9 Must-Haves For First-Time Dog Owners

Collaborative Post¦ Owning a dog can be an amazing, enriching experience. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that the responsibilities of being their owner are extensive and come with a lot of pitfalls. Not only do you need to be prepared for regular vet check-ups and possible emergencies, but you also need to equip yourself with the tools necessary to maintain your dog’s quality of life. This includes everything from feeding them healthy snacks and high-quality food to ensuring they have access to clean water at all times. To help make owning a dog slightly less stressful, we’ve compiled three top tips for any fellow newbie dog owners out there for all the things you should always keep on hand when living with your new pet friend.

A Dog Bed

Your dog’s bed is one of the most important investments you can make when it comes to your dog’s comfort and happiness. There are a wide variety of dog beds on the market, so you’re bound to find one that meets your dog’s specific needs. Some of the most popular options include orthopaedic or memory foam cushions. If possible, try to purchase a dog bed that has a removable cover so that you can easily wash it.

Puppy Blankets

For those of you with puppies, the best way to keep them warm and comfortable during a cold winter’s day is with a puppy blanket. Unlike regular dog blankets, puppy blankets from DoggySquad are incredibly soft and lightweight, which makes them perfect for the puppies in your life. They’re also incredibly easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about a regular washing schedule. Even when you have an older dog, a DoggySquad puppy blanket may be the perfect addition to their beds. To find the ideal puppy blankets for your dog, head over to the DoggySquad website to browse their range.

A Water Fountain

We all know that dogs need plenty of water, and ideally, it should come from a running source. But since dogs are messy creatures and will likely spill water around their water bowls and onto the floor, a water fountain might be a more suitable option. A water fountain is a device that filters running water and turns it into a fountain. This is a great option for dog owners because it is mess-free and ensures that your dog always has access to clean water. They are easy to clean, too, and come in a variety of different styles, colours, and designs. 

Lint Rollers

Dogs are surprisingly clean animals, but they still shed. As a result, they will leave behind small amounts of fur on your clothes and furniture. To reduce the amount of fur being shed in your home, it might be a good idea to keep a lint roller nearby. Lint rollers are designed to remove small amounts of lint and other small particles from fabrics. This means that you can use it to clean your clothes as well as your furniture and floors.

Durable Dog Chews

Dogs love to chew. It’s in their nature and helps to reduce anxiety, boredom, and stress. While chewing can be beneficial for your dog, it can also be harmful if they chew on the wrong things. Dogs should be given appropriate toys and chew toys to chew on. However, not all toys are created equal. Chew toys should be made of durable materials, such as rubber or hard plastic, and should be able to withstand the level and intensity of chewing that your dog is likely to engage in. If you’re unsure what chew toys would be best for your dog, you may want to invest in a few different types to see which ones your dog prefers.

Poop Bags And Dispensers

Dogs are loving, affectionate, and loyal creatures, but they also poop. There is no escaping it, and as a responsible dog owner, you must be prepared to deal with it by using a bag to pick it up. There are a few different types of poop bags available. Some are biodegradable, which means that they decompose naturally. Other types are scented, while some have a drawstring so that the bag can be more easily closed and sealed. Whichever type you choose, you should also invest in a dispenser so that when your dog relieves themselves, you don’t have to struggle to get the bag ready.

A Treat Pouch

Dogs love treats. They help to reinforce positive behaviours and can help to encourage good behaviour and reinforce training. Sometimes your dog will do something good that you want to reinforce, but the treats aren’t nearby to use. In order to avoid this, try getting a treat pouch that you can attach to your belt or pants so that you always have treats ready when training your dog.

A Travel Crate

A travel crate is a great way to keep your dog safe and comfortable when travelling. But not all crates are created equal. While some are designed specifically for travelling with dogs and are more comfortable, others are meant for smaller dogs and are less spacious. It’s important to make sure you get a crate designed for your dog, so they’re not cramped when you’re travelling with them. Crates are a great way to keep your dog safe and calm during a car ride, a plane ride, or any other type of travel. Plus, they’re a great way to keep your dog out of trouble during times when you can’t watch them.

A Toy Bin

Dogs enjoy playing and exploring just as much as human children do, and they love to play with toys. This is great for helping dogs stay active and happy, but it can also lead to great amounts of clutter in your home. If you have a dog who enjoys playing with toys, it’s best to invest in a toy bin. Toy bins are designed to keep toys organized and easily accessible while also keeping them off the floor. To ensure your toys are kept clean, and your home stays clutter-free, you should regularly clean out your toy bin and replace toys as they become too dirty to play with again.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.