Brooke Shields Dishes on the Holiday Gifts for Pets She’s ‘Kind of Obsessed’ with — Stock Up from $6 (Exclusive)
Originally published on PEOPLE.com
Given Brooke Shields’ affinity for animals, you’d never know she’s actually allergic.
“I’ve had pets my whole life,” the actress exclusively tells PEOPLE. “I had about four cats at one point, and my mom and I, during high school, would foster dogs all the time, and then find homes for them… that was how I grew up.”
After losing her late dog Pepper, Shields realized she wasn’t “as conscious about what I was putting in my pets’ bodies, or how I was taking care of my pets.” Through her partnership with wellness brand Prospect Pet, the actress is trying a new approach: “I need to treat my pet the way I would treat myself or my child.”
In sharing her go-to holiday gifts for pets, including her new puppy, Tuzi, Shields is leaning into “clean and conscious” products. “As a known person, …I don’t know what the value is except to create a conversation. If my face gets attention, then I want it to be attention for the right reasons.” She hopes her picks will help educate other pet parents, so they can “extend their pet’s health.”
Brooke Shields’ Holiday Gift Recs for Pets
From “Santa Paws”: Prospect Pet Paw Protector Balm
Distraction Zone: Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Puzzle Enrichment Toy
Fresh Breath Alert: Greenies Dental Dog Treats
Holiday Treat: Woof The Pupsicle
For in Between Bath Days: Earth Rated Pet Wipes
Bye Bye Itchy Skin: Prospect Pet Skin & Coat Health Booster
“These are things that are an easy add, and they make such a difference in your pet’s life.”
— Brooke Shields, actress, mother, and animal advocate
Prospect Pet Paw Protector Balm
“We live in New York, and, just being on the pavement, it’s brutal on a dog’s paws,” Shields explains (as a fellow New Yorker with a dog, I can confirm). “She won’t ever wear those paw booties,” she says, gesturing that her dog stomps around and then shakes them off.
So for salty city walks in the winter and sandy beach trips in the summer, Tuzi’s mom relies on this paw protector balm to soothe her inflamed paws. “You see them licking their paws, …and then you realize, ‘Oh, it’s irritated; let me treat that,’” Shields says, adding that the balm is a lick-safe formula.
Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Puzzle Enrichment Toy
Tuzi also has “unending energy” so all forms of entertainment are key. “She’s a very big, thick dog,” the actress jokes, adding, “We need dogs that will play rough with her to wear her out.” For non-playdate days, puzzle toys are a form of dog enrichment that can hold their attention. “I love any puzzles that can help her stay focused,” Shields says and references this Outward Hound option.
Greenies Dental Dog Treats
Speaking from experience, dental health often falls to the wayside for dog owners, so finding easy ways to maintain your pup’s teeth is a great gift, for them and for you. Shields loves Greenies dental dog treats for Tuzi’s “dental health and for her breath.” It’s recommended to give one dental treat per day.
Woof The Pupsicle
“I’ve been kind of obsessed with these Pupsicles,” Shields admits. The small toy comes in a festive peppermint print and houses delicious treats, which you can refill at home with frozen peanut butter, bone broth, apple sauce, or other yummy bites. When it comes to Tuzi, “she’s got separation anxiety from one room to the next, and she can’t handle being alone, so this… keeps her occupied.”
Earth Rated Pet Wipes
Shields always keeps Earth Rated Pet Wipes nearby — in fact, she even brings them to Christmas parties in little pet bags, and shares that people always thank her after. For Tuzi, specifically, since she has a “messed-up tail”, Shields uses this cleaning hack to “make sure everything’s wiped” after walks and other outdoor adventures. She also cleans Tuzi's ears with the hypoallergenic wipes.
Prospect Pet Skin & Coat Health Booster
Like so many dogs, Tuzi deals with itchy skin, and Shields swears by Prospect Pet’s Skin & Coat Health Booster to give her pup some relief. “I just put a couple pumps into her food, and she loves it; she eats it up,” says Shields. “I’ve noticed her skin is more supple and she’s scratching less.”
The actress points out that although Prospect Pet is geared toward senior pets, “all of these products are preventative” for younger dogs, too — and when it comes to being conscious of our pet’s health, “the earlier you start, the better it will be.”
More Holiday Pet Gifts Brooke Suggests
Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
Coffee Table Gem: Sitting with Dogs: Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved Book
Prospect Pet Hip & Joint Mobility Booster
For the Trendiest Dog on the Block: Polo Ralph Lauren Home Dog Puffer Jacket
Kong 4-Sided Cuddler Dog Bed
List Not Quite Checked Off?
As a team of dedicated writers, editors, and most importantly, pet parents, we’re also throwing in a few of our own gift recommendations for your pet friends as well as your own furballs.
Madison and Stevie’s Picks
“For those who haven't been introduced to Lamb Chop — a.k.a. the most popular dog toy around — let's just say dogs are inexplicably drawn to this furry plush toy. One of my old colleagues got my dog, Stevie, her first Lamb Chop, and it quickly became her security toy. She loves carrying it around and squeaking its little legs.” — Madison Yauger, shopping editor
Clint and Gustavo’s Pick
“We put this plaid bow tie on Gustavo's collar last winter, and it made everyone's day whenever we saw him. It lights up, has a Tartan green and red pattern, and even comes with a matching breakaway collar and detachable bell. It makes any kitty look like the consummate holiday host.” — Clint Davis, shopping editor
Alex and Ari’s Pick
"To say my dog, Ari, loves her golden retriever stuffie is an understatement. She carries it around our apartment everywhere with her and is either using it as a pillow or snuggling it between her paws. My camera roll is flooded with so many pictures of her with her pup because I can't resist capturing the cuteness." — Alex Nelson, associate editorial shopping director
