12 Dog Essentials I Love (Perfect for the Holidays!)

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the products that make life with my pup easier, more fun, and just a little more luxurious. Over the years, I’ve discovered some amazing products that my dog and I use constantly and genuinely LOVE. Whether you’re shopping for your own fur baby or looking for a thoughtful gift, these essentials are sure to make tails wag!

Let’s start with the basics: mealtime. My YETI Boomer 8 Stainless Steel Non-Slip Dog Bowl is a must-have for keeping food and water in place. Not only do they look great, but the non-slip base ensures there’s no sliding or tipping, even with an excited eater like my very food motivated lab (if you know, you know). They come in many colours, but I went for the classic stainless-steel look and I am very impressed with how good they still look 2 years later! I paired these bowls with the Gorilla Grip Silicone Pet Feeding Mat to help protect my floors. The mat’s raised edges help catch any splashes or crumbs, and its non-slip surface keeps everything in place. This combo makes feeding time simple, stylish, and stress-free. Also, both the bowls and the mat are dishwasher safe which is a huge plus for me.

Next up is grooming and everyday care. The Top Paw® Dual-Sided Curry Dog Brush is a staple in our routine, helping to keep my pup’s coat shiny and free of loose fur (this is an older model, so I found something similar here). Although the type of brush that you use may differ depending on the type of dog you have, a curry brush is what works best for us. Along with this, I also clip her nails using basic Dog Nail Clippers and brush her teeth using Arm & Hammer Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste (they have different flavors, we're currenrly using "chicken flavour" but my fur baby isn’t picky since she is a lab).  After grooming, we often wind down with a cozy snuggle under her favourite Plush Blanket. It’s soft, machine-washable, and perfect for both naps and couch cuddles—a small luxury that every pup deserves.

When it’s time for outdoor adventures, safety and comfort are top priorities. The Canada Pooch Waterproof Collar (in Lavender) is a stylish everyday accessory that’s durable, odor-resistant, and easy to clean. For added safety during nighttime walks, the Nite Ize Howl LED Safety Necklace is a must-have. This rechargeable light-up collar ensures my dog is visible, whether we’re strolling through the neighborhood or exploring off-leash trails. And when the temperatures drop, my dog stays warm and cozy in her Chilly Dogs Great White North Dog Coat. In fact, I love her Chilly Dogs winter jacket so much for freezing temperatures that I also have their rain jacket for downpours and drying coat to help her dry off post-baths.

Playtime is an essential part of our routine, and two toys stand out as absolute favorites. The classic KONG Dog Toy is my go-to for mental stimulation and rainy-day boredom busters. I stuff it peanut butter, or water or berries, which I freeze, and it keeps my pup entertained for hours. For outdoor fun, we love the Chuckit! Rugged Flyer Dog Toy. It’s durable enough to handle my dog’s enthusiastic fetching and perfect for trips to the park or backyard playtime.

Finally, no dog parent can overlook the less glamorous side of pet ownership: clean-up duty. The Purple Tails Ultra Thick and Leakproof Scented Dog Poop Bags are my favorite for making this task more manageable. They’re sturdy, tear-resistant, and lightly scented to mask odors, giving me peace of mind during walks. Also, they are a perfectly cute purple colour for that “it-girl”!  These bags are a small but mighty essential that I never leave home without.If purple isn’t your colour, Earth Rated Dog Unscented Poop Bags are my second go-to.

These products aren’t just useful—they’re part of what makes life with my pup so enjoyable. From mealtime to grooming, playtime to cozy evenings, each of these items plays a role in keeping my dog happy, healthy, and loved. Whether you’re shopping for your furry friend or looking for the perfect gift for a dog-loving friend, these essentials are perfect. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these or have your own must-haves—I’d love to hear what your pup can’t live without!!