We all know somebody who loves their pet (or pets) more than life itself, or know couples who treat their dogs like children. This Christmas season, why not help them pamper their pets with a pet gift?

However, you shouldn't just get a new can of tennis balls or a collar and call it good. With this handy little guide, you can find a unique pet gift that the pet owner would never have considered and may not have even realized they needed.

Pet gift ideas for bargain shoppers

Instead of running to PetSmart and picking up the first jeweled collar you see, think about any complaints you've heard your friends voice about their dogs to get ideas for pet gifts. Perhaps they complain that no matter how much they clean their pet, they just can't keep their dog from smelling like...well, a dog.

If that's the case, consider pet spa products. You can find a number of pet spa products online, like all-natural shampoos, spritzes, soaps and moisturizing paw rubs. If you're worried that a scented product would attract bugs or fleas, especially outside, look for ones that use citronella oil, which will repel bugs. You can even find dog gift sets that come with a selection of spa products, and they're usually pretty reasonable, between $30 and $50.

If your friends worry about keeping their dog's water unfrozen now that it's winter, look at getting a heated water bowl as a pet gift. You don't need to worry about it heating a dog's water to boiling, but it will keep it from freezing over every night, which will make life easier for both dog and owner. You can usually find them for about $35.

Pet gift ideas for mid-ranged shoppers

Do your friends or family members have pets that are older or sick? A great gift for these pets would be a heated bed, which you can find in a variety of types and sizes. Some are just heated pads with a cover, while others are thickly padded mats with a removable heating unit. Those are usually machine-washable as well, which will make them much easier to keep clean, an ideal trait in any pet gift.

These beds run between $50 and $80, depending on the kind of bed you want and how big of a bed you need for the dog.

Pet gift ideas for high-end shoppers

If money isn't really a concern of yours, then an insulated dog house is an excellent pet gift idea. Instead of putting a piece of plastic between a dog and the cold, they use the dog's body heat to keep the interior of the house about 30 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Some insulated houses even come with heating kits, so that the floor will be heated as well. These houses range between $125 and $220, more if you decide to get a heating kit with it.

Don't forget your friends' and family's furry companions this holiday season. Get them a fun and unique gift that will better life for both them and their pet.

About the Author

Chuck Yost, president of SecurePets.com, is dedicated to the safety and comfort of furry companions across the country. They offer unique pet gift ideas, like the Cain & Able Collection dog spa gift sets. Help your pets enjoy life. Visit SecurePets.com for peace of mind today.