Discover the Essentials Every Dog Parent Should Own

By Ava Brown, November 6, 2020

Having a dog is like having a baby. You need to provide all the necessary equipment and accessories before you bring home your furry child. You also need to dog-proof your home and schedule an examination at a vet’s office.

Since your dog is going to be your best friend, you need to take good care of him. Besides the basic survival needs like food and water, here are the essentials that every (new) dog parent should own.

Bedding

Even if you allow your fuzzy friend to snuggle up next to you in your bed, he still needs a bed of his own. Dog beds come in a wide variety of designs, from thin pads and orthopedic foam to soft, loosely padded pillows. That being said, whatever you choose, it’s important that it’s a practical and comfortable dog bedding.

Orthopedic dog beds are a durable, long-lasting bed solution. These beds are made of high-density memory foam base that is load-bearing, so it contours perfectly to your dog’s body without any sinking.

The raised cushy frame panels create a snuggly comfort barrier and act as cushy support for your dog’s head. You can easily find orthopedic beds in medium size, large or extra-large dog bedding. The extra-large versions are up to 110 cm wide to provide comfort for large dogs or even two medium or small dogs.

If you’re a proud owner of a small dog, you can select a stylish dog bed, made from a super soft plush lining that features high walls for extra comfort.

If you want your pet to feel extra calm and relaxed, you can opt for a round cuddler, made of soft faux fur. The soft raised walls and the deep sleeping area of this model can provide an ultimate retreat for anxious pets who crave the feeling of safety and security the most.

Maintenance-wise, it is recommended to opt for a bed with removable, replaceable and washable covers on both the outer ring and the cushion.

Collar

For starters, your dog needs at least one collar. When he outgrows it, you need to replace it with a new one. Make sure to check frequently if the collar fits well or needs readjustment. For everyday use, choose a flat collar made of nylon, fabric or leather. The easiest to use are the ones that feature a quick-release fastener. You can also add a name tag to your dog’s collar.

Tip: To ensure it fits perfectly, you should be able to insert two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. If the collar is tighter than that, it’s not comfortable and safe enough. If the collar hangs looser than that, it can get caught on things and trap or strangle your dog.

Leash

For good physical and mental health, walking your dog every day is essential. Your dog needs a strong, quality leash that you can attach to his collar/harness. It is best to opt for a leash that is either 120 cm of 180 cm long, so you can easily curl it up in your hands while walking your buddy.

Leather is a quality and long-lasting material if cared for properly, but nylon and cotton webbed leashes are easier to maintain and dry more quickly than leather. This can be an asset not only maintenance-wise, but also if you get caught outside in the rain.

Make sure that the leash is comfortable for you to hold and not so heavy that the weight is unpleasant for your dog. A retractable leash can be another good option when you want to give your dog some extra freedom. No matter which type of leash you choose, the snap that attaches it to your dog’s collar or harness should be strong, secure, and easy to use.

Harness

If you’ve ever walked a dog that’s much stronger than you, you know that a simple leash and collar are sometimes not enough. This is where a harness can help a lot. The best option is to go for a fully adjustable harness that is easy to put on. Front-clip harnesses are great for big dogs. For small dogs, you can consider a harness that can clip in the front and the back.

Crate

Even if you don’t like the idea of a crate, from a dog’s point of view, confined space is like a cozy den. Crates come in a few basic types, including wood, wire, and plastic. Whatever type you chose, have in mind that the crate must be big enough for your dog to be able to easily stand up and turn around while inside. Dog crates are great for security and transportation.

Toys

When selecting toys for your dog, avoid ribbons, bells, plastic eyes, and other small items attached to the toy since they can be ripped off, chewed up, and sometimes swallowed. Rubber chew toys and frisbees are among the safest toys every dog loves.

Clothes

Even though some people might find dressing dogs weird and unnecessary, pet owners understand the need for providing an extra layer of protection to their fluffy friends. During the cold and rainy days, make sure you invest in a coat or a hoody to protect your dog. If you want to dress your dog just for fun, you can select cute T-shirts, costumes and chic scarfs.

Shampoo

While many dog owners use human shampoo on their dogs, frequent use of such product might compromise the quality of your dog’s coat. The safest option is to purchase a shampoo designed specifically for dogs. These products are formulated to be gentle on your dog’s sensitive skin and they are generally free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.