Valentine's gifts for dogs
A Valentine's gift for a dog does not need to be elaborate to be a hit. Most dogs will get more excitement out of a new toy or a handful of proper treats than anything wrapped in ribbon. The trick is choosing something sized and toughened for your own dog rather than picking on looks alone.
What actually makes a good dog gift
Durability matters more than novelty for most dogs. A toy that survives a determined chewer, or a treat sized for a small mouth rather than a large one, will get far more use than something chosen purely because it looks the part for the occasion.
Safety is the other half of it, particularly around small parts. A toy with bows, bells or anything easily chewed off is a genuine choking risk, especially for puppies and small breeds, so it is worth checking construction as closely as looks before buying anything seasonal.
Toys, treats, or both
A toy suits a dog who is happiest with something to chew or chase, while a food-motivated dog will get more out of a treat box than a new squeaky toy gathering dust after day one. Knowing which type your own dog is makes the choice far easier than browsing by theme.
A small combination, a toy and a handful of treats together, covers both without overspending on either. Seasonal heart-shaped items can be a nice touch, but they are worth judging on build quality first rather than choosing on the shape alone.
A little dressing-up, if your dog tolerates it
A bandana or a simple collar accessory is a low-effort way to mark the occasion for a dog who does not mind wearing something extra. It costs little and photographs well, which is really the whole point of this kind of gift.
Not every dog is comfortable in accessories, and there is no need to force it. If your dog shows any sign of being unsettled by something around their neck, a toy or treat is a far better way to spend the day than persisting with an outfit.
The gifts themselves
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs with Pump
A large inflatable herding ball with pump that taps into your dog's chase instinct.
From£19.99
Durables Toy Crocodile
The crocodile from Red Dingo's Durables line: solid hardware, hard-wearing materials and a five-year manufacturer guarantee, which is rare enough to be the reason to buy.
£20.49
Tuffy Junior Zoo Hippo
A junior-sized Tuffy hippo built in bonded layers with webbed, multi-row stitched seams, light enough for smaller dogs and puppies, that floats and is machine washable.
£18.99
Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs
A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.
£29.99
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw
Meet the Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw — one of the toughest dog toys we stock. Tuffy build their toys in multiple bonded layers with several rows of stitching and protective webbing on the seams, so they stand up to serious chewers far better than an ordinary plush. They float, and they’re machine washable (air dry).
£13.99
Forthglade Grain Free Soft Bites Fresh Breath Treats 8pk
Chicken soft dog treats with parsley and peppermint oil for fresh breath
£2.45
Chase Buddy Boredom-Busting Dog Toy
An interactive chase toy that gives a restless dog somewhere to put its pursuit instinct, providing mental and physical exercise indoors or in the garden.
£14.99
Pedigree Dentastix Light Dog
Pedigree DentaStix Light dental chews across small, medium and large sizes
From£2.35
Dentalife Dental Oral Care Dog Chicken Chews
DENTALIFE chicken dental chews with medium-dog and large-dog variants
£1.65
Breathable Mesh Dog Boots with Reflective Strap
Lightweight breathable mesh dog boots with a wear-resistant non-slip sole and a reflective hook-and-loop strap for grip and night-time visibility. Keep paws cool and protected on walks. Sold as a set of four.
From£11.99
Common questions
- What's a safe Valentine's toy for a small dog?
- Choose one sized for their mouth, and avoid anything with small detachable parts like bows or bells that could be chewed off and swallowed. Supervise a new toy the first few times to see how your dog plays with it before leaving them alone with it.
- Can I give my dog chocolate on Valentine's Day?
- No, chocolate is toxic to dogs and should never be included in a gift for them, even a small piece wrapped up specially. Choose a proper dog treat instead, which gives the same sense of a treat without any of the risk.
- Is a heart-shaped treat any different nutritionally?
- No, the shape makes no difference to what is in it. Treat a heart-shaped biscuit the same way you would any other treat, checking the ingredients if your dog has a known sensitivity, and keeping to sensible portions regardless of how festive it looks.
- What if my dog isn't interested in the gift?
- Not every dog cares about novelty items, and that is completely normal. A familiar favourite treat, extra playtime, or a walk somewhere new is just as good a way to mark the day as anything bought specially for the occasion.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.