As a pet owner, it’s important to keep your dog’s health and well-being at the forefront of your mind. That means buying products that will make life easier, safer and more fun.
For example, a dog bed is an essential piece of equipment to help your pup feel comfortable and secure. It’s also a great place to store toys and food for easy access.
Grooming
Grooming products are used to keep a dog’s coat, teeth, and ears clean and healthy. Some of these products include brushes, blades or clippers, combs, and rakes.
Brushing your dog several times a week will help prevent itching and reduce the growth of mats. A variety of bristle brushes are available for long-coated, short-coated, and medium-coated breeds. Slicker brushes are ideal for removing tangles and knots; rubber curry combs smooth a dog’s coat.
A dog grooming tool like the Mars Coat King Det-Matting Undercoat Rake is especially helpful for dogs whose coats tend to matte. It has a three-in-one design that removes loose hair, thick undercoat, and dead hair without leaving any residue.
Dental Care
Veterinary dentists recommend that pets receive professional dental care every 6 months to a year. This includes a comprehensive oral exam, scaling and polishing to remove tartar (a build-up of hardened plaque) and periodontal disease-causing bacteria from below the gumline.
Dogs who are prone to teeth problems can also benefit from at-home dental products that help reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar. These include dental sprays and rinses that can be used to spray directly on a dog’s teeth and gums.
Brushing your pet’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs can be very effective in reducing plaque buildup. However, it can take a while to get your pet used to having its teeth brushed and mouth handled.
If you have a dog that needs regular dental care, the Humane Society does offer a doggy dental clinic. To be placed on the list for appointments, call or email them to request a spot.
Training
Dog training tools can make the process of teaching your pet good behavior more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. They can also help you avoid costly vet visits and time wasted at the groomer.
Toys, treats and other training aids can help dogs develop new skills, as well as prevent common dog behaviors such as excessive barking or jumping up. They also help you train your dog to obey your commands, such as sit or stay.
A clicker is a great tool for positive reinforcement training. It lets your dog know that they have achieved a desired behavior and can then be given a treat.
A shock collar, or e-collar, is another popular dog training tool that emits vibration and a small electric shock when your dog engages in unwanted behavior. It’s a divisive topic, though, with some people applauding it as an effective way to teach their dogs to obey, and others condemning it for cruelty.
Safety
When it comes to pet safety, there are a lot of products to choose from. You’ll find safety devices for securing your pet to the backseat, paw balms that protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, and gadgets that help you keep track of their favorite toys and treats.
It’s a good idea to pick safety gear that is tailored to your pet’s needs and preferences. Using an appropriate sized dog kennel can make the trip more pleasant, while a pet booster seat designed for small dogs or cats may be ideal for a dog who tends to hyperventilate during long trips in the car.
You’ll also want to look for a dog bowl that’s well designed and easy to clean. Some of the best include a non-slip, washable lid, and an anti-bacterial lining that will keep bacteria at bay. A large enough dish can keep a dog’s food and water safe from spills and dirt, while a bowl made of recycled materials is greener than its plastic cousin.
