Dog Supplies Buying Guide

Dogs need more attention and pet supplies than just about any other pet. Proper dog care includes much more than filling a dish with dog food or water every day. Whether you're training or treating your dog, here are some important pet supplies to consider.

Kennels and carriers

Dog kennels and carriers can serve many different purposes for dogs: the den-like feel is comforting for puppies and kennel-trained dogs, and when you're away you'll be at ease knowing Fido isn't up to mischief. Although the terms "carriers" and "kennels" are used interchangeably, they are different and when looking for the perfect carrier or kennel, you'll want to know the difference.

Kennels

Kennels are any structure that houses dogs. Dog kennels can be a large or small crate or an exercise pen. Kennels can have a floor and roof or neither, as in the case of exercise pens. Some dog kennels are rated for transportation of dogs on airplanes. These dog kennels must meet specific requirements of airlines and be made of durable materials. Exercise pens are best used for puppies and as a portable kennel for show dogs.

Refer to this helpful chart when online shopping for a dog kennel (Select a breed most similar in size to yours):

Kennel Sizing
Kennel Size	Dimensions	Recommended Breeds
Small	24"L x 18"W x 21"H	Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Norwich Terrier, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and Cats
Small/Medium	30"L x 21"W x 24"H	Basenji, Cairn Terrier, Dachshund, French Bulldog, King Charles, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Schnoodle, Shetland Sheepdog
Medium	36"L x 24"W x 26"H	American Eskimo Dog, Australian Cattle Dog, Basset Hound, Beagle, Brittany Spaniel, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Standard Schnauzer, Welsh Corgi, Whippet, Wheaton Terrier
Large	42"L x 28"W x 30"H	Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Border Collie, Boxer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Standard Poodle, Vizsla
Extra Large	48"L x 30"W x 32.5"H	Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Bloodhound, Gordon Setter, Rottweiler, Collie, St. Bernard, Old English Sheepdog, Weimaraner

Sizing rule of thumb: Choose a crate that is at least 4” inches taller than the top of your dog's head and 4” inches longer than your dog from nose to tail.

If your pets will be spending a lot of time in dog kennels, they'll need to be able to stand, turn around, sit and lay down.

Never forget your dogs' comfort while in a pet kennel! Always have water handy if you plan to leave them in there for long periods. You can also throw in blankets or a dog mat to keep them comfortable; this is especially good for puppies and older dogs.

Carriers

Dog carriers are portable houses for your dog. Although there are large dog carriers that you can set up quickly and collapse even faster, most dog carriers are intended for smaller dogs. Carrying your Malamute around on your shoulder would break your back; however, carrying your Yorkie in a small shoulder carrier could weigh less than your purse. Some dog carriers are safe for airline travel, but only when your dog is riding with you. For any regulations concerning pet travel, you will want to ask your chosen airline.

Pet car restraints

Although a car restraint is neither a kennel nor a carrier, they serve the same purposes. Restraints are there to protect your dog during travel. A plastic or fabric mesh car barrier will be safest for you and your pets since the plastic and fabric have a certain amount of give during an accident. You can also use a dog seatbelt to safely restrain your dog in the car; that way he can enjoy the scenery.

Pet beds

Pet beds come in different sizes and shapes and are intended to give your dog a comfortable place to sleep. The dog bed you choose should provide support, security and comfort to your dog, so choose one that is right for your dog's sleeping habits and for his breed.

• Nest-like dog beds are great for young dogs and puppies as well as small aging dogs.
• Small dog beds are sized perfectly for small dogs.
• Round dog beds are ideal for small and medium sized dogs that like to curl up.
• Large dog beds are great for a large breed who loves to stretch out. They should be able to stretch out without hanging off the edge.
• Bolster dog beds are placed on your sofa and provide a little head rest for your dog while protecting your sofa from dog hair.
• Heated dog beds will ease your aging pets' joints and make them comfortable.
• Cedar-filled dog beds are a good choice if you are concerned with fleas. Cedar is a natural flea repellent.
• Memory Foam dog beds, with natural heat retention, are another dog bedd

Dog beds are fairly inexpensive and are, for a dog with joint problems, the best thing you can buy to keep your dog happy. Buy at least two pet beds and place one where your dog sleeps at night and the other in the room where you spend the most time. Sparky can rest comfortably while he watches you do your thing. If your favorite room is the TV room, don't worry, dogs will watch TV, and if they don't like the show or the noise they can go rest on their other dog bed.

Dog clothing

Dog clothing can range from fancy outfits to warm sweaters to adorable costumes. If you decide your dog needs something to wear, make sure to measure her first: around her neck, from the back of her neck to the beginning of her tail and around the widest point on her midsection. If you walk your dog on cold mornings, a doggie sweater or coat will make the walk more enjoyable. If your dog chews quite a bit, don't give her dog clothing with embellishments that can be chewed off. Remember that not all dogs will want to wear dog clothing. If she fights it, just forget it.

Dog collars

Pet collars can add a dash of fashion, but remember that dog collars need first and foremost to be functional. When considering size, remember that a narrow dog collar will cut into a big dog's neck and a wide dog collar will be unwieldy for a small dog. When the pet collar is around your dog's neck, you should be able to fit two fingers in between the dog collar and her neck. Any less and it could be choking or irritating her; any more and she could wriggle out of it. Durable leather dog collars come in all sizes, but remember to add a walking collar when you have your dog on a leash, as leather pet collars are the easiest to slip out of. Nylon pet collars are very functional, and they are especially good for dogs that like to get in the water. Dog training collars are used during training only; dogs should never be left alone with training collars on.

Dog leashes

If you have pets, then there is a good chance you've noticed that there are leash laws almost everywhere. Pet leashes are important for the safety of your dog; they are to lead and restrain your dog when he wants to wander or dash off. Dog leashes come in a few sizes, the most common being 3-foot and 6-foot. If you aren't as strict about your dog remaining on heel, opt for a retractable dog leash; Fido can still wander while under your control. If you have a slightly more rebellious dog (or one that hates walking on a dog leash); try a harness. A dog harness will give you more control than a dog leash. A dog harness isn't just for difficult dogs; they are also used for special assistance dogs, so even if your dog isn't difficult you may still prefer a harness.

Pet toys

Busy dogs need pet toys, and the bigger the dog is, the tougher the pet toy needs to be. Some vets recommend separating interactive pet toys from solo-play pet toys. Leave out solo-play toys like chew toys when you are not at home, then put them away and get out interactive toys like retrieving toys or tug-of-war ropes when you are there. This will send a clear message to your dog about which pet toys are associated with you (her pack leader) and which dog toys are for entertaining herself. This will also reduce stress in your dog and increase fun at playtime. Remember to replace dog toys when they have been chewed up--before they start falling apart--to avoid choking hazards.

Pet treats

A popular training technique for dogs is to choose rewarding good behavior over punishing bad behavior. Use pet treats for training, for cleaning teeth and for supplementing diet. Pet treats are far better than giving your dog table scraps because pet treats are formulated specially for your dog's body. Choose pet treats based on your dog's size: large dogs can choke on small pet treats, and little dogs don't need a whole large treat.

Pet jewelry

In addition to dog ID tags, you can add some sparkle to your dog's collar with pet jewelry. Most pet jewelry attaches to the same ring on the pet collar as the tags. Pet jewelry can be coordinated with your jewelry, or it can express your dog's own individuality. Rhinestone bones, anyone?

Feeders

When it's time for your dog to eat, serve her food in a feeder. Feeders usually have a place for a food dish and a water dish. Vets recommend ceramic or stainless steel dishes over plastic ones because plastic can get scratched and harbor bacteria. A raised feeder is especially healthy for dogs because standing while eating makes digestion easier. Raised feeders are a must for older dogs that have joint pain.

Dog food

Basic nutrition is important for the health of your dog. There are several types of dog food available. Remember that puppies and older dogs have special dog food formulated especially for them.

Dog food should be fresh. If you keep your dog food outdoors, make sure that it is protected from rodents and bugs.

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