Let’s face it; taking care of dogs isn’t cheap. From toys and food to leashes and collars, if you have a dog, you’ll need to budget some extra cash if you want to keep your pooch pampered and happy. However, there are some products out there that make life easier for both you and your dog. For example, let’s say you love taking your dog out on walks but hate how messy their paws get when they encounter mud or sand on the ground.
1) A comfortable bed
The most important item on this list is a comfortable bed for your pup. If you don’t provide your dog with a comfy place to sleep, they might not be as inclined to come back to their spot after going potty or exploring the world. It’s also important to know that dogs need time outside of the crate or kennel and the best way to do this is by having them get used to sleeping in their bed.
2) Dog treats
One thing you can make for your pup is a homemade chew. There are plenty of recipes online, but here’s one to get you started: Combine 1/4 cup peanut butter with one egg. Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate overnight. The next day, roll the balls in flour and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve to your favorite furry friend!
3) A leash
A leash is a must-have for any pet owner, and even more so for owners of large dogs. Not only can it help in training your pup to walk on a loose leash, but if your pup does ever get loose, you’ll need one to safely reel them back in. Plus, as an added bonus, they come in handy when you’re trying to wrangle your dog into the car or house.
4) ID Tags
It’s important to keep your pet safe and identifiable by getting a collar with their name and contact information, as well as ID tags. You can also purchase reflective collars for dogs that like to go on walks at night or early in the morning.
Dogs need to be vaccinated so they don’t get sick, and so they are healthy enough to fight off any diseases they come into contact with while outside. Some basic vaccinations include rabies, distemper, parvo virus, and others.
5) An easy-to-clean water bowl
A water bowl is a must-have for any pup, but it can get gross. With these bowls, you can fill them with water and the dishwasher will take care of the rest. They’re also great for when you want to give your pup fresh water without having to get up from watching TV.
6) Treat dispenser
One of the most important items you can buy is a treat dispenser. If your pup becomes bored, they’re going to find something else to do. This can cause property damage and injury to themselves or others. The best thing about treat dispensers is that you can adjust how many treats you want to give out at a time, so if your pup does anything remotely good, like peeing outside or not destroying the furniture, they’ll get rewarded with a couple of treats as an encouragement.
7) A high-quality chew toy
A high-quality chew toy is essential to a dog’s happiness. A sturdy, durable chew toy can keep your pup happy and entertained while also helping his teeth and gums stay healthy. What type of chew toy you buy depends on the type of dog you have, so be sure to do your research beforehand. Durable toys are great for dogs who like to rip their toys apart or need some heavy duty chewing time; these are not recommended for light chewers or squeakers as they could easily become ripped or punctured with enough use. Toys that make noise are ideal for most dogs as it provides stimulation during playtime and entertains them when bored in between play sessions.
8) Calming scent diffuser
A diffuser is a great way to fill your home with a relaxing scent. It’s also perfect for times when your pup needs to calm down and you need some peace and quiet. Scent diffs use warm water to diffuse the essential oils into the air and create a spa-like atmosphere in your home. From lavender to peppermint, there are many scents that can help you relax at the end of a busy day or soothe your pup on those cold winter nights.
9) A doggie first aid kit
A doggie first aid kit can be a lifesaver when you’re out and about. You never know when your furry friend might get hurt, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The kit will allow you to assess the severity of the injury and figure out what needs to be done next.
10) Poo bags / poo shovel
Poo bags are a necessity, as they will help you carry the poop and avoid accidentally touching it. For those of us who live in a city, we may not want to carry our poo with us on the bus or subway which is why we need a poo shovel. The shovel can be used to pick up the poop and then dispose of it in the nearest trash bin.