Being a pet owner is not just fun you should know all of the pet care essentials. It is quite a serious responsibility. When you bring home a pet, you must manage many things to make your home friendly and comfortable for your dog.
When we talk about pet care, the list might be endless. You may like to have hundreds of different items for your lovely pet. While most of them are useful, some might not be worth consideration.
Hence you must know what your dog needs in your home. You need to be selective while ensuring that the basic requirements of a pet must readily available in your home before your pet arrives.
Must-Have Pet Care Essentials For Dog Owners
Pet care things are abundantly available in the market. Choosing which ones are essential and which are not important will be tricky. For example, you will come across various sprays but want to buy the Best Dog Detangler Sprays.
While some articles might be specifically required for a certain dog breed, most requirements are similar for all dogs. So, we can shortlist some basic needs that all dog owners must take care of.
Food
The first and foremost need of any pet is food. You need to have sufficient supplies of good quality food. You have to consider the age and size of your dog when choosing the best food for him. Not all foods are fit for every dog.
If you buy or adopt a grown-up dog, you must get complete information about the brand and type of food this dog has been getting. More importantly, the food must be of good quality from a reliable brand.
Don’t buy excessive quantities of food at a time, as you may have to change the food brand based on your dog’s reaction. Monitor the response of your dog. Once he gets adapted to one brand of food, you can store a sufficient quantity of that particular type of food.
Food and water utensils
Normally, you must have separate bowls for food and water. That means you will need at least two bowls, one for food and one for water. Bowls should be made up of good quality material, which should not have harmful substances.
Moreover, it must be durable. Utensils made of ceramic or China clay are not recommended, as they are easily breakable. So, please go for some hard materials such as stainless steel. However, you must ensure the bowls are well-cleaned before use.
Food bowls are available in various types. You may like to buy one elevated bowl to facilitate easy feeding. Similarly, you can buy a water bowl fitted with a filter.
Beds
A comfortable sleep is necessary for your dog’s health. So, the bedding you arrange for the dog must be reasonably comfortable. It comes in various styles and types, mostly made up of soft and thin foam sheets. It also comes in orthopedic foam, which is a better option.
The bedding should be washable. It will be even better if the bedding has a removable cover. That will facilitate easy washing.
The size of the bed is also very important. The bed should be spacious enough, enabling the dog to stretch. But this will be a critical decision if you bring a puppy home. You can buy a small bed for a young puppy and replace it with a large bed when it grows. Or you can wait till he grows up and then you can buy one for him.
Gates
Gates are important to restrict the movement of your dog. You may need to keep him away from some parts of your home. For this purpose, you need to place or fix the gates at appropriate places so that the dog remains within an allowed area.
These gates come in various sizes and styles. Some are standalone while others can be fixed in the walls with bolts and screws. Preferably the gates should be made up of steel bars, close enough to restrict the dog from crossing through them. Wooden gates can also be a good choice if your dog dislikes chewing.
Crates
A crate is another important thing that a dog owner should arrange for his dog. Crates come in different materials, like wood, wire, and steel. It also comes in plastic. The choice is yours but wooden crates may not be a good option, being costly and sometimes difficult to clean.
Wired crates are a better choice as compared to wooden ones. The best option might be plastic-made crates. They are less expensive and easy to clean and wash.
Collars
A collar is one of the basic items a dog owner would need. A Flat Collar made up of leather or nylon is a good choice. It comes with a quick-release fastener. It also comes with a simple buckle. The collar is very important when it comes to identifying your dog. The identification tag and license tags need to be attached to the collar.
The size of the collar is crucial. It should fit the neck of the dog easily, neither too tight nor too loose. Normally it should have a gap of around two fingers between the neck and the collar.
Leashes
A leash is made of leather or nylon. The length of the leash may vary based on your choice. But it must not be too long or too short. Normally, a 5 feet long leash should be sufficient. Too long a leash may result in loose control of your dog.
The leash must be comfortable to hold, while it should not be so heavy that it may harm your dog. One important thing is the strap that attaches the leash to the collar. It should be strong and easy to handle.
Registration of Dog
You may need to register your dog with the local authorities per the rules and regulations of your area. The registering authority normally provides a registration code number that you must attach to your dog’s collar.
Some more advanced municipalities may also offer a computerized microchip that can be inserted under the dog’s skin, preferably between the shoulders.
The main idea is the safety of your dog. These identification tags or microchips will help find out your lost dog. Identification tags can be lost or damaged but the microchips remain intact and can go a long way in finding your lost dog.
Toys and treats
Toys keep your dog busy and vibrant. There are so many toys specifically made for dogs. You can choose some for your dog. Likewise, your dog needs treats as well, especially during the training. Don’t forget to store sufficient treats to reward your dog when he does something good.
First Aid Box
The first aid box for your dog should always be ready for use in case of any emergency or accident. It should include basic items such as
- Bandages
- Cotton Balls
- Adhesive tape
- Gauze pads
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Thermometer
Grooming tools
The grooming kit for your dog may include items such as:
- Comb
- Hair Brush
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo
- Nail Clipper
- Coat clipper
- Scissors
Comfortable Environment
Manage to provide a convenient environment for the dog. You need to save him from harsh weather conditions, whether very hot or cold. You may need to arrange sweaters or jackets for your dog if you live in a colder area. If it is too hot, you may need to provide cooling in his living area.
Conclusion
Your dog is just like your kid. Perhaps he needs even more care and love from you than your kids because a dog cannot express his needs and difficulties. Hence a dog owner needs to take the maximum possible care of his dog. A dog owner must be aware of the basic needs of a dog. You must arrange some basic items a dog would require for a healthy life in your home.
It is advisable to make a checklist and ensure that all necessary items and tools are in hand well before the arrival of your new dog.
