Pet Supplies Buying Guide

Dogs

They pay you back for it with love, but dogs need more attention and pet supplies than just about any other pet. Whether you're training or treating your dog, here are some important pet supplies to consider.

• Kennels: Dogs feel safe in a small den-like area, so kennels are a common dog supply. Use a kennel for your dog to sleep in at night or spend the day in while you're gone. A kennel helps the dog stay out of trouble when company is over. You may also want to purchase a kennel for your car. It plays the role of a seatbelt for your dog: the kennel protects your dog in an accident and prevents her from running away if she gets scared. If your dog will be spending a lot of time in her kennel or dog crate, purchase the largest kennel you can afford. A kennel should be at least big enough for your dog to stand, sit, turn around and lie down in. If you'll be using your kennel often, choose a sturdy material, like heavy-gauge wire. If you'll only be using a kennel for transport, a plastic or fabric kennel is sufficient.




• Pet beds: Give your dog a snuggly place to sleep that's all his own. Pet beds come in different sizes and shapes, so choose one that is right for your dog's sleeping habits and for his breed. Round pet beds are meant for dogs who curl up when they sleep. Square or pillow-style pet beds are shaped for dogs who like to stretch out; these are also great for dogs with joint problems. Bolster pet beds are placed on your couch and provide a little head rest for your dog--and hair protection for your couch! Compared to people beds, pet beds are very economical, so place them around the house, wherever your dog likes to nap. Be sure to add one to your dog's kennel or crate, too.



• Pet carriers: Pet carriers come in many different styles, from utilitarian models to designer bags. As long as your pet carrier is big enough for your dog and has a sturdy enough bottom, you can choose whichever pet carrier catches your eye. If your dog is hesitant to use her pet carrier, try throwing a treat into the bag and praising her while she is in the bag. She'll be happy to learn that pet carriers are where "good dogs" go!



• Pet clothing: Pet 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 pet clothing with embellishments that can be chewed off. And remember that not all dogs will want to wear pet clothing. If she fights it, just forget it.

• Pet collars: Pet collars can add a dash of fashion, but remember that pet collars need first and foremost to be functional. When considering size, remember that a narrow pet collar will cut into a big dog's neck and a wide pet 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 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 pet 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. Training collars are used during training only; dogs should never be left alone with training collars on.



• Pet jewelry: In addition to your dog's identification 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?



• 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 pet toys are for entertaining herself. This will also reduce stress in your dog and increase fun at playtime. Remember to replace pet 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.




• Feeders: When it's time for your dog to eat, serve up 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 who have joint pain.

Cats

Cat supplies range from the necessities (such as litter boxes and feeders) to the fun stuff (like scratching posts and pet toys). Fulfilling your cat's needs and wants will make both of you happier: a satisfied cat stays out of trouble.

• Pet Beds: Like dogs, many cats appreciate their own pet beds, although, since most cats sleep curled up, cats often only need round pet beds. Small pet beds can be very inexpensive, so note all the spots in your house where she likes to sleep and put pet beds in each of those spots. She'll be grateful, and you'll have a house full of machine-washable fur catchers.
• Pet Collars: Pet collars for cats are different than those for dogs in one very important way: cat collars must have a bit of elastic so cats can wriggle out. If kitty gets stuck in a tree with the wrong kind of pet collar, she could choke. Spiked dog collars may look cute on her, but dog collars are very dangerous to cats.
• Pet Treats: Pet treats come in all kinds of shapes and meaty flavors for cats, so if your cat doesn't like the first one you give her, try another. Many pet treats for cats contain some sort of nutritional supplement or have teeth-cleaning qualities. Determine what your kitty needs, and choose the pet treats that will benefit her most.
• Pet Toys: Pet toys for cats can range from little toy mice to large cat towers. Having a few small pet toys around when you are not home can keep your cat entertained. Use dangling pet toys to play with your cat and to give her some exercise. Catnip-filled pet toys give kitty a little extra enjoyment at playtime, and many are refillable when the catnip wears out. Store catnip toys in a plastic bag in the freezer to extend the catnip's scent. If kitty is trying to scratch your furniture, place a catnip-treated scratching post near the spot she wants to scratch to encourage her to scratch the post instead.

Fish

A fish tank not only holds pets, it adds to your home's décor and gives you something peaceful to look at while relaxing. Keeping an aquarium or pond can be an interesting hobby, and having the right fish supplies will make maintenance easy. Fish supplies will differ based on whether you have a freshwater, saltwater or brackish tank, which fish breeds you include and the size of aquarium you choose. These are the basic fish supplies you'll need to get started:

• Aquarium: ranges from small desktop tanks to large wall-sized tanks. Five- to twenty-gallon tanks are most popular. Contrary to what you may expect, maintaining the water in a large aquarium can be easier than in a small one.
• Filter: removes particles and impurities from the tank, keeping the water clean and healthy for your fish.
• Air pump: provides oxygen to the water. Your filter will determine what size of air pump you need.
• Gravel, landscaping materials, lighting and plants: beautify your aquarium. Live plants also add oxygen to the water. Some types of fish like having places to hide, so be sure to provide some in your landscaping.
• Water conditioner: makes the water from your tap safe for your fish.
• Net: used for catching fish and for placing them in your tank.
• Siphon hose: used to clean the gravel. Gravel should be cleaned about once a month.
• Algae scraper: to scrape the sides of the tank, keeping it clean. Some breeds of fish will do this cleaning for you.
• Thermometer and heater: maintains your aquarium's temperature. Depending on the fish breeds you choose, you will need to maintain your aquarium at a specific temperature. Fish are very sensitive to temperature changes.
• Fish food: comes in flakes or as fresh food. Fresh fish food (insects and similar things) can be used as a treat or as the main food.

Birds

Birds are lovely companions, whether you have one bird or a whole home aviary. Bird supplies will keep your birds safe and healthy. Choose bird cages and perches based on the size of your bird. Make sure she can spread her wings in her cage. Pet toys are important to keep birds entertained, especially for large breeds, like parrots. Pet treats for birds can range from millet to dried fruit. To ensure you get the best pet treats and pet toys for your specific breed, be sure to do some research or check with your veterinarian.

Reptiles

Create the perfect environment for your reptile with reptile supplies that reproduce its natural terrain. Landscape an aquarium or terrarium with sand, plants, heating rocks and hiding places. Reptile pet treats are the pet toys when you give them live insects or rodents to chase down and eat. With so many variations in species and breeds, you'll want to be sure to research your reptile's preferences.

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