Place at Christmas table for pets that appreciate life’s finer pleasures

Owners reported to be splashing out on crackers, advent calendars and even festive fizz for cats and dogs

IN THE days of Christmas past, the best a dog could hope for was a juicy bone to gnaw on as the festivities took place.

But not any more, for this year supermarkets are going all-out to ensure pets are included in every aspect of Christmas – from advent calendars to special gifts and even a glass of fizz.

Tesco has quadrupled its special Christmas gifts range for pets from 12 items last year to more than 50.

Demand for dedicated festive pet gifts has risen by 300 per cent over the past two years as a pet’s place on Christmas shopping lists was becoming more established, it said.

Christmas crackers, advent calendars and treat-filled stockings are included in the range, as well as two new non-alcoholic tipples called Pawsecco for cats and Bottom Sniffer beer for dogs, to ensure pets can join in a Christmas tipple.

The drinks go on sale at Tesco this week for £3 a bottle, and were created with the help of veterinarians to create a feeling of well-being for cats and dogs. Pawsecco is a non-alcoholic, noncarbonated grape-free “wine” drink containing a blend of elderflower, nettle, ginseng and limeflower, while Bottom Sniffer is made from flax, dandelion, burdock and nettle.

Fiona Moss, Tesco’s pet food and accessories range manager, said: “Our Christmas campaign celebrates the many ways we come together at Christmas, for while we’re all enjoying a glass of fizz or a beer at the festive dinner table, cats and dogs will, for the first time, be able to join in the toasting too.”

Pets at Home, the pet supplies retailer, also stocks Pawsecco and Bottom Sniffer plus Snuffle Dog beer made in “a proper Belgian beer brewery”.

Owners can also buy a Barbour “cologne” for dogs from John Lewis, which costs £12.95. The outdoor clothing brand describes the spray as “soothing and refreshing [for] their skin while keeping them smelling fresh”.

John Lewis is selling Fred & Ginger advent calendars for dogs and cats this year with a treat behind each window. The calendars retail at £4 each.

For pets with a sweet tooth, Aldi is selling canine candy canes made from rawhide bones, as well as Christmas puddings and heart-shaped turkey treats for dogs. It also sells Pawsecco and Bottom Sniffer, at £2.49 per bottle.