Everyone wants a cute puppy, but not everyone understands how much preparation goes into owning a dog. Before you bring your new puppy home for the first time, there are a few dog supplies you absolutely must bring with you. If your furry friend is already with you, don’t worry; even novice dog owners can get started quickly.
I am no exception. We adopted a couple of 5-year-old dogs who needed new homes, and needed them at short notice. We got a crash course in basic dog equipment and… toys to keep the puppies happy. If you’ve just welcomed a furry new friend (or two) into your life, like I did, or if you’re planning to, then this guide is for you. Here I will lay out the items I purchased, along with other tempting items. Being prepared can make all the difference when it comes to keeping dogs and pet parents happy. That’s why we keep this list of essential dog supplies up to date.
My dogs sleep a lot. And since I don’t want to encourage them to sleep on human beds, dog beds are a must. These beds from Furhaven use memory foam for extra support, are available in multiple colors and have an L-shaped headrest. Both my boys love it and benefit from the comfortable surfaces when they are around.
This product may look a bit frivolous. Spending over $100 on a dog-friendly furniture blanket feels extravagant. That said, definitely one of my dogs Loves to sleep (and snore) on the couch. She also throws hair like a champ. While I haven’t personally tried the PupProtector Throw Blanket, the thousands of glowing customer reviews make it sound like a tempting way to spoil a pet. It’s also more visually interesting than the worn old comforter on my couch.
While not as luxurious as premium dog beds, this soft, reversible, stain-resistant pet blanket from Petmaker is much more affordable. And if accidents do happen, don’t panic. The cover is also machine washable.
For a comfortable and safe way to walk my dogs, I chose the Gentle Leader Headcollar from PetSafe. It’s highly rated by thousands of Amazon shoppers and comes in multiple colors and sizes for $20. It’s designed to discourage lunging, jumping, and pulling during walks without choking your pet.
Here is a trendy dog ​​poop bag holder. This one from Eliamo offers storage space for pick-up bags and also has an LED flashlight. It can also be connected to standard dog leashes, so that you don’t lose sight of the poop piles in the dark.
Make sure drivers see you and your dog during nighttime walks using this gadget. Illumiseen’s LED dog leash glows in continuous light or flashes for extra attention. Illumiseen promises a battery life of five hours and you can charge it via USB. It is also available in six color options.
Dealing with poop is part of owning a dog. While it’s not a fun chore, there are ways to ease the yuck factor. One of these is the use of special bags such as these from Frisco. Billed as leak-proof and able to mask odors, I can confirm they get the job done with less nausea and beat the flimsy plastic grocery bags any day of the week. The kit comes with a box of 900 sachets, plus two handy belt dispensers, so you’ll never run out when the time comes.
Have you ever wished you could train your dog to let you know he wants to go outside? With the Folksmate Dog Doorbells that is exactly what you can do. Forget translating mysterious barks. Over time, and with proper training, your dog will ring these bells to tell you he needs to go outside.
I used the Wesen No Spill Dog Bowls to set up feeding areas. Starting at $26, each set comes with three bowls. Two are stainless steel, a 53-ounce food bowl and a 27-ounce water bowl. The third is a collapsible travel bowl designed for easy packing for travel. The last part of the package is a silicone floor mat with built-in bowl holders. It’s all dishwasher safe.
Chunks are intensely sharp. To prevent the smell of dog food from permeating every nook and cranny of your home, you need to store it properly. I highly recommend the Iris Airtight Food Storage Container. The package includes a 33 liter (25 pound) dry food container and a 12 liter (10 pound) container for treats. The units are stackable and the main container sits on rotating casters for easy movement and positioning.
The urge to chew objects is normal for dogs. Instead of letting Rover use your furniture, socks, or shoes to meet this need, give your dog a good chew toy to chew on. You have many options, but my dogs love the Petstages Dogwood. It’s safer and more durable than a real wooden stick, and it doubles as a great fetch toy.
Besides investing in a good vacuum cleaner, another way to control pet hair in your home is to invest in a good brush. The Furminator hair removal brush is a popular choice. It is designed to remove loose hair without damaging your dog’s coat and skin. The designers also claim that with regular use you can reduce loss by up to 90%.
Enjoy your free time with this endearing collection of dog-centric stories. Written by award-winning British writer James Herriot, who also wrote the classic All Creatures Great and Small, Dog Stories is aptly titled. Within its pages are 50 stories of loving bonds between people and their dogs.