There are loads of dog supplies on the market today that claim to improve our dogs' lives. There are dog supplements you can add to your pet's food, dog toys you can buy to entertain and help with separation anxiety, and even dog products available to make your pet's everyday life more comfortable. Some pet supplies can even be customized to meet your pup's unique needs.
As the number of pet owners continues to rise, and we begin caring for our canine companions the same way we can for humans, companies come up with new things on a monthly basis. If your arthritic pooch needs assistance with walking, there are even dog wheelchairs to help with his mobility issues. Accessories like these have been increasing the quality of life for dogs around the world, according to AVMA study.
People can now spend as much, if not more, on their four legged family members as they do on their human children. But which dog products are actually useful, and would definitely be considered as essential things to buy for canine companions to improve our dogs' lives? Here's a list of ten such dog supplies that are worth considering.
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Things That Improve Your Dog’s Life
Before You Start Shopping for Products
If your dog is healthy and happy, there is little they need in the way of life improvements, and there's rarely a need to fix something that's not broekn. Naturally, if your pooch has lost the use of his hind legs, he'd benefit from the use of a canine wheelchair. Some would enjoy the advances in vet medicine. But generally,
Generally, as pet owners we tend to make things more complicated than they need to be. Think in the basic terms when you want to improve your companion’s life. There are plenty of simple and free things that you can do to improve your dog's life without having to buy any special dog products.
Let your dog be himself. Take a leisurely walk and let him smell to his heart’s content. He will enjoy the stimulation and excitement of new smells and places, and it will benefit his mental health.
Give your dog a massage. Pets enjoy relaxing while their owner is rubbing them. This usually comes with grooming procedures, but what about a doggy massage? It's a great way to keep your pet's body a better shape. Plus, massaging your dog can have a lot of health benefits too, experts say.
Let your pooch loose. At the end of the day, take your off your dog's collar and let him roam free. For the dog, it may be similar to you taking off your shoes and relaxing. It becomes a signal that the day is done and it is time to rest, play, run and chill.
Stimulate your dog mentally. Go to a dog park and provide some social interaction for your pet. Play dates with friend’s dogs in a place to meet other humans too is a great option. Dogs enjoy playing with a friend out in the open where they can just be dogs.
Train your dog. Your dog will also enjoy training with you, as long as this is approached in the right way. You can go to classes at a local pet store, at obedience school or simply do it yourself. It all depends on what you want for your pet. Use hand signals and treats when training as well as talking. Chances are your dog will respond better.
Enjoy some alone time with your dog. If you have more than one pet, this is still easily done. Just you and your Fido doing nothing in particular but enjoying each other’s company. Go on an adventure together. This makes your furry friend more bonded and secure with you. And, who doesn’t enjoy some quiet time?
Spend more time playing. Most dogs enjoy being active during the day – they play and run around. But they most enjoyment is experienced when done with a partner. Take your pet hiking, for a run, camping or boating. Whatever activity you are doing he will enjoy it as long as his human is around. It is nice for a work out buddy who isn’t going to complain about his life.
Products That Improve Your Dog's Life
Keep him from being bored. A bored dog can get into all kinds of trouble trying to stimulate his brain. It is much better if you get him some toys that are puzzles, new toys and new places to explore. For your dogs, special puppy toys work best.
Get him a good food that has the vitamins and minerals he needs to be healthy in every stage of his life. If he has allergies or needs a special food, consult with your vet for his suggestions. Optimize your dog's nutrition to keep him physically and mentally well.
Brush and bathe your dog regularly, or get him groomed if he has a long coat. A nice trim to keep the hair out of his eyes is always welcome. Don’t be a slave to canine fashion. It is an entirely human thing. Your dog wants clean and comfortable, not being pink and with a Mohawk on his head.
Puppies and Senior Dogs
Puppies have lots of unique needs with their growing bodies and actions. The best puppy food, proper toys for the size of the puppy, playpens and pet gates that can safely contain them, and training supplies can all make your dog's and your life easier.
Older dogs, like us, slow down and like to take it easy. Many senior dogs will have a number of health problems. They may have arthritis, but an orthopedic bed may give him more comfort than the pad he is used to having. There are supplements for senior dog's joints that can help them as well.
You may want to switch your old pooch's diet to a senior dog food recipe since they aren’t moving around as much and need fewer calories, as well as different balance of nutrition. Heated beds and blankets may be a good idea too.
Food bowls that are elevated off the floor are great for tall senior dogs. Great Danes, for example, eat better and feel more comfortable when their dog bowls are off the floor.
All dogs with short legs, like toy breeds, and older dogs that have arthritis could benefit from a ramp. Use one for the car, or in the house for their favorite chair. A set of portable pet stairs are an excellent option since they can be easily moved.
There are more items on the market that are technically a waste of money and often bought because pet owners decide it's a cute dress or collar and leash that are “simply grand.” Your Fido doesn’t need most fancy, expensive dog toys. A simple Frisbee, ball, or even a stick for play can be better than the most costly toy in the world.
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Electronic Helpers
If you simply can’t resist the latest in toys and gadgets for your pup, do your research and make sure they are safe. If there is one electronic gadget that might be useful, it is the tracking chip or a dog GPS collar. You can attach this device to your dog's collar to see where they are if they tend to wander. It will aid in finding him should he get lost.
If you want to see your friend while he is at home and you are working, there plenty of specially designed pet cameras for that. A doggy camera will broadcast from your home to your phone. It is quite similar to a security cam system, only simpler. Other more expensive brands also allow you to communicate with your pooch through a screen.
How would you like a dog’s eye view of the day? You can get a camera that will go with your dog and show his adventures for a dog’s eye view of his world. This may not do much to make Fido happier, but it could give you some insights about what he likes to do in his spare time.
Make Your Dog’s Life Easier
We all have to work and leave home from time to time. Your pet may be used to staying at home and lying around waiting for you to make his day when you return, but it doesn't mean that it's the best life for him.
There are balls that can move by themselves, talking toys that you can record your voice on, and many other interactive dog toys that can keep your pup entertained when you're away. These toys can Fido feel less alone during the day.
We can do this and spoil our canine friend rotten, but it isn’t in his best interest. Yes, it is available and convenient, but what he needs is socialization when you can get him out and about. Doggy day care is a great option, or you could just take Fido to the dog park on your time off.
There is always something new or better that pet owners can’t resist for their dogs. Toys, electronic gadgets and innovative products are always popping up on the market. New foods are always being introduced in the pet industry, but if your dog is doing well on his food there really isn't a need to change it.
When it comes to making your dog happy, keep it simple. At the end of the day, you are what makes your pooch happy. Spend as much time with him as you can, and you won't have to spend a lot of money on products to entertain him.
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