10 Must-Have Dog Essentials
This is for you if you’re a new dog owner, a seasoned expert, or a lover of a furry special someone in need of some ideas.
I didn’t grow up with dogs. I know cats, birds, and fish, but I didn’t know dogs. My exposure was limited to friends’ dogs, and that was mostly cuddling, maybe a random walk thrown into the mix. I rescued my first, and only, puppy when I was 32 years old. I knew just enough to know I wanted a dog old enough to be house-trained and social enough to withstand the chaos that is doggie day care. To say I had a steep learning curve is an understatement.
As her 5 year “Gotcha Day” approaches, I’ve compiled a list of my most recommended doggie essentials that have relieved my stress and are all doggie approved. Maddie loves them, which is really all that matters.
This is not an affiliate post. I’ve linked to the company websites where possible, but the choice is yours of where and what to buy. Choose your most beloved, socially conscious store and spend your hard-earned money on your grateful, loving, free-loading fur baby.
Maddie is both prone to catching fox tails between her toes and lives in the Inland Empire where it regularly gets over 100 degrees. I used to try to be careful and watch where she walked and do quick in-and-out potty breaks. However, after emergency surgery in May for an infected paw, I talked to our vet surgeon and invested in some booties. These work perfectly with the tough bottom and covered toes. They’re fairly lightweight and easy to get on-and-off. Measure your dog’s feet prior to buying, Maddie needs one size down for her hind paws. They come in packs of 2 just for this reason. Enjoy the high-stepping walk as they get used to the weight and feel.
Pro Tip: Wrap tightly around the ankles and start with the front paws only when trying to get your dog used to these. Keep the walks short. It made a huge difference and on a recent day-trip to Calico, CA, she eagerly climbed all over rocks and steps without pause.
These are a must-have for the boots! I was weary after reading reviews saying the boots irritated dog’s dew claws. These socks are the answer. They cover the dew claw and you don’t have to worry about claws getting stuck, making slipping the boots on so much easier, I’d recommend going larger in size. They are less likely to slip down into the boot.
Need I say more? I will anyway.
I’ve done a lot, and I mean A LOT, of emergency training reading and courses. For years I told myself I was going to “save money” and build my own kits. When I moved back to California 2 years ago, I finally admitted to myself that that was just not going to happen. I found Pet Evac Pak Emergency Survival Kits and invested in backpacks for each of us. The best part, they last 5 years! Second best part, they’re pre-packed and sit perfectly out of the way in my front closet. Do you and your loved ones a favor and invest. Then stash it away and be left with some peace of mind. Also highly recommend this brand for cats. For humans, I bought Quake Kits.
Maddie is mostly black with a bit of tan. When we walk in early mornings or at night, especially in the winter, I have a hard time seeing her. I also get really nervous when people walk by me and maybe don’t see her. We both get scared and that goes downhill fast. This light is BRIGHT. I like the peace of mind that people and cars can tell we’re around. My favorite part is it’s rechargeable, and each charge lasts a long time. I hook it to Maddie’s back on her harness and keep it on the solid blue light, but you can clip it anywhere and play with the color and strobe options.
5. Dog Water Bottle
No link for the one, but it looks like all big-box corporate stores have them. I was people-watching during a long red light in LA and this guy was walking his cute little fluffy dog and pulls out this water bottle/dog bowl combo from his tote bag and my world changed. After walking with both a water bottle and a collapsable bowl and not enough hands, this was infinitely more convenient. You can suck the unused water back into the base, so less waste. Mine also has a little wrist strap.
Pro Tip/PSA: Always bring this to the dog parks! It’s heartbreaking how many people don’t bring water for their dogs when they play outside. I’m always flocked by thirsty dogs whose people are drinking coffee and ignoring them and their thirst. We gladly share and refill at the water fountains.
6. Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
I am a huge fan of the harness and this has been our favorite. You can see our chosen orange one in most pictures.
I keep about 2 fingers width of slack in Maddie’s collar, which makes it easier to slip off in the right conditions. I think harnesses are much safer for dogs and less likely to injure their throats if they pull. I’ve used a harness since the first week I had Maddie and she accidentally slipped out of her collar on a rainy day next to a busy street.
We used to run and our old harness design caused irritation on her little armpits. This one is minimalist and padded. She’s comfy enough to sleep in it and the design is just the right shape to serve as a quick grab in emergencies. It’s easy to get on and off over her head, even when she’s jumping in circles excited. We mostly use the front clip, but it also has the back clip and a special slot for a light clip.
Honestly, I’m happy with everything I buy from Ruffwear and I’ve been eyeing one of the ones with pockets for once we get back into hiking. Their quality is good and they sell at multiple retailers so you don’t have to feel limited.
For 4 years I had the cute, molded plastic bag dispenser. And every few months I’d forget I was out of bags and have to double back to a public dispenser or I’d constantly have an almost-empty roll I’d carry in my pockets. Then I found this little beauty. It hooks on perfectly, lays flat, and is large enough to stash an extra roll. I can’t tell you how much less stress this is knowing I won’t run out or forget a bag.
Unintentional artsy picture. I like to hook one tab through the leash handle and the second tab on the leash itself. This ensures it always stays at the top of the leash.
7. FURminator Curry Comb (for short hair dogs)
Sorry, long haired beauties, but this one isn’t for you.
Short haired dogs shed. A lot. If you have one I highly suggest investing in a curry comb. Maddie loves this more than she loves belly rubs. It pull off all the loose fur and makes her fur shine. When you first start the fur will come off in sheets. I recommend using this outside or be prepared to vacuum. Or you can be like me and vacuum your outside.
For short hair dogs it’s recommended that you brush them often to distribute their oils. I can definitely see the difference in shine and skin health when I brush her regularly. The rubber on the bottom helps attract the fur without causing damage to the skin, like a metal brush might.
Pro Tip: After I started working with horses I invested in a dandy brush for Maddie. This is a soft bristled brush used after the curry comb and the additional swipes help get rid of all the fur you loosen with the curry comb. This one is must softer so I use it on her face and paws.
I am a fan of crating. Maddie was crate trained as a puppy, but we haven’t closed the door in 4 years, since she was about 2.
I cover it with a blanket and place blankets and a mat inside. Whenever I wash her things she then spends a considerable amount of time nesting and getting everything placed just right. Her favorite position is to lay with her head hanging out the door (as pictured). It is her safe space. When she’s scared, overwhelmed, or hurt, this is where she finds solace. I’m a little jealous. I’ve been inside…it’s nice and cozy.
This crate is sturdy and collapsible, so it easily traveled around the country with us and now it’s a given that my bedroom must be large enough to house this crate. I bought the version with two doors so I have more flexibility in placement and arranging. We are never getting rid of this beast.
If you decide to crate, do not make concessions on size! It’s a commitment, but I promise you it will be worthwhile. She fits inside with her E-collar, which is a comfort for both of us.
Pro Tip for Cat Parents: My cat hates her carrier. She wants to stand up and see out. I bought a smaller version of this crate for my front seat. I use a bungee cord to strap it to the seat and I place her open carrier inside. Life changing. Highly recommend.
10. Doggie Mat or Beach Towel for Eating Out
I don’t eat out often. When we do, we mostly eat outside and I prefer to bring Maddie. The first few times I ate in public with her I could tell she was uncomfortable. She didn’t know where to sit or what to do with herself. This Spring my sister and I went to Cafe Gratitude in LA (highly recommend!) and it was chilly and wet, so I pulled out a beach towel from the trunk. Magic! Suddenly Maddie felt comfortable and calm.
I was recently gifted a true travel dog mat. It’s washable, has a nylon bottom so it won’t get wet from the ground, and it rolls up and zips and has a little shoulder strap. I keep this in my car.
Do what works for your budget in this case. As long as it’s washable, there’s no harm in sharing.
Hope you find these as stress-reducing and helpful as I did! Anything you and your pup can’t live without?
Self care doesn’t have to be all yoga and expensive lotions, and organic veggies. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing one thing that causes stress. Show yourself some love today and invest in some useful stress-relief, ❤️ Petra
