Raising a dog is like raising a child. Not only should you feed it, drink and play, but you should also let it live in peace and health! As a novice dog parent, you may be confused by the dazzling array of supplies in the pet store: What is necessary? What is useless? Don’t worry, this super detailed article will give you an inventory of the top ten essential supplies for pet dogs. It is 2000 words+, all practical information, and uses plain language to explain the use of each item, shopping tips, and the pitfalls that novices are prone to. Get ready, take you to get your dog’s “equipment” in one stop!
Dog food: the “lifeline” of dogs
Why is it necessary? Dog food is the staple food of dogs, with balanced nutrition, which is directly related to its health. Don’t think about feeding leftovers. Human food is high in salt and greasy, which is a burden on the kidneys and stomach of dogs. Choosing the right dog food can make your dog’s hair shiny and healthy!
Buying tips:
- Look at the age and size of the dog: The dog food formulas for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs are different. The particle sizes of small dogs and large dogs are also different. For example, puppy food is high in protein and suitable for rapid growth; senior dog food is low in calories and protects joints.
- Check the ingredient list: The first ingredient of good dog food should be “meat” or “meat powder” (such as chicken and beef), not fillers such as corn and wheat. Avoid low-end food with artificial colors and flavors.
- Brand recommendation: Beginners can choose big brands, such as Royal Canin, Imus, and Hill’s, which have stable quality. If the budget is limited, domestic brands such as Weishi and Crazy Puppy are also good.
- Taste and observe: Buy a small package to try and see if the dog eats well and whether the poop is formed. If the poop is soft or has a strange smell, the dog food may not be suitable.
Avoid pit guide: Don’t buy bulk food at a low price. The quality is not guaranteed and it is easy to deteriorate. Don’t change the food too often. Dogs have delicate stomachs, so change the food gradually (mix and feed gradually every 7-10 days).
Budget reference: Mid-range dog food costs 200-400 yuan per month, and high-end food may cost 500-800 yuan (taking a 10 kg medium-sized dog as an example).
Food bowl and water bowl: “stuff” for eating and drinking
Why is it necessary? Dogs need to eat and drink every day. A suitable food bowl and water bowl can make them eat comfortably and keep them hygienic. Don’t just take a bowl at home to make do. The material and design are both important.
Purchasing tips:
- Material: Stainless steel or ceramic is best, durable and easy to clean. Plastic bowls are cheap, but they are easy to breed bacteria, and there may be scratches and dirt after the dog chews them.
- Design: Choose one with a non-slip mat at the bottom to prevent the dog from eating too much and tipping the bowl over. Large dogs can choose an elevated food bowl to reduce the pressure of lowering their heads and protect the spine.
- Capacity: Choose 200-500ml for small dogs and 1-2L for medium and large dogs. The water bowl should be larger than the food bowl as much as possible, so that the dog can drink water at any time.
- Recommendation: Petkit’s stainless steel food bowl with non-slip bottom costs 50-100 yuan; you can choose a MUJI-style ceramic bowl, which is beautiful and costs 100-200 yuan.
Avoidance guide: Don’t buy too fancy automatic feeders. Novice dog owners should first learn to observe the dog’s food intake. Automatic feeders can easily make dogs eat too much. Clean the food and water bowls every day to prevent bacteria from growing.
Dog kennel or sleeping mat: Give the dog a “home”
Why is it necessary? Dogs need a safe and comfortable resting place. Dog kennels or sleeping mats can make them feel at home and prevent them from catching a cold by sleeping on the floor.
Buying tips:
- Material: Breathable cotton and memory foam sleeping pads are suitable for all seasons, and a blanket can be added in winter. Choose a dog bed filled with PP cotton, which is soft and warm.
- Size: After the dog lies down, leave at least 10-20cm of space around the bed or mat to facilitate it to turn over.
- Easy to clean: Choose a detachable and washable style, as dog hair and saliva can easily dirty the bed.
- Recommendation: K&H’s pet sleeping pad has a waterproof version, which is suitable for puppies who love to wet the bed, and the price is 200-400 yuan; IKEA’s dog bed is cost-effective, about 100 yuan.
Avoid pit guide: Don’t buy a bed that is too small, the dog will feel crowded. Don’t use a bed that is too thick for long-haired dogs in summer, as they will easily get crazy from the heat. Dogs who have just arrived home may not like to sleep in the bed, so guide them slowly and don’t force them.
Leash and collar/chest harness: “safety rope” for walking dogs
Why is it necessary? Walking your dog without a leash is like letting your dog “run naked”, which is not only dangerous (get hit by a car, get lost), but may also violate local dog regulations. A collar or a chest harness plus a leash is standard for walking your dog.
Buying tips:
- Collar vs chest harness: Collars are suitable for obedient dogs, simple and convenient; chest harnesses are suitable for dogs with strong pulling force, such as Huskies, to disperse the force and protect the neck.
- Material: Nylon or leather is durable, and metal buckles are stronger. Choose a leash of 1.5-2 meters long, which is convenient for control and gives the dog space to move.
- Function: Leashes with reflective strips are suitable for night walks, and retractable ropes are suitable for open places, but novices should not use retractable ropes because they are easy to lose control.
- Recommendation: Ruffwear’s chest harness is strong and durable, 200-300 yuan; nylon leash can be bought for about 50 yuan.
Guide to avoiding pitfalls: Don’t make the collar too tight, the width of two fingers is the most suitable. Don’t buy too thin ropes, the dog will break when pulling. Remember to hang an ID card on the collar with your phone number to prevent it from getting lost.
Toys: Keep dogs from getting bored and destroying the house
Why is it necessary? Dogs are energetic, if you don’t give them toys, they will take out their anger on your shoes and sofas. Toys can also exercise the dog’s intelligence and body and reduce anxiety.
Purchasing tips:
- Type: chewing gum (bite-resistant, suitable for teething), balls (suitable for chasing), educational toys (food hiding balls, brain training).
- Material: Natural rubber or hard nylon is the safest, plush toys are suitable for docile dogs, but don’t give them to dogs who love to bite, as they are easy to swallow the stuffing.
- Recommendation: KONG’s rubber toys can be stuffed with food, and dogs can play for half a day, 80-150 yuan; tomato balls are cheap and playable, 20-50 yuan.
- Interactive toys: Frisbees and tug-of-war are suitable for you and your dog to play together and enhance your relationship.
Avoidance guide: Don’t buy toys with small parts or toys that are easy to tear apart, which is dangerous for dogs to swallow by mistake. Toys should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from growing.
Cleaning supplies: Keep your dog clean
Why is it necessary? Dogs easily dirty themselves and their homes, cleaning supplies can keep them clean and prevent skin diseases.
Purchasing tips:
- Pet shampoo: Choose mild and non-irritating ones. The pH value of dog skin is different from that of humans, so don’t use human lotion.
- Urinating pads: A must for training puppies to go to the toilet at a fixed point, choose ones that are highly absorbent and non-leaking.
- Deodorant spray: Use when there is a peculiar smell at home, choose non-toxic ones.
- Recommendation: Weishi pet shampoo is mild, 50-100 yuan; a pack of 50 absorbent urine pads is about 30-60 yuan.
Avoidance guide: Don’t use human perfume or detergent on dogs, which irritates the skin. Don’t keep the urine pads on all the time. After successful training, gradually reduce them and guide the dog to defecate outdoors.
Brush and nail clippers: beauty assistants
Why is it necessary? Regular brushing can reduce hair loss and promote blood circulation, and nail clippers prevent dogs from hurting themselves or the floor with long nails.
Purchasing tips:
- Brush: Choose a soft brush for short-haired dogs, and a pin comb or detangling comb for long-haired dogs.
- Nail clippers: Choose scissors or nail grinders that are suitable for the size of the dog. It is safer for novices to use nail grinders.
- Recommendation: FURminator’s hair removal comb is effective, 200-300 yuan; electric nail grinders are 100-150 yuan.
Guide to avoid pitfalls: Don’t brush too hard, it can easily hurt the skin. Don’t cut the blood line (pink part) when cutting nails, it will hurt and bleed.
Anti-worm medicine: the first line of defense for health
Why is it necessary? Dogs are prone to internal and external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and roundworms. Anti-worm medicine can prevent and treat them.
Purchasing tips:
- Internal deworming: Once a month, choose medicine containing praziquantel and milbemycin.
- External deworming: Drops or collars to prevent fleas and ticks.
- Recommendations: Bayer, Advocate (drops), 100-200 yuan/piece; domestic Weishi deworming medicine is cost-effective, 50-100 yuan.
Guide to avoid pitfalls: Anthelmintics must be used according to weight. Don’t buy fake medicines for cheap prices. Find a regular pet hospital or platform to buy.
First aid kit: prevent accidents before they happen
Why is it necessary? The dog may bump into something or get sick. Keep a first aid kit at home to deal with it in an emergency and wait until you go to the hospital.
Buying tips:
- Content: gauze, medical tape, disinfectant (iodine), hemostatic powder, thermometer.
- Recommendation: Pet-specific first aid kits are available online for 100-200 yuan, or you can assemble them yourself.
Avoidance guide: Don’t give dogs human medicines, such as aspirin, as they may be poisoned. Contact a veterinarian as soon as possible after first aid.
Training snacks: a little secret to make your dog obedient
Why is it necessary? Training a dog requires rewards. Snacks are the best “bribery” tool and can also enhance your relationship.
Buying tips:
- Type: Small, moderately soft and hard snacks are suitable for training, such as chicken jerky and duck strips.
- Ingredients: Choose natural, additive-free ones, avoid those containing sugar or salt.
- Recommendations: Crazy Puppy Chicken Jerky, 50-100 yuan/bag; Ziwi Peak freeze-dried meat, high-end but nutritious, about 200 yuan.
Avoidance Guide: Don’t feed too many snacks, no more than 10% of the dog’s calories per day. Break into small pieces during training for more accurate rewards.
Summary: Choose carefully to make your dog happy
These ten supplies cover all aspects of a dog’s food, housing, play, and health, and each one is related to its happy life. Novice dog owners may feel that the cost is not small, but these are long-term investments that can keep your furry child healthy and happy for many years. When purchasing, remember to slowly find the most suitable combination based on the dog’s breed, personality and your budget.
Finally, raising a dog is not just about buying things, but also about accompanying it with your heart. Spend more time playing and training with it every day, and the dog will repay you with unconditional love! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I will help you!
