So your friends recently adopted a dog and are now planning a dog shower’. Surprise, surprise, you’re invited! The problem is you have no idea what to give the new pawrent. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are 11 essential items for new dog owners that you can buy:
1. Collar
Get a collar for restraint, identification, fashion, and protection. Dog moms and dads can put important personal information as well as medical information. BusinessInsider.com named the Lupine Pet Eco Dog Collar ($15.93 on Amazon) the best in the US.
2. Harness
Some people don’t like the appeal of collars, so a harness might offer a more holistic approach. It makes it easier to control bigger dogs and gentler for smaller pups. Good Housekeeping calls the Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness ($12.26 on Amazon) top slip-on harness.
3. Special water bottle
You can’t carry a dog bowl everywhere you go, and a regular water container is not dog-friendly. Get the Highwave AutoDogMug Portable Dog Water Bottle & Bowl ($17.19 on Chewy). It’s a portable water bottle with a bowl. All you have to do is squeeze the water up into the bowl for your dog to lap up. When your pooch is done drinking, just release your grip—no water wasted!
4. Pet first aid
Every home should have a first aid kit. But if you have a furball running around the house, you should have a separate one for it too. The AKC Pet First Aid Kit on Amazon is pre-assembled and has all the essentials. It has a thermal blanket, reflective leash, collapsible food/water bowl, plastic water bottle, pill container, medicine applicator, fur-friendly gauze, tweezers, and a pet safety booklet.
5. Leash
Pawrents have to keep their pets on a short (and sturdy) leash whenever they go out in public. Mendota Products Snap Leash ($13 on Amazon) is a waterproof, nylon leash with handsome leather accents that make it stand out.
6. Food bowls
Dogs eat and they make a lot of mess. Make feeding time more formal and organized with Amazon Basics’ Stainless Steel Pet Dog Water And Food Bowl, Set of 2 (11 x 3 inches). It’s perfect for dry kibble, wet foods, treats, and water. Rust-resistant, rubber base, and features a no-tip design. It’s dishwasher-safe too for easy cleaning.
7. Brush
We love our dogs like they’re our own children, that’s a fact. But if there’s one thing we could change about them, it is probably the hair shedding. A quality dog brush will save you a lot of time and effort in vacuuming pet hair off your carpets and furniture. Check out the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool from Chewy for $29.95. It comes in two different designs for short coats and shaggy dogs. It’s effective at removing loose hair without damaging the skin.
8. Nail clipper
Speaking of grooming, you need to trim your dog’s scratchers when they get too long. The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs from Chewy for $8.69 is a popular dog nail clipper. It delivers fast and clean cuts consistently. There’s even a built-in safety stop that will prevent you from cutting your puppy’s nails too short.
9. Bed
Puppies, as cute as they are, should not be too comfortable on their owner’s bed. When they grow up they will claim the bedroom and that can be a problem. The Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed ($113 on Amazon) is durable, easy-to-clean, and is a human-grade mattress for pets.
10. Gate
New dog owners need to teach dogs to respect boundaries. So as early as now, get them an Evenflo Position and Lock Tall Pressure-Mounted Farmhouse Gate ($22.49 on Target) to block off (and protect) parts of the house where they are not allowed.
11. Shampoo
There are many soaps in the market for your four-legged furry friends. But if you really want what’s good for them, you have to get the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner from Chewy for $5.39. This shampoo will leave your dog’s hair lush and smelling fresh. Plus, it has a gentle formula for pups with sensitive skin.
12. Stain & Odor Spray
First-time pet parents should prepare themselves for the smells and sights that dogs will bring to their house. One solution to that is Nature’s Miracle(R) Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator which they can purchase on Amazon. It has a bacteria-based formula that produces a fresh scent when it comes in contact with poop, piss, or vomit.
13. Crate
Your friends will eventually travel with their new baby pup and they could use a dog crate. Luckily, there is a Diggs Revol Dog Crate ($245 on Amazon) for all dog shapes and sizes. They are travel-friendly, safe, and made of durable, high-grade materials. Definitely an essential item for new dog owners who like to travel.
14. Treats
Still can’t decide on what to get for the new fur parents? You could never go wrong with doggy treats. Blue-9 Pet Products’ Inspire Dog Training Treats ($9.95 on Amazon and Blue9.com) are made from the finest ingredients.
15. Puppy Cam
The Furbo is a fancy and high-definition camera that costs around $200 on Amazon. It lets you monitor your dog with extreme clarity and precision. You can also control it to toss your puppy some treats whenever he’s hungry.
16. Water dispenser
It’s high time you replaced that old doggy bowl with a Brookstone Pet Water Fountain ($39.99). Just fill it up, and whenever your dog hits that sensor, it will spout just the right amount of water to drink. This fountain also features a replaceable carbon filter for top-quality H20.
17. Puppy pads
Get a pack of American Kennel Club AKC Training Pads ($26.50 on Amazon) for your friend so they can teach their dog to mark specific spots as territories, and not stink up the entire house. It comes in different scents, is leak-proof, and features odor control.
18. Poop bags
Pet owners will be needing a lifetime supply of these things. It will be a good idea to buy a pack or two. Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags 270 bags/ 18 rolls ($11.99 on Amazon). They are thick, scented, and 100% leak-proof guaranteed.
19. Pet store gift card
Can’t decide? Just get them a gift card to your local pet supply store. So they can pick something that they can actually use.
20. Toys
Finally, the last on the list of dog essentials for new owners are toys. There are lots of toys to choose from. Just make sure the ones you get are not choking hazards and toxic. Ethical Pet SPOT Play Strong “S” Bone ($18.82 on Amazon) is guaranteed safe, durable, and non-toxic.
Did we miss any essential items for new dog owners? Let us know in the comments section below. Happy shopping!
