Are you about to become or have you recently become a lucky dog owner? If so, congratulations! Having a dog is a life changing experience that will most certainly fill your everyday life with happiness, joy, and fun. Playing, cuddling, going for walks, or simply chilling on the couch are some of the best everyday experiences that you can share with a dog, and you’ll see how you will cherish every moment with your furry friend with love and affection.
Nevertheless, if you are new to the amazing and wonderful dog world, there must be many things that you are wondering about how to better take care of your new furry friend. Indeed, there are several aspects to take into consideration when having a dog in your life, whether this dog is a tiny dog, a big dog, a puppy, or an older dog. Food, health, training, and hygiene are some of these things that you should address if you have or will be having a dog.
It’s important to keep in mind that each canine has its needs and particularities, but there are a few essential items and tips that will come in handy for you, no matter which dog you have. Do you want to know all about the essentials that every dog needs? Read along to find out all about it!
1. Comfy bed
As you might probably imagine, and as happens also with humans, one of the most essential items that your new dog will need is a comfy, cushioned bed to sleep on and rest after long days of fun. The bed should adapt to the size of your dog, and in every case be big enough for your canine friend to have space to lie down.
Fortunately, there are many different sizes and styles of beds available in the market. Nest beds, bumper beds, corner beds are just a few examples. A tip that we can give you is to choose a bed that will be easy to wash and keep clean. It also happens that, in different stages of its life, your dog will need or prefer different types of beds.
2. Food
One of the most important and essential things for every living being and, of course, also for all dogs: food! Getting the right type of food is key for your dog’s health, growth, and development. Depending on its breed, its age and its size, your dog might require some specific type of food. In this sense, you’ll find out that there’s food that is specific for puppies, food for adult dogs, food for small-sized dogs, food for dogs who have health conditions, and many more!
All in all, there are lots of diverse options out there, which means that you have a huge variety to choose from. If you are unsure about which of all these diverse options would be the best, bear in mind that a good starting point if you are feeling a bit lost regarding which type of food to get for your furry friend is to check with your vet to see what advice he or she has for you.
One more thing to take into consideration: keep in mind that, at first, you might find that the food you chose is not the best for your dog, because it doesn’t like it, or it doesn’t fit the particularities of your canine buddy. So, it’s possible that, at some point, you might want to (or must!) change the food that you’re giving to your dog to try out a new one. If this is the case, always do the change of food gradually, starting by mixing up the former type of food with the new type of food, until you can fully pass to the new one.
3. Food and water bowls
Now that you know a bit more about the particularities of the food for your dog, we will tell you more about the different pots there are to put your dog’s food in. The food and water bowls are also very important for your dog’s feeding, as it’s here where your dog will be able to access its food and water. Again, there are lots of different options of food and water bowls, which can be tailored to the size and type of dog that you have.
Regarding the material of the bowls, it’s always best to go for the ones which are made of stainless-steel ceramic, because they are easier to clean and much more resistant than others. There are bowls which come double, holding together the food bowl and the water bowl; and there are also some which come in structures that can be tailored to the height of the dog.
These ones are recommended if you have a very big or tall dog, so they don’t have to bend over all the way to the floor to eat and drink. Regarding the size of the bowls itself, consider adapting them to the size of your dog. Bigger dogs will need bigger bowls, and smaller dogs will do just fine with smaller bowls!
4. Food containers
It’s always a good idea to have big bags of dog food available; this way you can make sure to always have enough food for your dog and not run out of it regularly. In this sense, it’s also important to have a good, strong, and solid container where to keep all of this dog food.
A large, good food container is essential to make sure that the dog food is kept fresh and in good condition. Be sure to get a container that will have a proper locking lid and a sealing, to keep air out of the container and also to prevent your dog or other animals from sneaking into the food container looking for some yummy bites.
5. Dog leash
Having regular, everyday walks with your dog is an essential aspect of its health and wellbeing. Dogs need to go on daily walks to exercise, socialize, pee and poo. Some dogs might need to go for walks more often than others, but one thing is certain: every dog needs its fair number of daily walks! And one of the essential items for this important activity in your dog’s life is the leash.
This element will allow you to take good care of your dog during the walks, protect it from going to places that can be dangerous for it, or keep it from running away and getting lost accidentally. There are many different types of leashes available in the market, and the one you choose will depend on many aspects, such as the size of your dog, its strength, and its personality.
A bigger and stronger dog might need a leash that is more resistant, while a smaller dog could even use a retractable leash, which may be a bit less resistant but can still work fine for dogs which are tiny. If your dog is very active, consider getting a leash that is not too long but not too short either, as a way of giving it space to explore but also making you feel safe and secure that you can still have control of your dog under any situations.
6. Dog collar
Together with the leash, another essential item for your dog when talking it out for walks is the collar. The collar is, moreover, also important because it will carry your dog’s ID tag, which we will be referring to next in this article. Try to find a collar that will be resistant and comfortable for your dog. The leash is attached to the collar when taking your dog out, so it’s key that the collar is strong and made of a good material.
When taking your dog for walks, the collar should be well adjusted so that it won’t slip through your dog’s neck, but also not too tight so it won’t hurt your dog. In everyday moments, the collar can be loosened up, but it’s always recommended that your dog always has it on, to be sure that it will always be well identified.
There’s a huge variety of colors and patterns to choose from, and some special features that you can find in some collars, such as the reflective collars, which come handy for night walks; waterproof collars if your dog is a swimmer; and even collars with tracking devices for extra safety and security!
7. ID tags
As we have mentioned above, an essential item that goes attached to the collar is the ID tag. This is key for you to make sure that your dog is always properly identified. The ID tag should have your dog’s name and also a contact phone so, in case it gets lost, or it runs away by accident, the person who finds them can easily identify it and contact you. ID tags are essential to make sure that your dog will not get lost. There’s even the option to use microchip technology for further safety when it comes to identification.
8. Training leash
We have mentioned above all the details about the need of having a good and strong leash for being safe when walking your dog. But there’s another specific type of leash that may also come in quite handy, especially if your dog needs training or a behavioral adaptation. We are referring to the so-called training leash.
The training leash is a particular kind of strap which has the feature of being much longer than most of the regular leashes, and this is what makes it a very useful item to have when practicing with your dog some off-leash commands. With this leash your dog will certainly feel more confident, safe, and free, and this will make the training experience much easier, both for you and for the dog.
A training leash will help your dog learn to keep by your side when you say so, and it will also ensure that, if on any occasion you need your dog to come to you and it is not wearing a leash at that moment, it will still come to you.
9. Toys and leisure essentials
Entertainment, relaxation, and leisure are also very important for your dog’s wellbeing. Therefore, having some toys or leisure items is key for ensuring that your dog will have proper entertainment. Moreover, toys are not just items for leisure: they can also be very useful for training or teaching purposes. There’s a huge variety of toys available, made of different materials and all with different specific purposes.
In this sense, it’s always useful to have a few different kinds of toys for your dog to choose from. It’s possible that it may prefer one or two, or that in different moments of the day or of its life it will prefer some toys over others. A few examples of amazing, fun, and great-quality toys for dogs are tug toys, rubber balls, stuffed toys, chew toys, fetch toys or interactive toys.
10. Poop bags
Also essential for when you are walking your dog, the poop bags will help you make sure that the neighborhood is kept clean and tidy. No one likes to step on dog poop! That’s why it’s very important that you always remember to pick up your dog’s poop from the street.
In this sense, remember to always carry with you a set of poop bags when going outside with your furry friend. There are even some options of poop bags which are eco-friendly, and you can also carry them inside a practical and handy poop bag dispenser, which attaches to your dog’s leash.
11. Car seat cover
If you own a car, then it’s likely that your dog will get into it on some occasions. Whether it is to bring your dog to the vet, to visit some friends or family or even to go on holidays, dogs can (and even enjoy a lot!) travel inside cars. For this purpose, it’s key to have a car seat cover to protect the interior of your car from muddy paws, hairs, or any other things that your dog might carry with itself! Most car seat covers are big, easy to set up and very fast to clean up.
12. Travel crate
Another essential item that you might want to have for your dog when thinking about traveling or moving around with it is a travel crate. According to where, for how long and in which means of transport you will be usually traveling, a travel crate may be something that you will need to have at hand.
When traveling by plane or other public transport means, it’s usual that dogs are required to travel inside these types of crates, for its safety and for the safety of others. In this sense, if you know that you will be traveling around with your dog, then keep in mind the need of having a travel crate which, as you can see, is essential for this purpose.
13. Dog toothbrush
Hygiene is essential for the overall wellbeing of your dog, and one very important aspect of it has to do with the cleaning of your dog’s teeth. Not everyone is aware about the need to pay attention to dental care in dogs, but the fact is that this is a key thing to take into consideration. For this purpose, there are many options of dog toothbrushes that you can choose from.
You don’t have to do it every day, but still with some regularity. Always remember to ask your vet about any doubts or questions you might have regarding this or any other theme concerning your dog’s health and wellbeing. To use with the toothbrush, there are also many diverse types and flavors of dog toothpaste.
This dental paste is edible, so there’s no need to rinse your dog’s mouth after you finish brushing the teeth. If you’re finding it difficult to have your dog agree to let it wash its teeth, you can always count on some treats or rewards to make this process smooth and easy.
14. Nail clippers
Another key aspect of the hygiene of your dog is to keep its nails short. Taking care of your dog’s nails is very important for its wellbeing, so having a good and strong pair of dog nail clippers is essential to do this. When nails are too long, the dog may feel uncomfortable, and it can even get hurt.
With your own nail clippers, you’ll be sure to always be ready when it’s necessary to cut your dog’s nails. Be aware when trimming your dog’s nails, as they are quite sensitive. When in doubt, always ask your vet. He or she will be able to teach you how to trim your dog’s nails in a safe and caring way.
15. Brush
Whether your dog has long fur, short fur, thick fur or thin fur, brushing is always essential, and so is the need of having a brush. Of course, depending on your dog’s hair type, it might be the case that it’s better to prioritize a type of brush over another one. There are some which are made specifically for dogs which shed a lot, and these can be a good choice if your dog is one of these types.
Regular brushing will not only keep your dog tidy and clean, but it will also ensure that the dog’s coat is kept soft by spreading the natural oils of the hair during the brushing process. As you can see, having a brush is very important, so it’s good to know that this is an element to add to your list of essentials for every dog owner”.
16. Shampoo
Continuing with the essential elements that you might need to ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of your furry friend, an item that is a must-have is a good shampoo. Dogs require regular baths to be kept clean and tidy. Even though there are some breeds which will need to be bathed with more frequency than others, every dog certainly does need a bath regularly.
There are many kinds of shampoos available, so it’s important that you choose one that will be a good match for the type of skin and the type of hair that your dog has. Moreover, some shampoos are anti-flea and anti-ticks, so they can also be a very helpful element to get the annoying little bugs away from your dog. All in all, be sure to always have a shampoo at hand, so you are fully prepared for when the bath time comes.
17. Dog treats
When your dog is learning new skills, adjusting behaviors, or being trained, the dog treats are essential items. To adjust habits or teach behaviors, it’s important to know that dogs learn better by positive training.
This means that it’s better to reward them when they do something right than to scold them when they do something wrong. And there’s no better reward for a dog than a delicious bite! Some dogs prefer sticks, some others prefer cookie bites, some like best the treats with meat flavor and some will prefer chicken flavor.
Whichever it is that your dog likes best, be sure to have its favorite treat at hand and always use it for training or for teaching new habits to your dog. Of course, you can always give your dog a treat just because! It will always be very happy to receive a yummy bite or snack.
18. Pouch for dog treats
As we explained, dog treats are very important, especially for training and for teaching tricks or reinforcing specific behaviors. In this sense, a pouch for carrying the dog treats can come in handy for you to make sure to always have a treat when you need them.
For example, if you are teaching your dog to walk without pulling the leash too much, then it will be essential that you carry the treats with you when you go out for walks. The pouch for dog treats will allow you to comfortably carry around the dog treats and have quick access to them when you need them the most.
19. Baby gate
It might happen that, on occasions, you might want to keep your dog away from certain parts of your house. Especially in the case of puppies, which still poop and pee inside the house, it can be easier to be able to limit the space that the dog has access to on particular moments.
To do this efficiently and comfortably, a very good solution is a baby gate. You can adapt it to the different spaces in your house and put it wherever you believe it’s necessary. In this sense, a baby gate can be an essential item that you will probably need as a dog owner.
20. Medications and vaccines
Health should be a top priority for your dog. In this sense, vaccination is a very important aspect to pay attention to, in order to guarantee your furry friend’s wellbeing. Always keep track of the vaccination calendar that corresponds to your dog and be sure to visit your vet to give your dog all the vaccines it needs, when it needs them.
Moreover, having a few medicines can also be very useful. If something particular happens to your dog, your vet will always be there to give you the medication it needs for every specific situation but having items such as flea and tick medicine or ear medicine in your house can be very handy.
It’s quite normal that some dogs develop ear infections or that they become infested with fleas or ticks, so these few meds can help you prevent or treat these issues. Remember, when in doubt, always go first to consult with your trusted vet.
Ready to go!
All in all, as you can see there are lots of different items and tips that will help you and your dog throughout all your time together. Some are must-have items, as can be the food bowls, the food itself or the collar; whereas other items, even though they are also important, can vary according to the particularities of your dog and of your own lifestyle and preferences, as can be the type of bed you choose, the use of a car seat cover or of a training leash.
Moreover, there are of course many other items and things that you can get for your dog and that we might have not mentioned here. The dog world is a very big and diverse one, and there are things to choose from for every taste and requirement! Whichever items you might choose or prioritize, it’s a fact that it’s best to be well equipped and fully ready when it comes to welcoming a new dog into your life. Which of these essentials would you consider more important? Let us know in the comments below!
