--- title: The best doggone gifts are free description: The best gifts for your dog don’t cost a thing. Here’s how to share the love with your pup on a budget. image: https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Doggone%20gifts%20HEADER.jpg --- [![Nationwide Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image%201@2x.png)](https://companionpetmagazine.com/) ![The Companion Magazine Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/commpasslogo.jpg) - [The Companion Magazine](https://companionpetmagazine.com) - [Previous Issues](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/previous) - Topics - [Member stories](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/member-stories) - [Research data](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/research-data) - [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/pet-care) - [Extra treats](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/extra-treats) - [Promotions](https://companionpetmagazine.com/promotions) - [Member Perks](https://companionpetmagazine.com/member-perks) [Holiday 2024](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/holiday-2024) # The best doggone gifts are free Treating your dog doesn’t need to break the bank. ![Picture of By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/NWLogos_Vert_NW_3C.svg) [By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/author/about-us) - - - The holiday season can be hectic for both dogs and their people as travel plans and gift giving take center stage. Many people run on tight budgets to make sure everyone gets the gift they want. Fortunately, in the eyes of our dogs, the best gifts don’t cost a thing. Experts at Nationwide VetHelpline®, powered by FirstVet, offer insights on how to share the holiday spirit with your dog. ## Routine Dogs thrive when given consistency and structure. During the holidays, travel and irregular daily schedules for work and school vacations can throw your pup’s routine out of whack. One of the best gifts you can give them is something predictable—keep mealtimes regular and don’t miss out on daily walks. If you’re hitting the road this holiday season, do what you can to accommodate your pet’s normal routine on the go. Schedule regular stops to walk, snack and use the bathroom, just like you would at home. ## Choice As nice as a routine can be, a little variety is always welcome. Dogs are often given few choices in their day-to-day lives. We choose where they walk, what they eat, when they go outside. Offering a little extra choice to your pooch can be a fun new adventure that activates their mind. You don’t need to hand over the keys to the day to get the job done—for example, let your pup choose a new toy from several options. The process of choosing and the introduction of novel smells and textures is a gift in itself. Or take your pooch somewhere new—an on-leash hike in the woods, on a farm or at the beach, for example—so they can explore a world of new and unusual smells. Go slowly to allow for full exploration. You might enjoy stopping to smell the roses yourself! ## Attention Dogs love your attention more than anything else. The best gift they can get is downtime loaded with snuggles and scritches (and maybe a little fetch or tug-o-war). If you have vacation time scheduled, pencil in a little extra holiday QT with your pet. A day at the groomer or just an extra-long walk in the park is often enough to make your pup feel special. ## Good health The holidays can be hectic for pets and pet parents alike. Holiday gatherings introduce new health hazards to the home, and some seasonal favorites like [chocolate](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/holiday-foods-to-avoid-sharing-with-pets) and [conifer needles](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/delicious-or-dangerous) can be unsafe if ingested by pets. Nationwide pet insurance members can connect with veterinary professionals from home with [Nationwide VetHelpline®](http://petinsurance.com/usevethelpline) at no additional cost. Get live advice on topics ranging from holiday pet tips to toxicity. Now that's a healthy dose of peace for your pet—and peace of mind for you. Download the VetHelpline app today. | [![Google Play Store](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gplay1.png?width=200&height=59&name=Gplay1.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nationwide.vethelpline) | [![Apple App Store](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AppStore1.png?width=200&height=59&name=AppStore1.png)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nationwide-vethelpline/id1515301514) | | --- | --- | ## Of course, we like to spoil our pets, too Looking for the best under-the-tree presents for your pooch? Check out this year's [pet holiday gift guide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/holiday-pet-gift-guide) for some of our top pet product picks, and follow [@NationwidePet](http://instagram.com/nationwidepet) on Instagram for a chance to win some sweet giveaways your pup will love in our #NWDeckThePawsContest. ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Cat%20Health%20Month%20Article%20-%20Cat%20Vet.jpg) ### VetHelpline Nationwide® pet insurance members have 24/7 telehealth access to connect with veterinary professionals for pet health advice. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy! [Get advice](https://www.petinsurance.com/usevethelpline/) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2024/my.petinsurance.com) [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/pet-care) ## Check out some of our other posts! ### [2025 pet gift guide: Best picks for the holidays](https://companionpetmagazine.com/2025-pet-gift-guide) Celebrate the season with gifts that combine health, sustainability, and fun for your ... ### [Making a paw-sitive impact at Nationwide Children’s Hospital](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/making-a-paw-sitive-impact-at-nationwide-childrens-hospital) Dogs are our steadfast companions through thick and thin. They’re also good for our ... ### [Letter from the Pet-itor: New Year’s edition](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/letter-from-the-pet-itor) Can you hear the first notes of Auld Lang Syne ringing in your head already? This year ... ### [The rising cost of pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/the-rising-cost-of-pet-care) Research suggests that 77% of Americans are anxious about their financial situation. ... #### Subscribe to the Companion Blog! ![whitelogo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/whitelogo.jpg) - Previous Issues - [Petinsurance.com](https://www.petinsurance.com/) - [Nationwide.com](https://www.nationwide.com/) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%206@2x.png)](https://www.facebook.com/nationwidepet/) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%205@2x.png)](https://twitter.com/nationwidepet) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%204@2x.png)](https://www.youtube.com/NationwidePet) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%203@2x.png)](https://www.instagram.com/nationwidepet/) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%202@2x.png)](https://www.thepethealthzone.com/) NO INSURANCE PURCHASE OR QUOTE NECESSARY. 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Third party marks are the property of their respective owners. ©2024 Nationwide. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://9062470.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9062470/Butterfly%20Paws.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-12-02T23:16:58.907Z", "duration" : "PT2M43S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "Butterfly Paws", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://9062470.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9062470/Butterfly%20Paws.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2025-12-02T23:16:43.638Z", "width" : 1920 } ```