Everything you can imagine. With this phrase we can define the current situation in terms of accessories for dogs. There is a wide variety of anything you need and for all types of dogs, whether they are puppies, adults or dogs with special needs.
Therefore, in this article on our site we will talk about the most important accessories for dogs classified by categories, so that you have different options for each need and you are always right when choosing the most suitable for your dog.
Dog car accessories
The first thing we probably need to do with our dog is a car ride to get him to his new home. According to our place of residence, there will be different regulations on the way in which you must travel in the vehicle. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the corresponding authorities to ensure that we do not commit any illegality.
Thus, we can find ourselves with the obligation to carry it in different ways:
- Belt and harness: one possibility is that we carry it fastened with a belt and a harness, which can be purchased in different sizes in specialized establishments.
- Network: another option is to get a net that prevents the dog from accessing the front seats.
- Carrier: It is also possible that they travel inside a carrier. We will get more out of this accessory for dogs if we live with a puppy or a small dog.
Of course, if the dog is going to travel on the seat it is advisable to cover it with a cover to protect the upholstery from hair, stains and even vomiting if the dog gets seasick, which can happen, especially on the first trips.
For more information, see How to travel with a dog by car?
Accessories for dogs for rest
When you get home it is important that the dog has a place to rest. The dog beds are one of the canine accessories that have diversified the most in recent years, especially for smaller dogs. In fact, there are even special sofas and beds for your rest. To make a good choice, the first thing is to take into account the measurements of the dog. They usually sleep curled up, but the bed should cover their entire length in case they decide to stretch out.
Dog beds - Types and which one to choose
As for dog beds, you should know that there are different types, such as:
- Pad.
- Cushion.
- Nest.
These are normally for small dogs. Their shapes are rectangular or round. As for to material, there are:
- Memory foam.
- Whole foam pieces.
- Cuts.
The covers, on the other hand, can be, among others, of:
- Cotton.
- Raincoats.
- Velvet.
- Wool.
- Leatherette.
There is so much variety that you are sure to find the color and design that matches your decor. Keep in mind that if your dog can get on the sofa or bed, it may be useful to have a cover to protect them from hair and dirt Here are some tricks to make a good choice of bed:
- Look for a base material that can withstand the weight of the dog without sinking, especially if you live with an older, large dog or one with mobility problems.
- Dogs don't need to be covered up to withstand the cold, but they do need good insulation underneath.
- Make sure it has a cover that can be completely removed and washed in the washing machine. With two covers you will always have a clean bed. You can also put a blanket or sheet over it so the bed doesn't get as dirty.
- If your dog gets muddy or leaks urine, choose a waterproof fabric that won't go through the foam.
- Finally, don't look for a fancy puppy bed. It is likely that during its first months of life it will destroy it. Choose a cheap one or, directly, give him a box with your old clothes. As soon as he destroys it, you just have to put another one on it. Here we explain more about My dog bites his bed - Causes and how to avoid it.
Accessories for feeding dogs
The feeders and waterers are essential in the list of accessories for dogs. There are different sizes and materials, such as plastic, stainless steel or ceramic. You also find them foldable for outside the home. Some are raised, which is usually more ergonomic for the dog and particularly advantageous in certain he alth problems. In addition, there are double ones to put the water next to the food. Others are interactive and have reliefs where food is trapped, which encourages the dog to run to get it and controls anxiety in the most gluttonous dogs. In addition, there are placemats to place under the feeders and drinkers and not dirty the floor. And if you like home cooking, you'll even find cookie makers for your dog. These tips will help you decide:
- Avoid plastic, as it can cause allergic reactions and also deteriorates over time. Ceramic is also delicate because it can break.
- Better drinker and feeder separately so that water does not fall into the food or vice versa.
- Check the size you will need for the amount of food the dog eats.
- Adapts the shape to its characteristics. For example, if his ears are long and hanging, look for a feeder with a narrow mouth that does not allow him to insert them.
And, if you prefer, you can choose make a homemade feeder and drinker In the following video, we explain how to make a feeder raised for dogs In addition, in this other article we explain the Benefits of high feeders for dogs.
Accessories for dogs to go out
The walk is the favorite time for many dogs, but you have to go outside well equipped. Again we find a wide variety of accessories for dogs in this category. The most basic is the collar and the strap, in different materials, designs, lengths, thicknesses, colours, extendable or fixed, etc. You can also opt for a harness, with important advantages, especially for dogs that pull. In addition, if your dog is a greyhound, it is advisable to use a wide collar specific to its anatomy.
Of course, you can't forget to always go out with bags to collect droppings and, depending on the legislation in your place of residence, it may be mandatory that you take out the muzzled dog There are also options for this accessory, such as nylon or basket ones. And although the dog should have a microchip, another interesting accessory is the identification tag It can be personalized, there are multiple designs and, if we record our telephone number, it is a way easy for a lost dog to come home.
Finally, depending on the climate and the characteristics of your dog, it may need complements to protect it from the cold and rain, as coats or raincoats, or to prevent sunburn. Some specimens will need glasses and sun cream for the skin. Follow these tips to decide:
- For harness, collar and leash, nylon is a good choice as it allows easy washing and holds the leash without hurting. Here we explain what the different types of dog collars are.
- Extendable or chain leashes, unless your dog is very calm and walks by your side, they can break, get tangled up, move the dog too far away or hurt your hands. Here we discover the Types of leashes for dogs.
- For regular walks, a leash length of about 1 meter is fine.
- Measure your dog's neck to choose the size of the collar and keep in mind that if he is a puppy he will grow.
- The sun cream has to be specifically for dogs, ours won't work. Consult your veterinarian.
Hygiene and he alth accessories for dogs
Another category of innumerable accessories for dogs is the one that corresponds to hygiene and he alth. In hygiene we include bathing, brushing or accessories for bitches in heat. In he alth we will review the basic first aid kit to have at home. The main hygiene accessories include:
- Specific shampoo for dogs: and any other product, such as softener or detangler, recommended by the dog grooming salon. The colony is optional and completely expendable for the dog.
- Brush: brush, comb, mitten or rubber glove depending on the characteristics of the coat.
- Towel and dryer, since it is essential that the hair is completely dry.
- Toenail Clippers: Although the dog tends to wear down its nails when walking, those on the fifth toe can grow into the flesh, as they do not touch soil.
- Hair clipper: if you dare to do it at home, you will need a clipper, although make sure beforehand that it is suitable for your dog's coat type.
- Coleteros: that is, rubber bands to hold the dog's hair and prevent it from covering its eyes.
- Specific wipes for dogs: or dry shampoo. Both are useful items for emergencies or for cleaning small areas without having to put the dog in the bathtub.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: it's good to get them used to oral hygiene.
- Panties for dogs: Finally, there are panties for dogs that prevent staining when they are in heat. There are several sizes, but don't forget that the current recommendation is castration.
Regarding he alth, in addition to always having the telephone number of our trusted veterinarian at hand and one for emergencies in case ours is not available, a basic first-aid kitcontains:
- Physiological serum, very useful for washing wounds, eyes, etc.
- Gauges of different sizes.
- Bandage, at least one roll and another of elastic bandage.
- Disinfectant, such as chlorhexidine.
- Muzzle, as an injured dog can react aggressively.
- Foreign body removal forceps.
- Special tweezers to remove ticks.
- Thermometer for rectal use.
- Gloves for hygienic handling.
- Scissors.
Puppy Accessories
All of the dog accessories we've mentioned so far are also for puppies. But, in addition, with these little ones it is convenient to take into account another group of accessories that, always important, are essential for them: they are the toys There are many and of all shapes, sizes, colors, with or without sound, to chase, bite, interact, hide rewards, etc.
The best thing is that, at first, we get a basic kit and, later, depending on the dog's tastes, let's focus on his favorite toys It's good to have a few and rotate them, that is, we keep them in and out so that they are relatively new and attractive. At least we should have:
- Ball.
- Teeper.
- Kong or similar where to hide rewards.
- For the smartest, an intelligence or interactive game.
Finally, another accessory that we may need for puppies are the training underpads that are used to teach them to urinate in a certain point in the house when they are still unable to hold out or cannot go outside because they have not completed the vaccination schedule.
Dog Training Accessories
There is a group of accessories for dogs that is used for their training, that is, so that they learn, at least, the basic orders of obedience that all dogs should handle to achieve a satisfactory coexistence.
Education isn't just for puppies. Dogs have the ability to learn at any age Although our words of praise and caresses serve to reward them for behaviors that we approve of and seek to repeat, it is known that food rewards are a very strong motivator. That is why you will find a wide variety of cookies and snacks for sale. To choose one, look for quality and keep in mind that these prizes cannot account for more than 10% of the total daily ration. Otherwise, we run the risk of the dog getting fat. There are specially designed bags for sale to carry the prizes comfortably.
As for the training itself, some professionals use the so-called clicker. This is an accessory that makes a "click" when you press it with your finger. The noise is made just when the dog does something well, so that it ends up associating the sound with a behavior that is highly valued by us, which is why it will repeat it. In addition, there are different materials, such as leashes or lures, that can be used, although it is much better for a professional to advise us. By the way, never use electric or spike collars.
Accessories for sporting dogs
If your dog is one of those who loves running and exercising, you can choose to prepare him to participate in agility or canicross events. For this sports area you will find a multitude of accessories, which are also useful for practicing sports with your dog at home.
Thus, there are different types of straps that are worn around the waist to free your hands or all kinds of objects and structures to practice dog obedience and agility. For example, cones, catwalks, hoops, jump bars, etc. Either of these is ideal if you have land to place them on.
If you dare, even if you don't compete, start from less to more difficulty and always taking into account the characteristics of the dog. In addition, to practice sports you will even find special footwear so that your legs do not suffer, as well as pad protectors
Outdoor dog accessories
Living with a dog and enjoying a piece of land where you can play with it and offer different activities, as well as lying in the sun, is great luck. But, even if you only have a balcony or terrace, it is possible to take advantage of them for dogs.
For example, a dog pool is an essential accessory for dogs that love water. They will greatly enjoy cooling down during the hotter months. Keep in mind that if your dog is going to be outside, even for a few hours, he must have some space to take refuge from both the heat and the cold or rain.
On sale you will find a lot of doghouses of all sizes and prices. In some cases, a carrier can perform the same service, but its size must be large enough for the dog to stretch out inside.
Accessories for small dogs
Small dogs, just like any other, can enjoy the accessories mentioned above. But we can also find others that take advantage of their small size to give us extra comfort. A clear example is the bags, shoulder bags, backpacks or even trolleys that allow us to go with our little companion everywhere quickly and comfortably. Entering stores or public transportation can be easily done this way.
Also, around the smaller breeds there is a submarket of clothing, hair ties and, in general, all kinds of accessories considered luxury and characterized by tulle, bows or pastel colors or gold. It is a fashion that, logically, the dog does not need.
Accessories for senior dogs
Older dogs have certain special needs. All the accessories mentioned so far are valid, but they may have to be adapted. For example, you may have a harness and a seatbelt for the car, but you also need a ramp to get on it.
In the same way, they may use any bed, better a soft one to rest their joints, but if they leak urine it will be convenient to cover it with a pad or change to a waterproof cover.
In addition, other accessories can facilitate their mobility, such as the rehabilitation harnesses, which allow us to hold them when their hind legs fail. On the other hand, if you want to give him any nutritional supplement, consult your veterinarian first.
Accessories for blind or deaf dogs
The most developed and important sense for dogs is smell. That is why they can live without sight or hearing, although it is good that, if our dog is in this situation, we inform ourselves about the measures that will make his life easier.
In the accessories section we find collars, harnesses and leashes with written the word "deaf" or "blind" It seems silly, but it prevents people from approaching him in any way or considering his characteristics if he ever gets lost. In addition, to avoid this type of problem, collars are marketed that have GPS so that we always have them located.
On the other hand, for blind dogs, a harness has been invented that has a ring that passes in front of the dog. In this way it prevents it from colliding, since the obstacle will bump into the hoop before the dog. Blind dogs also play, much better with sounding toys You can find more information about it in this other article on our site on Care for blind dogs.
As for deaf dogs, there are also collars for them. They emit a vibration that we activate remotely when we want to call them. It is true that it requires prior training so that the dog knows that the vibration he feels means that he must pay attention to us, but they learn quickly and the benefits are considerable. These types of specific accessories are also suitable for older dogs that have been losing hearing and sight with age.
For more information, see How to care for a deaf dog?
