How to make your own dog toys and treats for Christmas

With the cost of living continuing to put a squeeze on our finances, you might be considering cutting back on how much you spend on presents this Christmas. Many of us like to buy a treat or new toy for our pets but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to gift your pet with something that will keep their brain busy and active.

National pet charity Blue Cross has put together some DIY toys and treats you can make at home for your pet this Christmas, which will keep them happy and entertained.

The paw-fect way to keep your dog’s brain busy and active.

1. Grab an empty box, making sure it’s not too small for your dog.

2. Get some newspaper or an old magazine and shred enough paper to fill at least half the box.

3. Scrunch up the remaining paper into rolls and mix it in with the shredded paper to fill the box to the brim.

4. Pop some treats in your empty egg container and bury this in the paper, somewhere in the middle of the box.

5. Scatter some treats in the rest of the box.

6. Close the box and let your dog into the room to investigate and dig out the treats.

A flirt pole is fantastic for dogs who love to chase—especially those with a higher chase drive than others, like sighthounds.

1. Depending on how big your dog is, will depend on how long you’ll want your pole. Cut your pole to the size that you want using a coping saw.

2. Cut your rope or bungee cord to size using a Stanley knife. You’ll want this to be the length of the pole and add at least 40cm onto the end, depending on how big your dog is.

3. Push your rope through the pole until it starts to stick out at the other end, then tie this end in a knot, so that the rope is secured within the pole.

4. Tie the loose bit of rope around one of your dog’s toys and you’re all done!

Fantastic for cats who love to chase.

1. Wrap your wooden dowel with twine, leaving 10-12 inches at the end of the rod to dangle.

2. Secure the twine with fabric glue at the base and the end.

3. Place all your jingle bells on the piece of twine left at the end of the wooden dowel.

4. Tie the fabric scraps to the end of the twine and you’re all done.

1. Take the lid off your shoebox.

2. Start to glue your toilet roll inner tubes into the box on top of one another. Your inner tubes need to have one side facing outwards.

3. Glue your shoebox in the middle of the shoebox lid. The lid will provide your vending machine with a base to keep it upright.

4. Wait an hour for the glue to fully dry.

5. Pop a treat into each inner tube and give this to your cat to fish out with their paw.

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.

2. Place baking paper onto a baking tray.

3. Pop the boiled chicken breast, cooked rice and chicken stock into a blender and blitz until it looks like puree.

4. Transfer the mix into a bowl and add in the egg and flour, mix well.

5. Dust flour onto a clean, flat surface.

6. Turn the mixture out of the mixing bowl and onto the floured surface.

7. Knead the dough until it stops being sticky.

8. Roll out with a rolling pin—aim for half an inch thickness.

9. Shape your biscuits with cookie cutter.

10. Place on baking tray and cook in oven for 25-30 minutes.

11. Let them cool!

Find more tips and pet advice at bluecross.org.uk