If it feels like dogs are getting better Christmas presents than most people these days, you’re not imagining it.

Across the UK, recent research shows pet owners are spending more on their dogs at Christmas than on friends, extended family, and even some immediate relatives. British dog owners are expected to spend hundreds of millions on festive gifts for their pups this year, overtaking spending on cousins, uncles, and close friends. Dogs aren’t just part of the family anymore. For many households, they are the family.

And while the loudest stats are coming out of the UK right now, we’re seeing the same shift happening here in Australia.

At Anubis, we talk to dog owners every day. What we’re seeing is clear. People are prioritising their dogs’ comfort, health, and happiness more than ever, especially at Christmas.

What’s driving the “dogs first” spending trend?

There’s no single reason why people are spending more on dogs than ever before, but a few big factors keep coming up for the growing number of Christmas gifts for dogs in Australia.

Dogs have become emotional anchors

For many people, dogs are constant companions through long workdays, remote work, life changes, and stressful times. They’re there every morning, every night, and often when humans aren’t. That bond naturally shifts priorities.

Fewer kids, smaller households

More Australians are choosing smaller families or delaying children altogether. In many homes, dogs fill that role completely. They’re not “like kids”. They are the dependants.

Awareness around comfort and health has grown

Dog owners today understand far more about joint health, sleep quality, anxiety, and long-term wellbeing than they did even a decade ago. Spending isn’t just emotional. It’s practical.

A supportive bed isn’t a novelty gift anymore. It’s seen as part of responsible ownership.

What we’re seeing here in Australia

While Australia doesn’t yet have the same headline-grabbing Christmas spend figures as the UK, behaviour tells the same story.

• Dog owners are planning purchases earlier
• Practical gifts are replacing novelty toys
• Comfort-focused products are prioritised over “fun but useless” items
• Beds, crate setups, and orthopaedic support are topping Christmas wish lists

We’re also seeing a clear trend toward buying one high-quality item instead of several throwaway gifts. Owners want something their dog will actually use every day, not just on Christmas morning.

Make comfort your dog’s Christmas gift this year:

 

Why dog beds have become a Christmas essential

Sleep plays a huge role in a dog’s physical and emotional health. Poor sleep affects:

• Joint recovery
• Anxiety levels
• Behaviour and reactivity 
• Energy and mobility

That’s why we’re seeing dog beds move from “afterthought” to “centre-stage gift”.

At Anubis, our beds are designed to support dogs properly, whether they’re puppies still growing, adult dogs who sprawl, or seniors who need pressure relief. They’re also made to fit into real homes, not look like a temporary pet solution shoved in a corner.

When owners choose a bed as a Christmas gift, it’s rarely impulse-driven. It’s intentional. It’s about improving their dog’s everyday life.

Christmas is the perfect time to upgrade your dog’s sleep

The festive season is often when routines change. Late nights. Extra visitors. Louder homes. Dogs feel that disruption too.

A familiar, supportive bed gives them a place to retreat, rest, and decompress when everything else is noisy and unpredictable.

Right now, all our Anubis beds are on sale, which makes this an ideal time to invest in something that lasts well beyond Christmas Day. Instead of another toy that’s forgotten by New Year’s, a quality bed becomes part of your dog’s daily comfort for years.

Browse our range of orthopaedic dog beds, now on sale: 

 

Spoiling your dog isn’t excessive. It’s intentional.

Some people still joke about dogs being “spoiled”. But in reality, most owners aren’t splurging on dogs instead of people. They’re making thoughtful choices about who relies on them every day.

A dog doesn’t care about price tags or trends. But they do feel the difference between sleeping on a cold floor and resting on a bed that supports their body properly.

If Christmas is about giving comfort, security, and joy, then choosing something that improves your dog’s wellbeing makes perfect sense, so why not have your dogs getting spoiled at Christmas?

And judging by what we’re seeing both overseas and here in Australia, more people than ever agree.

Get in early and give your dog the gift of better sleep: