunchy bone biscuit.

In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk

Kong Holiday Shakers Luvs Reindeer Medium Toy

RRP: £12.50

This reindeer toy has a unique extended body with arms wide open for rounds of tug, toss and fetch. With a low-toned squeaker.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Rosewood Cupid & Comet Lickmat with Turkey and Cranberry

RRP: £9.99

This Lickmat combines interactive play with a tasty treat, making it the perfect entertainment for your dog this Christmas. The textured Lickmat encourages slower eating and licking. Comes with a delicious turkey and cranberry paste, this seasonal treat is the perfect topping for any lickmat.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Abrrlo Dog Christmas Jumper

Colours: White bear, grid snowman or wine red reindeer

Sizes: XS–XXL

RRP: From £12.99

If your dog is after a more grand-dad vibe – pipe-and-slippers look – how about a cardigan? This cute knitted cardie is available in white bear, red snowflake or wine red reindeer patterns, with a button-up style along the back.

In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk

Ruff & Tumble dog drying coat

Colours: Blackberry, red, blue or forest

Sizes: XXXS–XL

RRP: From £36.95

With two layers of towelling, this drying robe dries your dog in minutes and takes the hassle out of managing wet dogs.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Denzel’s Christmas Dog Treats – Grotto Gift Box

RRP: £5 for 175g

The perfect way to spice up your dog’s Christmas this year. Includes 3 limited-edition festive packs: 4 x Gingerbread Soft-Baked Dog Chews, 50g Christmas Lunch Bites & 50g Pigs in Blankets Bites. 100% natural ingredients. For four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes from 12 weeks old.

In the UK? Visit amazon.co.uk or petsathome.com

Petface Reindeer Toy

RRP: £9.99

This plush toy includes a built-in squeaker to engage and amuse your dog.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt Ski-Sonal Gift Box

RRP: £11.99

A premium gift box for dogs containing wet food and healthy meaty treats from this ethical, award-winning small British company. This vet-recommended wet food is low-calorie, high-protein turkey and chicken, with fruit and vegetables for a traditional Christmas dinner. It also includes the cheese fondue meaty treats, cheese fondue dental sticks and a pack of poop bags.

In the UK? View now at poochandmutt.co.uk

Aitmexcn Christmas Dog Toy Set

RRP: £15.99

This Christmas dog rope toy set includes 7 different types of dog rope toys, such as rope balls, rope rings, squeaky plush toys, and more. Each toy features a unique shape and design, aiming to provide a diverse range of entertainment options to meet your pet’s various play needs.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Rosewood Christmas Dinner Dog Stocking

RRP: £7.49

This stocking gives your dog a full “Christmas dinner”, including salmon bites for starters, turkey strips for main, and cheese sticks for dessert.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Deluxe Diamond Quilt Dog Coat

Sizes: 25–80cm

RRP: £46.99

A stylish, luxurious and premium dog coat designed to keep your dog warm on colder days. The diamond quilted outer offers class and durability with a luxuriously soft teddy fleece lining in a contrasting white colour and 150g of polyfill for warmth. With an easy to use touch tape front closure and belly closure, offering adjustable and secure fit. This dog coat includes a harness hole on the spine, to allow for a harness to be used in conjunction with this coat and to sit comfortably under the dog coat.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Pets at Home Christmas Tarts Dog Treats

RRP: £3.50 for two tarts

Treat your dog to festive Christmas tarts, hand-decorated with no added nasties. Made with pastry, these treats have no added sugar or artificial flavours, and come with 15% less packaging, making them better for your dog and the planet. Get your furry friend on the nice list this holiday season!

In the UK? View now at petsathome.co.uk

Pedigree Stocking

RRP: £9.99

This stocking contains a Pedigree Rodeo with Beef (4 pieces), Pedigree Tasty Minis Chicken & Duck Flavour Chunks, Pedigree Jumbone with Beef & Poultry and three Pedigree Dentastix Daily chews.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

House of Paws Carrot Snuffle Mat

RRP: £14.99

A luxury, festive snuffle mat. Dog snuffle mats offer mental stimulation using natural canine scratch and sniff senses to find the hidden treats. Simply hide dry treats amongst the fleece tags. Great boredom breaker. Machine washable. Fun, colourful design.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

13 gifts ideas for the dog lover in your life

Yule look so festive! Check out our top Christmas jumpers for dogs

Do they know it’s Christmas time? The best festive treats for dogs

Doggy Christmas dinner? What’s on the menu?

Advent calendars for pooches to start the Christmas countdown

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Your dog is unlikely to care whether their snacks taste of turkey or beef, but there’s no need to be the Grinch – you could even get them one of the best Advent calendars for dogs or best Christmas dinners for dogs. And it might help ensure they don’t help themselves to toxic chocolate coins or other hazardous items so prevalent this season.

Best Christmas treats for dogs

Wagg Rudolph’s Festive Cookies

Size of packet: 500g

RRP: £9.50

We all want cookies at Christmas time – and our dogs can join in the party. These festive cookies – no sugar – are made with cinnamon and coriander, providing a Christmassy aroma of spice. They are oven-baked, and enriched with vitamins and minerals.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Lily’s Kitchen Christmas Turkey Jerky

RRP: £26 for a pack of 8 x 70g

Who said turkey is just for humans at Christmas? No dog we’ve ever met. Let your woofer join in the festive feast with Lily’s Kitchen’s delicious Turkey Jerky, made with proper meat, for a festive treat.

Made from grain-free, natural ingredients, suitable for dogs aged four months and older.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or lilyskitchen.co.uk 

Doggy Christmas Pudding Cookies

RRP: £7.99 for 3 cookies 

Spoil your pup! With these handmade doggy Christmas Pudding Christmas Cookies – an ideal Christmas present. These Christmas dog treats are adorned with yogurt frosting and delightful crunchy bone biscuit. 

In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk

Pets at Home Christmas Mini Pudding Dog Treats

RRP: £3.50 for 50g

Real Christmas puddings are unfortunately extremely toxic to dogs, containing both vine fruits and alcohol. However, they needn’t miss out with these cute carob truffle treats, adorned with dainty holly leaf! Made from dog-safe chocolate (real chocolate being a major no-no), these are free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. A little on the pricey side with only four in a packet, but as a one-off treat for fun, these look the part for the Instagram shot or the family album.

In the UK? View now at petsathome.co.uk

Scrumbles Turkey Cranberry Softies

RRP: £3.49 for 90g

We all do a bit of over-indulging at Christmas time, so these gut-friendly dog treats are just the ticket (even if our dogs are sticking to the usual diet). Made of festive turkey and cranberry, these are 100% natural, with added pre and probiotics for “full tums and happy bums”.

In the UK? Visit amazon.co.uk

Pets at Home Christmas Tarts Dog Treats

RRP: £3.50 for two tarts

Treat your dog to festive Christmas tarts, hand-decorated with no added nasties. Made with pastry, these treats have no added sugar or artificial flavours, and come with 15% less packaging, making them better for your dog and the planet. Get your furry friend on the nice list this holiday season!

In the UK? View now at petsathome.co.uk

Laughing Dog Iced Bone

RRP: £17.50

A yogurt-coated wheat-free baked biscuit bone, topped with carrot sprinkles. This beautifully decorated Happy Christmas bone is stunningly presented in a box with satin ribbon, so you can feel your dog is part and parcel (pun intended) of the gift exchanges on Christmas Day. No added artificial flavours.

In the UK? Visit amazon.co.uk

How we chose the best festive treats for dogs

The priority with any of the selected treats is that they are dog-safe. Human treats are not appropriate for dogs and can even be toxic.

As we all know, to paraphrase the Dog’s Trust slogan of nearly half a century ago, “a dog is not just for Christmas” – and nor is Christmas particularly for dogs. They don’t know why we’re all dressing up, messing up their routines, eating constant feasts and dangling tantalisingly baubles on indoor trees. Let’s face it, festive treats are really for us, not the dogs! For this reason, we’ve picked several treats that look festive and celebratory. For those who love a polaroid snap or an Instagram post of their pooch looking Christmassy, these are the ones for you. But we’ve also chosen treats that dogs will love, made with natural and delicious ingredients – albeit with a festive vibe. Everyone’s a Christmas winner.

Can my dog eat Christmas dinner leftovers?

According to the Kennel Club, in December, dogs are 75% more likely to see the vet for eating human food that is toxic to them, compared to other months. The bottom line is that Christmas food is largely a no-go area. The main festive culprits are chocolate, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies. Vine fruits are poisonous for canines. But it doesn’t stop there. Blue cheese, certain nuts, stuffing (garlic and onion are toxic), as well as generally fatty and salty foods which are bad for their digestion. You may think you’re just letting them lick the plates with a few scraps and gravy, but there are likely to be harmful ingredients such as cooked bones or onion and we simply don’t know how much is toxic. Alas, some of these foods can cause stomach upset at best, and be lethal at worst. It’s not worth the risk. Many foods safe for human consumption are harmful to dogs.

Something non-toxic such as boiled sprouts (and where’s the festive fun in that?) can still cause digestive upset if the dog eats too many and he is not used to them. Even potatoes are complicated – plainly cooked they can be tolerated in moderation, but they are not safe raw or boiled, or roasted in fats and spices. Sweet potatoes are a better option.

Overall, your dog is more likely to enjoy a happy Christmas dinner by sticking to his own tried and tested canine-specific diet.

What do I do if my dog eats chocolate?

Call your vet straight away. If it’s out of hours – Christmas time tends to be – you still need to seek immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms normally show up between four and 24 hours after ingestion. The vet will want to know how much the dog has eaten and when, and the type of chocolate. Even if the dog is not showing any signs – which may be sickness, stomach upset, over-excitability, increased heart rate, twitching, fitting or tremors – the vet may still want to assess and treat the dog. The usual treatment is to make the dog vomit; they may also wash out the stomach and feed activated charcoal to absorb any remaining theobromine. Severe cases may require a drip, and medication to control heart rate, seizures and blood pressure.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs due to the chemical theobromine which can over stimulate their heart (and other muscles), and can be fatal. How much chocolate is poisonous depends on a number of things, from the size of dog, to how much they’ve eaten, to the type of chocolate. Dark chocolate and more expensive chocolates tend to be more toxic as they have a higher theobromine content. Sugar-free content is doubly bad as it contains the sweetener xylitol which is toxic, potentially causing hypoglycaemia and liver failure.

You may also like to read…

Advent calendars for pooches to start the Christmas countdown

Doggy Christmas dinner? What’s on the menu?

No stress: the best dog calming treats

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Top treats to keep your dog happy, healthy – and hopefully more obedient

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

We’ve picked out some of the best Black Friday deals for dogs so that you don’t have to go trawling the internet – and can spend more time playing with your pup. Whether your dog is a flyball champion, master of agility, showing supremo or chief sofa companion, he needs a bed, food, toys and treats (and more!), which when you add it up, often doesn’t come cheap – so these Black Friday sales really come in handy.

As deals are released, we will be regularly updating this page with the very best Black Friday deals for dogs that we can find. And we’ve got dedicated pages for all the best Black Friday dog bed deals and the best Black Friday dog toy deals, too.

Quick links

Amazon: Black Friday deals on pet supplies

Bunty Pet Products: Grab a bargain in their current sale

Viovet: Big deals on food, toys and care products

Pets & Friends: Save money on bestsellers across the site

Pets At Home: Shop Black Fur-Day sale here

Furbo: Save over 80% now

Barking Heads: Save up to 50% on dog food

Pooch & Mutt: Get 20% off with ‘POOCH’

Best Black Friday deals for dogs

Top UK dog deals by category

Beds

Toys

Treats and supplements

Electronics

Health and grooming

Dog bed deals

These are some of our favourite dog bed deals, but we’ve done a full round up of Black Friday dog bed deals too.

Dog toy deals

Dog treats and supplements deals

Electronics deals

Health and grooming deals

We’re keeping a close eye on the following retailers…

• Amazon
• Viovet
• Dunelm 
• John Lewis
• Pets At Home
• Pets & Friends
• GS Equestrian
• Furbo
• Bunty Pet Products
• Silent Night
• Pitpat
• Tractive
• Go Outdoors
• and lots more!

When is Black Friday 2024?

This year Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November, but in the past many of the top online retailers have kicked off their Black Friday deals more than a week early.

Where can I find the best Black Friday deals for dogs?

Many online pet retailers are running special offers in the run up to Black Friday, throughout the weekend and on Cyber Monday (Monday 2 December). We will be updating this page with the very best deals we can find, so rather than searching the internet to find the best bargains, come to us as we will have done the hard work for you.

Black Friday dog deals on Amazon

Amazon always goes big for Black Friday, with fabulous discounts on offer in the build up and on the day. When Amazon kicks off its Black Friday deals for 2024 we will include the information here. In the meantime, here is a link to Amazon’s dog page.

What is Black Friday?

For consumers and retailers in the UK, Black Friday is a relatively recent phenomenon, but it has been going strong the US for decades.

Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving and is traditionally seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season, with high street retailers opening their doors at the crack of dawn and offering big discounts for shoppers who have set their alarm clocks.

The rise of internet shopping has allowed the Black Friday tradition to spread throughout the world. From your local pet shop to massive online retailers, there will be great discounts to be had.

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Make the most of equestrian Black Friday bargains with H&H

As horse and dog owners, we want our much-loved companions to lead active, happy and long lives. YuMove has a host of proven benefits that can be easily incorporated into your horse or dog’s routine, and a load of five-star Trustpilot reviews.

The YuMove range is made with high-quality, natural ingredients, designed to be safe and effective for your horse and they are free from any artificial preservatives, so you can feel good about what you’re giving your four-legged friends.

What’s to like about YuMove supplements

YuMove has 15 years of scientific research supporting its products. The YuMove Joint Care range includes glucosamine, which helps build and repair healthy joint cartilage, promoting mobility and flexibility. Interestingly, it’s also backed up with a money-back guarantee (dog supplements only) and the brand says you’ll see a difference in your dog’s mobility in just six weeks or they’ll give you your money back.

Elsewhere in the YuMove range, the Digestive Care Pre & Probiotic is a daily supplement tablet containing a unique ActivBio Complex of prebiotics and probiotic bacteria designed to support your dog’s digestive health and keep sensitive tummies in tip-top shape. It works by keeping stools firm and topping up good bacteria in the gut.

However, the highlight is the excellent discounts across the range – made even better with the “Subscribe & Save” option on your product of choice, which you can pause, edit, and cancel at any time, and is an across-the-board 60% reduction.

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Hurry! Here’s our pick of the best Black Friday dog bed deals – and they won’t be around for long

Supplements to help joints keep working at their best: what’s on the market?

Best Cyber Monday equestrian deals 2025, 50 hand-picked deals by our experts and horse owners

8 joint supplements formulated for your veteran horse

This hugely popular Original Muck Boot Company welly has 50% off right now – grab a Black Friday deal before they sell out

Smooth movers: joint supplements for dogs

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Dogs need beds all year round but a good one that will last can be a fair investment, so finding the best Black Friday dog bed deals is a great way to save a bit of money while ensuring your dog still gets the best you can afford.

Whether you’re looking for one of the best indestructible dog beds for chewers, the best large dog beds for sprawlers or a cosy and calming donut dog bed, this is the place to find and compare the best deals. We will be regularly updating this page with the very best Black Friday dog bed deals that we can find – as well as our main deals hub of the best Black Friday deals for dogs.

Quick links

Amazon: Find a wide range of dog bed discounts

Bunty Pet Products: Check out the latest items on sale

Viovet: Loads of Black Friday offers for dogs

Pets & Friends: Save up to 50% across the site

Pets At Home: Black Friday event is here

Go Outdoors: Black Friday Mega deals here

Best early Black Friday dog bed deals

• Biggest savings
• Beds for chewers
• Calming/donut beds
• Orthopaedic beds
• Waterproof beds

Biggest dog bed savings

Dog beds for chewers: deals

Calming dog beds

Orthopaedic dog beds: deals

Waterproof dog beds: deals

Looking for something specific? Check out our buying guides to the…

• Best dog beds for chewers
• Best calming dog beds
• Best orthopaedic and memory foam dog beds
• Best large dog beds
• Best small dog beds
• Best dog beds for puppies
• Best cooling dog beds
• Best waterproof dog beds
• Best dog beds for crates

When is Black Friday 2024?

This year Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November, but in the past many online retailers have kicked off their Black Friday deals more than a week early.

How we find the best Black Friday dog deals

We cover several sale events each year (such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day) and all the deals we share with you are found by members of the Horse & Hound team. This year, that includes me (Franchesca Slack), Georgia Guerin and Bethany Stone. Between us we have 24 year’s of experience writing about products for websites and magazines. I have been bought up around dogs and home is not the same without one. I now own two miniature dachshunds and we love nothing more than going out for a walk then snuggling up on the sofa. As a team we will use our knowledge of popular brands that you love (and what you choose most in our buying guides) and go on the hunt for the best deals – there’s no AI or guesswork here.

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Best dog beds for every need

Best orthopaedic dog beds to ease stiffness and boost sleep

Best cooling dog beds for stuffy nights and hot days

6 of the best waterproof dog beds – easy to clean, dry and provide restful kip

6 dog beds for “enthusiastic” chewers that are made to last

Curled up and cosy: the best donut beds for dogs

Make the most of equestrian Black Friday bargains with H&H

As animal lovers, we know how essential Christmas gifts for dogs are – they’re part of the family after all. And if the family are queuing up for their Advent calendar treat, then it’s only right there’s one for the dog, too. Same goes for Christmas dinners for dogs in our eyes. We’ve rounded up a selection of tasty Advent calendars for dogs, as well as some reusable and personalised options that you can fill with the best Christmas dog treats to choose from, too.

Best Advent calendars for dogs

Lily’s Kitchen Dog Advent Calendar

Filled with a selection of three tasty biscuits and treats – suitable for dogs over four months.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or lilyskitchen.co.uk

Skipper’s Fishy Advent Calendar

If your dog is partial to a fishy treat, this calendar contains fish skin cubes, luxury white fish cubes and salmon supreme treats.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt Cheese Fondue Advent Calendar

This limited edition calendar has a cheese wedge treat behind every door. Suitable for all breeds and puppies from 12 weeks.

In the UK? View now at poochandmutt.co.uk

Wolf Club Naturals ‘Yappy Howlidays’ Advent Calendar

This giant calendar is about as big as they come. It’s filled with 100% natural meat treats, including a whole bull’s pizzle, full-size fish skin fingers, a pig’s snout, various meat bars, gourmet sausage, a full hairless rabbit’s ear, and beef liver.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Personalised Doggy Advent Calendar

Fill this personalised calendar with your dog’s favourite treats and you can’t go wrong.

In the UK? View now at etsy.com

Pooch & Mutt Dental Sticks Advent Calendar

This limited edition calendar has a dental stick behind every door, so this calendar isn’t just full of treats, it does good things for teeth, too. There are four flavours to find in each calendar – cheese fondue, hemp/sage, spirulina/mint and peanut butter.

In the UK? View now at poochandmutt.co.uk

Webbox Chocolate Advent Calendar

Let your dog get involved with the festive fun with this dog-safe chocolate calendar. The perfect way for your best friend to enjoy the countdown to Christmas.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Pets At Home Giant Advent Calendar

Not only does this bumper Advent calendar contain a selection of tasty treats, but it also has toys, chews and vouchers hidden inside so there’s something for every dog.

In the UK? View now at petsathome.com

Denzel’s Jumbo Advent Calendar

Treat your dog this Christmas with this jumbo Advent calendar from Denzel’s. It features 24 mini tasty treat bags behind a door for each day of the countdown. The colourful bags of treats feature 6 different recipes, including our special edition festive favourites.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Crafty Crawford Store Reusable Advent Calendar

This embroidered and reusable felt advent calendar can be refilled with goodies for your pet year after year.

In the UK? View now at etsy.com

Pointer Advent Calendar

This option is packed with tasty carob and cheese flavoured assorted oven-baked bones that help keep teeth clean.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Personalised Refillable Dog Biscuit Advent Calendar

Treat your dog to a daily treat on the Christmas countdown.

In the UK? View now at notonthehighstreet.com

Scrumbles Advent Calendar

This calendar includes a range of natural dog treats that have functional benefits, including dental dog treats, calming treats and 100% chicken kind-to-tummy dog treats.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Personalised Advent Calendar

This advent calendar can be used year after year and can alos be made a little more personal by adding your pets name. It has space for 25 treats with the ‘big day’ being a large treat.

In the UK? View now at etsy.com

Pets At Home Advent Calendar

Find a meaty treat a day behind each door, which can be broken down to the perfect size for your dog and be spread out around the day, for anytime they’ve been very good. Festive flavours of chicken, duck, salmon and turkey.

In the UK? View now at petsathome.com

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19 Advent calendars for horses (and horsey ones for humans) to start the Christmas countdown

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

As deals are released when the event begins, we will be regularly updating this page with the very best Amazon Prime Day dog deals that we can find so that you don’t have to spend valuable time trawling through them – we’ll do the hard work for you. So, make sure you have this page open during the event and keep refreshing for the most up-to-date bargains.

Quick links

• Amazon: Savings on pet tech, pet food, pet toys and more!
• Viovet: Special offers on dog food, toys and care essentials
• Chewy (US): Deals on food, beds, toys and more
• Walmart (US): Summer rollbacks on loads of pet products

Our top UK deals

• Editors picks
• Electronics
• Toys
• Food, treats and supplements
• Beds and crates
• Walking
• Health and grooming
• Our top US deals

UK Amazon Prime Day deals for dogs and dog owners

Editor’s picks

Electronics

Toys

Food, treats and supplements

Beds and crates

Walking

Health and grooming

US Amazon Prime Day deals for dogs

When is Amazon Prime Day 2024?

Start your engines, because Prime Day is literally around the corner. Your window for Prime Day Big Deals is this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, 8–9 October.

These deals will be exclusive to Amazon Prime customers, so join Amazon Prime to take full advantage of the event.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is Amazon’s biggest sale event of the year. Think Black Friday deals, but for 48 hours only and exclusive to Amazon Prime customers. Join Amazon Prime to take full advantage of the event.

Prime Day originally started in 2015 as a celebration of Amazon’s 20th anniversary. It was created to encourage people to spend outside of the October–December holiday season and to “offer a volume of deals greater than Black Friday”. Since then, it has become one of the biggest sales in the global shopping calendar. Now, many other large retailers – particularly in the US – launch promotions of their own to take advantage of the huge online audience around Prime Day.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

For dogs that are partial to chewing, a thermal pack hottie would be a better option, as these are typically heated up in the microwave rather than containing hot water. However, for most dogs, an ordinary rubber hot water bottle with a thick insulating cover is fine. Whatever style of hot water bottle you choose, always make sure it is at a safe temperature before putting it in your dog’s bed. Place it under a cover or a blanket, so that your dog is not in direct contact with it.

Best hot water bottles for dogs

SnuggleSafe Microwave Heatpad

Style: Heatpad

Colour: Paw print

A microwaveable heatpad, measuring 22 x 22cm, which stays warm for up to 10 hours. Remove the cover, heat up the disc inside according the timings listed, and then replace the cover before placing inside your dog’s bed. It is sturdy (which is ideal for dogs) but that makes it a little on the hard side, however you can add another blanket for softness.

Ancol Sleepy Paws Self-Heating Pet Pad

Style: Pad

Colour: Cream

This consists of an ingenious thermal structure inside the pad which reflects your dog’s heat back to them, so no danger of it ever being too hot for your dog. The lamb-fleece style cover is soft and warming (and machine-washable, crucially). Best for keeping dogs warm rather than actively warming them up, but it does a great job at providing a cosy place.

Habigail Scottie Dog Water Bottle

Style: Hot water bottle

Colour: Cream, black or grey

This adorable Scottie dog is irresistible for dog-lovers! The one-litre rubber bottle is manufactured to according to British Safety Standards, while the cute cover made of soft faux fur will make a delightful companion in your dog’s bed.

Hotties Microhottie

Style: Thermal pack

Colour: Light brown or Ochre

For those who want to avoid boiling water, tricky (chewable) stoppers and gels, this pack heats up in minutes in the microwave and stays warm for hours. Gentle sustained heat delivers comfort as well as warmth. The soft, fleecy insulated cover retains heat and releases it slowly. This thermal pack is registered as a class 1 medical device.

The cover is machine washable.

Vagabond Fleece Cover and Hot Water Bottle

Style: Hot water bottle

Colour: Tartan Westie or Paw print

A quality hot water bottle made with a high rubber content and manufactured to exceed the British Safety Standard. We love the fun Westie cover, and the paw print one for the smaller bottle is also cute. The bottle comes in either one or two-litre capacity, and the cover is machine-washable.

Dawdix Hot Water Bottle with Soft Fleece Cover

Style: Hot water bottle

Colour: Grey

This is a great value option, providing a no-frills hot water bottle with a reassuringly thick plush cover, to prevent scalding as well as insulating the hot water to keep it warm for longer.

The bottle itself is made from pure natural rubber with explosion-proof seams, and has a two-litre capacity.

How we chose the best hot water bottles for dogs

We’ve picked a mix of standard hot water bottles as well as heat pads specifically designed for dogs – for those who have any inkling that their pup might be tempted to chew the cosy new thing in his bed. The heated pads avoid any of the risks involved hot water, or being too hot, however they are usually the more expensive option and not all of them provide the temperature wanted. Some of these options require a microwave, which not all of us have.

With a regular hot water bottle, we’ve selected ones with required safety standards and plush covers to ensure no scalding – as well as something comfy to snuggle up to.

Do dogs need hot water bottles?

New puppy owners are sometimes advised to place a hot water bottle into their new puppy bed or crate, to mimic the sensation of sleeping in a litter next to a warm body. There are also dogs that easily feel the cold, such as whippets or Italian Greyhounds, and weak or elderly dogs.

Is it safe to put a hot water bottle in a dog’s bed?

Hot water bottles can provide both comfort and warmth. However, there are a few important things to note:

• Fill the bottle with warm or hot rather than boiling water, to prevent any burning risks.
• Insulate the bottle with a thick covering, to prevent scalding from direct contact with the plastic.
• And if your dog is a chewer, do not use a hot water bottle; instead use heat pads which don’t use water at all.

How can I make my dog’s bed warmer?

The floor – even in the kitchen or utility room – can get very cold during winter. And we tend to turn off our heating at night, which can leave the dog’s bed area cold and sometimes draughty. Small, lean and senior dogs in particular may benefit from a hot water bottle, but you can also make other changes to keep them cosy. Move your dogs bed to a warmer spot, away from draughts, doors and windows. Add a blanket for them to snuggle into, and an extra mattress underneath to prevent the cold coming up from the floor. The best donut beds typically provide a snuggly, warm environment.

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Curled up and cosy: the best donut beds for dogs

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Even the best calming dog beds may not “fix” your dog’s anxiety issues, so it’s worth considering the best calming supplements for dogs, other calming products for dogs and seeking professional help if your pooch is showing signs of stress, such as panting, whining, hiding or appetite loss. But they may well provide a bit of relief and a refuge – and even for the most well-adjusted dog, they’re extremely comfortable for a good night’s sleep.

Best calming dog beds

Silentnight Calming Dog Bed

Sizes: S/M or M/L

Colour: Grey

RRP: From £35

This calming doughnut shape appeals to your dog’s natural nesting instinct and helps create a calming environment, reducing anxiety.

The premium materials are specifically designed to give your dog the same level of comfort as Silentnight’s top-quality beds and pillows, made for humans. It is filled with responsive fibres that support your pet while he snoozes.

It is machine-washable and finished with a non-slip base and covered in a super-soft plus fabric to provide the ultimate comfort.

Ethical Pets Cuddle Cave Bed

Sizes: Small

Colours: Brown, sage or tan

RRP: From £31.99

This attractive, plush and cosy cavy bed offers a feeling of comfort and security. It’s made to last and designed to prevent any clumping or shifting of the filling, to ensure your dog is super-comfy. 

The exterior is made of faux suede and the whole bed is machine washable. It’s small, so only really suitable for toy dogs and small breeds.

Dream Paws Anxiety Reducing Plush Dog Bed

Sizes: Small or medium

Colours: Brown or pink

RRP: £25

This plush dog bed has been designed to help calm your pet – and even comes with a bonus teddy bear as a companion. Featuring high sides for security, this bed is super soft and comfortable, making a safe and cosy space for your furry friend. The long fur is designed to mimic the pup’s mother or litter mates, and can help to reduce stress and calm dogs with separation anxiety.

Y’all Calming Dog Bed

Sizes: S–L

Colour: Blue/grey/white

RRP: From £29.99

The Y’all raised dog bed offers both comfort and cosiness. The moon-shaped cushion has an exterior surface made from 100% linen, with an interior fake fur fabric and a cotton filling to ensure great fluffiness and comfort.

The shape is designed to “wrap your furry pet in a warm embrace that can help calm and relieve anguish and stress”. The manufacturer claims it also has an orthopaedic relief effect to alleviate muscle and joint pain.

It has an anti-slip base and removable cover, which can be machine-washed.

The Dog’s Bed Sound Sleep Donut

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colours: Brown, beige, white, silver, grey or pink

RRP: From £31.99

Designed by global experts in sleep solutions for dogs, this plush round bed with 4cm vegan fur contours makes for deep and luxurious sleep. The fur is designed to replicated the warmth of the mother’s fur and being in a puppy pile, so this is especially suitable for puppies settling into their new home.

The manufacturer highlights the bed’s “unsurpassed comfort due to the unique dual-layer base mattress cushion design”. The top layer forms around the dog’s body, while the solid base pad supports the dog’s weight. The generously filled bolsters surround the dog to make them feel secure while providing a comfortable head rest.

This bed satisfies the nesting instinct of dogs who like to curl up while they sleep, with the high sides and fur “hugging” the dog’s body. This can help reduce feelings of vulnerability and anxiety by inducing a sense of security.

Rucomfy Burrower Dog Bed

Sizes: M or L

Colours: Mustard, slate grey, platinum grey or teal

RRP: From £59.99

This bed is ideal for breeds that are known to burrow, anxious dogs, or just any dogs that love to snuggle under a duvet and hide in a cosy place. Made of cosy jumbo cord for a stylish and comfy look.

The underside of the bed is made of a water-resistant fabric so you can flip the bed over when the dog comes home wet from a walk and then back to the cosy side up when he’s dried off. Machine-washable cover.

Tofern Cave Bed

Size: Small

Colours: Blue dots, grey dots or pink dots

RRP: £29.99

Designed for small dogs under 5kg, this bed is made from quality microfibre fabric, fleece and high-density foam cotton padding. It is soft, warm, comfortable with a thick velvet cushion and igloo shape to give your pooch a sense of security. Cute dotty print to accessorise with your toy dog or puppy!

It is also suitable for other small pets, such as cats, rabbits, ferrets and hamsters.

Trixie Noah Dog Bed

Size: 50cm, 60cm, 70cm

Colours: Grey

RRP: £49.99

An orthopaedic dog bed with a memory-effect foam filling to give maximum comfort, while the raised sides provide a sense of security. It has a soft, quilted polyester cover, which is removable for washing, and a firmly attached cushion. Plus non-slip bottom to prevent alarming slides across the kitchen floor.

How we chose the best calming dog beds

Dogs become anxious or agitated for different reasons and find different sources of comfort. Without a doubt, sleep is nature’s way of allowing dogs to rest and switch off, so a dog bed that provides a refuge where they can relax and feel safe is essential. But one size doesn’t fit all – not only in physical size, but in shape and type. So we’ve selected a range of calming options, from donuts, to caves to burrowing beds.

As a general rule, calming beds are made with a soft, plush fabric which mimics the feel of littermates, but we’ve also included one with a reverse waterproof side for when a wet dog just needs a place to lie down.

What is a calming dog bed?

Calming dog beds tend to be soft with a plush filling, and typically designed in a circular doughnut shape with raised sides, or with an integral cover. While we cannot be sure that dogs, like humans, find comfort in soft, warm cosy surroundings, this does mimic what they would have experienced in their litter, cuddled up next to their mother and other pups. The concept of the round shape with bolstered sides is to give them a sense of protection. Make sure you position the bed in a peaceful warm place in the home, giving him his own den, as calm and privacy will help reduce your dog’s anxiety.

An added benefit of a soft, calming dog bed is that it can give relief from joint pain if you don’t already have the benefit of one of the best orthopaedic dog beds.

What are the best beds for dogs with anxiety?

An appropriate bed can do wonders to help soothe and comfort an anxious dog. But it depends on what your dog needs and what triggers his anxiety. Different styles of beds offer different benefits. Some have orthopaedic foam to give your dog physical comfort, especially those with aching joints. They will also have raised sides, to provide a soft ledge for dogs to rest their head on. This enables them to rest their spine and necks, and can help the brachycephalic breeds to breathe more easily.

Some calming beds will be in a cave shape to give your dog a sense of being in his own den. Others will be donuts, a nest-like shape to mimic the sensation of being in a litter. Most will have soft, plush covers for comfort, warmth and cosiness.

As a guide…

• large dogs will suit a bed with bolstered edges to give rest to their heavier joints
• small dogs will enjoy a cosy donut bed to curl up into
• older dogs should benefit from an orthopaedic bed for joint and muscle support
• dogs that like to dig or hide will enjoy cave or burrowing style beds

Are calming dog beds worth it?

A calming dog bed cannot fix your dog’s anxiety. There are many reasons why a dog may be feeling anxious, whether these be genetic, learned behaviour or from a traumatic incident. There are ways to help an anxious dog, however, and calming dog beds can play a part in this. Sweet slumber is certainly an essential factor in overall health and wellbeing.

Dogs need a safe and comfortable place to lie, so if you have an anxious dog, it’s certainly worth trying a calming dog bed, which is designed to provide a safe, soothing haven place to rest. They are not typically more expensive than any other type of dog bed, and may provide that calming environment your dog needs to sleep, rest and recuperate.

You may also enjoy reading…

Curled up and cosy: the best donut beds for dogs

Soothe anxiety with the best calming supplements for dogs

No stress: the best dog calming treats

Canine calming products to keep your dog cool, calm and collected

6 dog beds for “enthusiastic” chewers that are made to last

Best dog crates: a safe haven for the home and the car

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