If you own a dog, you have to be responsible, and there are many things to consider. Dogs need special care and attention, and this means you also have to purchase dog accessories that are suitable for them and improve their lives. Some accessories are necessities, others are conveniences. So which ones do you need?
Which Accessories to Get
Some accessories are very obvious, and you will know to get those even before you bring your dog home. This includes:
- A dog bed.
- A food and water bowl.
- A collar.
- A dog tag.
Even in these standard accessories, however, you have to make considerations. You will require very different sizes of accessories for a Great Dane, for instance, than for a Chihuahua.
Obviously, exercise is also very important for a dog. Hence, you need a collar and lead, or a harness and lead. Harnesses are generally classed as better, as you are less likely to use them improperly and accidentally injure your dog. If there is a law that states your dog must wear a tag, then you will need a collar to attach it to as well.
Another important accessory is the poop bag. If you allow your dog to foul the local area, you have to clean it up. A pooper scooper is the ideal way to clean up after your dog without having to bend over too much or get your hands dirty.
Non-Essential Accessories
So what about the things that are perhaps not essential, but that any caring dog owner will consider regardless? Some of the options available to you include:
- Bandanas, to give your dog a little bit of extra personality and make them look unique.
- Gravity refillable water dishes, so that your dog’s water is always fresh.
- Travel water bottles, which double as a water bowl, enabling your dog to stay hydrated when you’re out an about.
Essential or Not Essential?
Last but not least, there are accessories that some people would class as essential, and others would class as convenient. These include:
- Dog clothes. In certain climates, particularly warmer ones, these clearly are just a fun accessory. However, if you have short haired breed dog and you live in a cold climate, then these clothes are actually necessities.
- Dog booties, by contrast, are the opposite. In a cold climate, there is rarely any need for these. Even short haired dogs have hairs around their toes, and their pads protect them from the cold. But in a hot climate, however, your dog’s pads could get hurt if they walk on the tarmac.
- Nail clippers, which can be suitable if your dog never walks on hard surfaces, leading to them growing very long nails.
These are just some of the accessories you could consider getting your dog, and there are many more. Whichever accessories you decide to purchase, however, make sure they are of high quality. It is all too easy for a dog to get injured on poor quality materials, or ill-fitting accessories.