The 14 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers in 2021

Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker

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If your dog is allowed to roam freely in your yard, but you're still nervous about them escaping, invest in the Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker. This small, lightweight tracker attaches to your pup’s 1-inch collar or harness and is able to determine their location, as well as their active minutes throughout the day by using cellular, GPS, and wi-fi technology. If your dog leaves the designated safe place (say, your yard or your house), you’ll get notified right away via email, text, or through the app. The tracker is waterproof and has a battery life of up to seven days. The app is available for iOS and Android. Subscription plans are sold separately. 

The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash in Lavender

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Here at The Spruce Pets, we understand that pets are far more than just animals—they’re part of your family. That’s why we set out to create our own pet care collection which we’re thrilled to share with you now. First up: our plant-derived waterless pet wash, which will freshen up your dog without the need for H2O. 

The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash is ideal for cleansing and conditioning and it moisturizes your pet’s skin as it works. The enzyme-activated formula—which is free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes—eliminates impurities like dirt, urine, and feces, and leaves your pup smelling fresh. Our pH-balanced pet wash is available in a handful of scents including Lavender (with clary sage), Oatmeal (with fresh mango), and Fresh (with neroli, apple, and orchid)—each which is formulated with pet-safe natural essential oils and fragrances.

To use it, simply shake the bottle, spray a generous amount on your dog’s coat, let it sit for a minute, then wipe it down with a soft cloth. The formula will dry on its own, so you don’t have to worry about the wet-dog smell!

BarkBox Subscription

Buy on Barkbox.com

Subscription boxes are a convenient way to surprise your pup with a wide-ranging selection of toys and treats each month. While there are a number of pet subscription boxes out there, BarkBox is one of the most popular—and for good reason.

Your favorite dog parent will get a themed box of new products for their pup to try out. Past themes include Frenchies in Paris (baguette toys, lamb sticks) and the Muttcracker (cranberry cookies, wearable Santa hat). The boxes are available in month-to-month, three-month, six-month, or 12-month pre-paid subscriptions. You can also opt for a one-time box, which still provides an element of surprise without the investment.

iFetch Mini Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy

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Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, this award-winning automatic ball launcher takes all the work out of playing fetch. How it works: load the toy with mini tennis balls (included), set the distance to 10, 20, or 30 feet, and watch as it launches the balls for your dog to chase and collect. This model is made especially for smaller dogs, but you can also opt for the larger model for bigger breeds.

Embark Breed & Health Kit

Excellent

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One of the best (and most frustrating) parts of having a mutt is not knowing what, exactly, their breed make-up is. Dog DNA kits are an easy way to find that out and make a great gift for those who might want to know.

The Embark DNA Test is made in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. After 2-4 weeks, you'll get in-depth information on your dog's breed breakdown and a detailed family tree that all the way back to their great-grandparents. You can see all these results on a nicely designed dashboard on Embark’s website, or download a report for use at the vet.

Another cool aspect of this test is the social component: once you get your results back (generally after 2-4 weeks), you can connect with other dogs that share the same DNA as yours.

Face Socks Custom Dog Socks

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For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, opt for these fun dog socks, which can accommodate up to four different pets' faces. Printed in Atlanta, GA on a super soft polyester-blend fabric, these colorful socks are a fun way for you to remember your fur baby wherever you are.

Plus: unlike a lot of other made-to-order items, you won't have to worry about production time—after placing your order, these socks will be sent out in just one business day. Last-minute gifters, rejoice!

The Spruce Stain and Odor Remover in Fresh

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Even the most well-behaved pet has occasional accidents, and that’s precisely why we created The Spruce Stain & Odor Remover. Our plant-based, enzyme-activated formula eliminates organic stains and odors like urine, feces, and vomit. Best of all, it not only rids your home of unsightly scents and spots, but it also discourages your pet from soiling the same area again.

The Spruce Stain & Odor Remover is simple to use. After testing it on an inconspicuous corner of your carpet or couch, just shake the bottle, spray liberally on the affected area, and scrub with a cloth. For really stubborn stains, let the area soak for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping clean. The Spruce Stain & Odor Remover is available in our Fresh scent—a pleasant combination of neroli, apple, and orchid.

Caldwell’s Pet Supply Co. Potty Bell

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Whether you’ve brought home an older dog from the shelter or just got a new puppy, teaching them to use a potty bell will help immensely with accidents. The Potty Bell by Caldwell’s Pet Supply Co. is 26 inches long and easily slips over a door handle or knob. From there, work with your dog to learn cue words about going outside to use the bathroom, and give them treats near the bell to get them to nose it. Eventually, they’ll learn to ring the bell whenever they want or need to go outside. Colors include black, blue, brown, green, red, and yellow.

BarksBar Luxury Pet Car Seat Cover

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If you tend to take your dog on frequent adventures, investing in protection for your car will help with any muddy, mucky, or wet mess from your furry friend. The BarksBar Luxury Pet Car Seat Cover is ideal for cars without a trunk that they can hop into. The cover is convertible between a regular seat cover or hammock-style with full protection over the middle seats and back of the front seats, as well as the floor. There is enough space for your pooch to sit, lay down, or stick their nose upfront. With a built-in rubber backing and seat anchors, the waterproof cover won’t slip around even as your dog moves around.

Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl Collapsible Bowl

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For the active pup, a portable bowl is a must, especially on hot days or in dry areas. Use the Port-A-Bowl collapsible food and water bowl from Outward Hound. The bowl is made from durable, quick-drying nylon that is lightweight and folds flat. Size includes a 24-ounce bowl that holds 3 cups of food and is 3 inches high and 4.5 inches in diameter, as well as a 48-ounce bowl that holds 6 cups of food and is 3.5 inches high and 6 inches in diameter.

Ruffwear Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack

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Dogs love having a job to do, and with the Ruffwear Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack, your dog feels like they are working hard and you don’t have to carry their extra food. The saddlebag style pack has two larger pockets for food and other gear needed for an overnight trip, as well as smaller stash pockets for treats and poop bags. Integrated into the pack is a harness to keep the pack centered and sturdy, and allows for a leash to be attached on the front or on the back. The pack also has a padded handle and is made from a lightweight, durable material. Available in a range of sizes and colors, this hiking pack is sure to please pets and their owners!

Gina Trowler Dog Lover Adult Coloring Book

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For your dog-loving human friends, gift the Dog Lover Adult Coloring Book. This coloring book uses intricate designs and patterns to create beautiful dogs that you can spend hours coloring in. Each page will help you relax more, just like your pooch does after a long afternoon spent at the park.

Wigzi Dual Doggie Gel Rope Dog Leash

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Walking two dogs isn’t always the easiest task. With Dual Doggie Gel Rope Dog Leash by Wigzi, your dogs won’t get tangled and neither will you. The leash comes in two different sizes (Small and Medium/Large, which accommodate two dogs up to 175 pounds) and uses two leashes attached to one holder for less mess. Both extend 4.5 feet, and the built-in 360-degree coupler ensures a smooth, tangle-free walking experience.

Each of the rope leads also comes with highly reflective stripes for increased visibility—keeping both you and your pooches safe during low-light walks or hikes.