Almost everyone looks forward to owning a dog with much excitement.
Besides being a man’s best friend, it can add color to your life in many ways.
From ensuring you live a healthy and fit life to being the perfect companion and providing security, dogs are lovely pets everyone needs to get.
However, as a responsible pet owner, you want to make life as comfortable as possible for your dog.
This comes down to getting the essential thing that will make life easier for your dog.
As a new pet owner, you might be overwhelmed with what to get for your dog.
However, this post will shed light on significant essentials to make life easier and comfortable for you and the dog.
Here are essential things to buy for your dog:
1. Cleaning products
When you shop pet supplies, make sure to have cleaning products as well.
The animal instinct is part of your pet, so expect some shocking behaviors at times.
There could be accidents, urinating in unexpected places, etc., which needs cleaning. As a result, it is essential to stock up on cleaning supplies for your animals.
2. Bedding
Your dog needs a comfortable bed that will not pose any trouble sleeping.
Also, consider that the dog might get bigger with time, so get a bed that it can grow and stretch on.
There are varieties of beds for puppies. Many puppies like the snuggling and cuddling feeling that comes from a Vetbed or something similar.
These beds mimic sheepskin and are hygienic. Consider a bed that can be easily washed even with a machine and does not trigger any allergy.
Also, the bed should be chew-resistant and should prevent pressure sores on adult dogs.
Ideally, you are better off buying two pieces to wash and dry one while your dog uses the other.
3. Car Harness, Dog Guard or Traveling Crate
There are times you might want to go on a trip with your dog. In such a case, you need a car seat harness, a dog carrier, or a crate to secure the dog.
This is important for the comfort and safety of all parties inside the vehicle during the trip.
You can try and help your dog get used to staying in crates and going on trips.
Do this by going on short trips first. This will help your pouch get used to long car travel.
4. Collar
Ensure the collar is comfortable and suited explicitly for the dog’s breed, age, and size.
For people with puppies, note that they grow pretty fast. As a result, try and check the collar daily for proper fit.
In the same manner, it should not be too loose so that your puppy will not simply slip out of it.
Make sure it is comfortable, with a slight tendency to choke your dog. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to slip two fingers under the collar.
5. Toys
The idea behind toys for a dog is not just for fun and playing. Toys are excellent training materials that can trigger good behavior in animals.
You can also use it to discourage bad behavior and strengthen the bond between you too.
- Fetch Toys: dogs love fetching as it presents a way to exercise and stimulate their senses. You can go to the park or any open field with some balls. Also, if your yard is roomy, this is an effective way to bond with your dog.
- Puzzle Toys: this is the perfect toy to keep them engaged as it offers hours of mental stimulation. Also, if you leave your pet home for an extended period, a puzzle toy is a good choice. It helps deal with separation anxiety and boredom.
- Chew Toys: puppies have the habit of gnawing on anything they can lay their paws on. This is common as they lose the milk teeth and grow the next set of teeth. Chew toys can help prevent this and correct them from chewing on anything.
6. Food and Water Bowls:
Make sure to get specially prepared dog food to keep your dog in good health, encourage growth and fight disease.
You also need to keep them properly hydrated, making it essential to get them food and water bowls.
They come in various sizes and materials. Get the stainless steel, metal, or stoneware bowls if your dog tends to chew on things.
7. Toothpaste and Toothbrush
It is essential to introduce proper dental hygiene early to ensure your dog has good oral hygiene.
Many adult dogs suffer from severe infections relating to the teeth, gums, and mouth due to poor dental hygiene. However, this is preventable.
Another reason to introduce brushing teeth early is to ensure that it becomes part of the dog’s routine. They learn it early and accept it as a necessity.
There are specially formulated toothpaste for animals that you can get online.
8. Dog Shampoo
Make it a habit to bathe and clean your dog with shampoo once in a while.
It does not have to be a constant procedure, but it is necessary. It is essential to get rid of ticks and fleas that can make life uncomfortable for your dog.
You can bathe the dog in the bathtub or use non-slip math for complete bathing.
Ensure to dry and comb the furs after bathing. Do this if your dog plays in the mud or swims in dirty water; make sure to bathe her.
Conclusion
Consider this a guide to direct you on essentials you need to buy to make life comfortable for your dog.
Over time, you might consider getting more things like the dog proceeds in age.