Choosing all the dog supplies needed to raise your dog well can seem like a daunting task, so we’ve compiled this list of useful products, many of which are favorite and well-tested products by PetCareRx customers. Whether you’ve got a puppy or you’re looking to keep your mature dog happy and healthy, here are the 14 products every dog parent needs to have on hand.
1. Collar
Looking for the ideal collar for ID tagging and walking your dog? The sturdy, no-rust metal buckle on this comfortable nylon collar boasts superior strength and an easy side release.
2. ID tag
Rest easy knowing your beloved dog can be easily returned home while wearing this ID tag, which has plenty of room for your dog’s address, and phone number to be printed clearly. The metallic tag measures 3/4'' high x 1 1/8'' wide.
3. Heartworm, flea & tick medications
If you’ve got a loyal dog whose health you want to protect, check out our dog pharmacy to save money on the medications you need to keep your dog safe from pests.
4. Leash
This durable nylon leash is perfect for small dogs and puppies. If you’ve got a large or energetic dog who yearns for lots of exercise, this 16-foot retractable lead will do the trick.
5. Self-cleaning brush
Promote bonding with your dog with this best-selling, self-cleaning brush with retractable bristles to keep your dog’s coat mat-free and shiny.
6. Shampoo
Farnam Bio Guard Shampoo for Dogs and Cats leaves spot-on flea and/or tick treatments completely intact, keeping your dog both clean and protected from pests. This dog shampoo’s special formula is gentle enough for puppies, rinses easily, and will leave your dog’s coat clean and fresh.
7. Thundershirt
If your dog is spooked by loud noises like fireworks, trash trucks, the vacuum cleaner, or storms, then give your dog a feeling of secure comfort with the Thundershirt. The Thundershirt applies gentle, even pressure to your dog’s torso, which helps to reduce anxiety and calm your pup’s nerves.
8. Dog bed
Watch your dog curl up and fall fast asleep in this washable, soft, fleece dog bed, which rolls up for easy transport.
9. Dental care
Greenies Dental Treats for Dogs are vet recommended and clinically proven to clean teeth and freshen breath. Here are 19 products that clean dogs’ teeth.
10. Crates and carriers
This DreamCrate Professional Series Dog Crate holds dogs up to 115 pounds. The crate sports a removable panel to adjust crate size, a heavy-duty carrying handle, and a plastic pan liner that slides out for easy cleaning. For your small dog, consider this Sherpa Original Deluxe Bag which is well-ventilated, great for travel, and comes with a comfortable and washable faux lambskin liner.
11. Food and water bowls
To promote healthy digestion for your dog, consider this attractive, raised set of stainless steel bowls. The Deluxe Fresh Flow® purifying dog fountain provides free-flowing filtered water to your dog throughout the day. For your small dog, the Cat Mate Meal Feeder automatically serves dinner at the right time, even if you’re stuck in traffic.
12. Dog food
With a dizzying array of foods on the market, how do you know which one is right for your dog? Here are the top dog food questions and answers to help you navigate all your options. Still not sure? Check out 10 of the best-rated dog foods.
13. Snacks & treats
Whether you need to use treats for training or you just want to add a little excitement to your dog’s day, you might be wondering what treats are proven to be the tastiest and won’t hurt your dog’s health. Halo Liv-a-Littles Wild Salmon Protein Treats for Dogs & Cats, are freeze-dried, 100% wild salmon, high-protein snacks your dog will love.
14. Dog toys
Do you ever wonder if your dog feels lonely or bored when you aren’t around? Look Who's Talking Plush Animal Friends will talk when squeezed to keep your dog company. For dogs who love to chew, keep their mouths busy and away from your favorite pair of shoes with this Kong Air Dog Squeaker Tennis Ball.
Which Flea and Tick Prevention Products Are Effective and Safe?
The type of flea and tick prevention products you use is extremely important. Some of the products on the market can be too harsh for your dog. Opt for well-known brands that are often recommended by vets. If you are looking for topical or spot-on treatments, fipronil and imidacloprid are safe ingredients that you can use. According to Dr. Raina Golkaner, DVM, side effects are uncommon but only tend to be temporary irritation at the application site. Flea and tick collars are also safe and work by repelling parasites through the use of ingredients like deltamethrin, flumethrin, or imidacloprid. Oral medications are also safe, but it’s always better to talk to a vet before you give your dog any medication. That said, chewable tablets like fluralaner and sarolaner are very popular among dog owners and vets.
How to Select the Best Dog Food Brand?
While it’s natural to want to feed your pet what you see your friends feeding theirs, it’s important to conduct proper diet planning and research. You want to avoid brands that tend to use a lot of fillers, by-products, and excess preservatives. It might be difficult to find products that don’t have them at all, so at the very least, find options that keep them to a minimum. You want to match your dog's dietary needs with a good brand, not the other way around. If your dog has any type of medical condition or allergies, you want to keep that in mind. The reputation of the brand is also going to be something you evaluate. Don’t just go off what their official website states. Look for independent ratings on consumer review platforms and certifications from organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) also provides certification if a brand has met certain nutritional standards.
What Are the Best Dog Shampoos?
Like with most products you buy for your dog, ‘best’ is subjective, and your choice of shampoo will depend on multiple factors. That said, there are certain characteristics that you can look for to help filter out lower-quality products. To start with, hypoallergenic formulations are something worth looking out for. This is particularly true if your dog has any allergies. According to Dr. Chris Gabel, DVM, oatmeal shampoos are also great for dogs with skin conditions. Shampoos that are pH-balanced are also helpful because they ensure essential oils aren’t stripped away from your dog's coat. Lastly, since the primary purpose of bathing your dog is to actually get them clean, look for shampoos with effective surfactants and cleansing agents. These might include ingredients like Cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauryl sulfate, or decyl glucoside.
What Toys Do Dogs Like The Most?
Dogs have a wide range of preferences when it comes to the toys they like. Each dog tends to have a unique personality, which influences the kind of toy they vibe with. Some dogs prefer interactive toys that encourage active play. These include the many treat-dispensing options, puzzle toys, and balls out there. Other dogs adore chew toys, which are also quite beneficial for dental health. Almost every dog loves ‘fetch toys’, so frisbees can make for a great option as well. You can make variations of these toys at home and see which one your dog loves the most before buying a real one. For example, before buying a tug-of-war toy rope, you can roll up an old bedsheet and see if your dog jumps at the idea of wrestling it from you.
What Equipment Do You Need to Train a Dog?
There are several great training aids that you can find on the market. However, you will first need to know what type of training you want to administer. If it is for preventing your dog from pulling and being unruly on walks, then training collars and harnesses can prove useful. On the other hand, clickers are fantastic for teaching your dog specific behaviors and actions. You pair a clicker with a treat, and when a desired behavior has occurred, you click and provide a treat. Whistles can also be used in conjunction with other training aids to great effect. They are particularly helpful for behaviors that involve distance, where your dog can no longer see or hear your usual commands. For instance, training them to return to heel is much simpler with a quick burst of a whistle than yelling out your dog’s name. According to Victoria Shade, a certified dog trainer, getting a strong response to a recall command requires a strong history of positive associations. Thus, remember not to associate heel commands with the feeling that the fun is coming to an end.
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