Pet Care
Your dog and.....Basic equipment
Dog collar
This can be made from fabric or leather. Fancy collars with diamante jewels look very attractive. They are not very practical for the active, outdoor dog. Check the colour on the collar does not leak or run if it gets wet. Leather collars are tough wearing and will last much longer. They tend to be more expensive than fabric collars. If you buy the collar for a puppy, regularly check it is not getting tight as he grows.
Dog Lead
These come in a vast range of shapes and sizes. Ordinary fabric leads are cheap and fold up easily to be put in your pocket. They only allow your dog restricted movement from you. Extendable leads are ideal for giving your dog more freedom of movement. They are bulky and considerably more expensive. There have been incidents of people being injured with burns by the nylon lead wrapping around the legs of the owner! Jogging leads are also available!
Identity Tags
Again, they come in all shapes and sizes. Round ones, heart shaped ones and even bone shaped ones…the choice is yours. Tags are usually made from aluminium. They cost around £5. The important thing is that they should have your personal details on.
Dog Bowls
You should have a least two bowls – one for water and another for food. Metal bowls look very smart, but clatter when moved about by a hungry dog. The noise can frighten some dogs. Ceramic bowls are heavy and easy to clean. They tend to be more expensive than metal bowls.
Grooming EquipmentThis should include a brush suitable for the length and thickness of the coat. A comb is needed for long hair breeds. Nail clippers and ear cleaning fluid and cotton wall balls are all part of a good grooming kit.
Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrush
A “must have” for dogs who are fed on soft, wet food.
Toys
There are hundreds of different toys you can buy for your dog! Squeaky toys tend to be very popular. Tug toys are great for you and your dog.
Bedding and housing
The different types of bedding available now is astounding. Deep luxury padded beds are extremely comfy. They are usually machine washable or come with a detachable duvet. They can be expensive, starting from roughly £20 to £200! Rigid, plastic beds are cheap and easy to clean. They do need to be filled with extra material, such as clothing to make comfortable. Kennels are ideal if you have plenty of room. A separate run provides your dog with the opportunity to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.