The benefits of owning a dog are just countless. My previous blog post gives a breakdown of the cost of owning a dog in Glasgow. However, dog care involves a lot. It is a continuous process of ensuring your dog is happy, comfortable, and healthy at all times. Before and after welcoming that little cutie into your home, there are a number of dog care accessories every responsible dog owner should know.
The following are some must-have dog care accessories:
- Dog trackers: A new dog that is adjusting to a new environment can be nervous and uneasy. It may take a little time for it to accept the new home. At this stage, some dogs may attempt to run away from their new home. Others too may simply lose their way home whenever they try to take a stroll in their new neighborhood. When this happens, it could be difficult to track the whereabouts of your dog without the help of a tracker. Dog trackers are therefore important dog care accessories you must have before welcoming a dog into your home. In our previous blog post, we outlined some of the benefits of dog trackers.
2. Dog Beds: Dog care also involves giving your dog a comfortable bed for her relaxation. For your dog to stay healthy and excited all day, they need cozy beds that guarantee them a good night’s sleep. There are a variety of dog beds in the market such as oval bowl-shaped beds, donut-shaped beds, and even waterproof beds for your choosing depending on the breed and size of your bed. In our previous blog post, we highlighted some of the best beds for your dog.
- Dog Collar and Leash: Dogs can be very unpredictable. And therefore, being able to tell their mood or temperament is very important for the well-being of the dog and other people who may want to play with it. Dog collars and leashes are color-coded to tell people about the mood and behavior of your dog to guide them on how to relate to the dog. With dog collars and leashes, people will be able to determine if your dog is friendly or has special needs. Although not everybody understands the meanings of these dog collars and leashes, they are an important first step in providing early warning signals to the public.
Below are the different colors and the meanings associated with them:
a. Red – Beware of the dog, and don’t get too close.
b. Purple – Don’t feed anything to the dog.
c. White – The dog is completely blind/deaf. It could also mean the dog has difficulty hearing or seeing.
d. Orange – This dog does not get along well with other dogs.
e. Yellow – The dog is unpredictable and edgy. It could also mean that it’s looking for a new home.
f. Green – The dog has a friendly nature, and it’s okay to get close alone or with any animal.
g.Blue – The dog is a service animal. It’s training or working, so don’t disturb it.
- Dog First Aid Kit: Every responsible dog owner should have a firm knowledge of basic first-aid techniques for dogs, including CPR and wound care. That is why a first aid kit is important. Even though the first port of call when your dog is feeling unwell is to see a vet however there are times when your dog may suffer minor injuries or emergencies that require urgent attention. It is therefore important to outfit your first aid toolkit with items like bandages, antiseptic solution, tweezers, and a pet-specific emergency contact list.
- Food and Water Bowls: Food is very essential for the healthy growth of your dog. However, it is not just about the food but the container in which the food is placed very important. It is therefore essential to buy food and water bowls that are durable, non-toxic food and water bowls that are easy to clean. To prevent accidents like spills, it is important to choose bowls with non-slip bases. This will also ensure the food you serve your dog is constantly fresh and of high quality. For a blog post on how often and how much to feed puppies as they grow, check out this blog post.
- Dog Waste Bags: It can be pretty embarrassing when you take your dog on a walk and she drops a poo. So what happens when you are at public places like the beach, shopping mall, festival, or even on the bus and your dog drops a poo? Avoid such awkward and embarrassing experiences by always keeping waste bags in handy whenever they are going out with their dog so that they can clean up the mess if the dog drops a poo.
- Dog Toys: Like humans, dogs like to play a lot to keep them rejuvenated and happy all the time. One thing that can stimulate your dog and always keep her happy is toys. Toys come in many variations such as puzzle toys, chew toys, interactive toys, etc depending on your dog’s size, age, and breed. In our previous blog post, we outlined six types of toys you should get for your dog.
- Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste: For your dog’s breath to always smell good whenever you are cuddling and playing with your dog, it is important to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis to ensure dental hygiene. This is a sure way to protect its gums and prevent dental issues and bad breath.
- Dog Grooming Supplies: Dog care requires a holistic approach to achieving that is outfitting your dog’s cupboard with basic grooming supplies such as a dog comb, dog shampoo, nail clippers or a grinder, and ear cleaning solution. These supplies are important in achieving the total hygiene needs of your dog at all times like ensuring the nails are trimmed regularly, bathing her from time to time and combing or brushing her fur to look sparkling neat. Refer to this blog post for basic DIY methods of pet grooming.
- Dog treats: Your dog care accessories cannot be complete without stocking different kinds of dog treats. These small, specialized food items that are specifically made for dogs are tasty and come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, catering to different preferences and dietary needs of dogs. Some of the popular types of dog treats available on the market include biscuits and cookies, meat-based treats, dental chews, training treats, etc. We have covered the seven benefits of dog treats in our previous blog post.
All in all, dog care is work and involves stocking the right accessories depending on your dog’s breed, age, and individual needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for personalised recommendations. You can refer to this previous blog post on how to choose the right veterinary care for your dog.
