If you’re a certified dog lover who just got their first dog, chances are you’ll go overboard on buying dog supplies. While your enthusiasm is understandable, it is also important for you to understand that you only need to get what your dog needs and not what you want him to have. From the best dog food to the best grooming supplies, you will need to do your research in order to make informed decisions that will let your dog have everything he needs without breaking the bank.
With so many kinds of dog supplies available in the market today, it can be hard to decide between what is necessary and what can be just an extravagance. However, providing the basic needs initially should be a good way to start and determining what those supplies are going to be can be challenging for new owners so to start you off, here are some of the most popular and most-used:
- Dog collars
- Dog leashes
- Dog beds
- Dog kennels/training crates
- Dog toys
- Dog grooming supplies
- Dog bowls
- Dog food
Leashes for one, are basically used to restrain your dog when you take him out for walks or when running errands while collars are used to help identify your dog in case he gets lost. Make note of any leash laws in your area and make sure that your collars always have identification tags on them.
Beds are always a good way to train dogs to have their own space for sleeping and getting the best one will depend on the size of your dog and if he has any kind of back problems that need to be addressed. In the same light, getting dog kennels or training crates is also a must especially if you are housebreaking a new dog. Like dog beds, kennels should make a dog feel secure and safe in order to ensure a successful training.
Dog toys on the other hand, are a perfect way to keep your new dog active and stimulated. They also mimic a canine’s natural behaviors of chewing and retrieving and can serve as proper outlets for energetic dogs. It prevents them from developing behavioral problems in addition of course to getting some quality time with you.
Of course, dog grooming supplies are necessary if you are to keep your dog looking good and feeling good. Among the most basic grooming supplies you need to get are dog combs and brushes, nail trimmers, dog shampoo, dog ear care and dog hair clippers. Brushes and combs must be selected based on your dog’s hair type. Bristle brushes for example, work for most hair types while wire pin brushes are best for dogs with medium to long hair. Flea combs on the other hand are used to detect fleas hidden deep beneath their fur.
And last but not the least, you must be able to choose your dog food based on your dog’s age and if you should give them dry or wet food. Puppies for example, will require high-calorie diets while adult dogs will require low-calorie and high-fiber diets. Some dog owners feel it is best to feed their dog dry food or kibble, because it cleans the teeth better and makes cleaning up after the dogs easier because their stools tend to be harder and more compact than when they eat wet food which is best for dogs with dental and digestive problems, as well as dogs with diabetes.
The most important thing to remember when choosing your dog supplies is to get them from reputable sites owned or managed by registered veterinarians so that you can be sure you’re getting the right supplies as recommended by the best experts. You can check here for more about dog supplies and to learn more tips, advice and suggestions on how to give Fido the best of everything.
Tony Green is a big pet lover. He loves to write anything that has to do with caring for animals, especially domesticated ones. He currently writes for https://www.aussievetproducts.com.au.