4 dog supplies you need to keep your pet happy and healthy

There’s no denying that you love your dog, which is why you want to ensure that you are doing everything you can to keep them as comfortable and satisfied as possible. 

From dog beds to ID tags and everything in between, read on for the dog supplies in Dubai you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.

1. Comfortable dog bed

When looking for the ideal dog bed for your pet, there are a few factors you need to consider. 

For starters, you need to think about their breed and build, which will impact the size of the bed they need. To help you out, use the following dog weight information as your guide:

• Small bed: Up to 40 pounds
• Medium bed: Up to 60 pounds
• Large bed: Up to 120 pounds

Dogs that weigh more than 120 pounds will need an extra-large bed. 

You also want to consider the shape of the bed. If your dog likes to sleep in a ball, then a round-shaped dog bed is going to be ideal, whereas a rectangular dog bed is more suited to those who want to sprawl on one side and for older dogs that are no longer curling up as much.  

Another vital consideration is the material, as you want to ensure that your dog’s bed is comfortable for them. 

For a soft and cozy option, look for a dog bed comprising a chambered, spun-polyester fill, while a memory foam dog bed is better for dogs who require extra support. Alternatively, if your dog suffers from joint or pain issues, you will want to provide them with a dog bed filled with polystyrene pellets and cedar.

2. Sturdy rubber toys

No matter what breed of dog you have, they need toys to stay happy and healthy. Toys are not a luxury for your dog but a necessity. Without a selection of sturdy rubber toys, your dog will quickly be bored. What’s more, toys provide comfort to dogs when they feel nervous. 

Keep in mind that dogs will usually “play” with anything they can get their paws on, which is why it is in your best interest to ensure that they have the appropriate toys to keep them occupied. For this reason, make sure you select toys that are the proper size for your dog. Unfortunately, if you give your pet toys too small, they can easily swallow them. 

To ensure that your dog has the right kinds of toys to keep themselves occupied, you want to provide them with various shapes and sizes. 

Hard rubber toys are suitable for chewing and moving around. If your dog likes to play games or gets pleasure from chewing on different textures, it is good to give them some rope and woven toys. Tennis balls are another excellent option for active dogs as they are fun to play fetch with; however, they aren’t robust enough to be chewed on a lot. 

Distraction toys are also helpful. These toys can be filled with broken-up treats, keeping your dog entertained for hours. 

When you present your dog with these toys, they have to spend a significant amount of time moving the toy around to access the treats. If your dog tends to eat their food too quickly, these toys are a good option. 

3. Tasty, healthy dog treats 

Your dog is your best friend, so you want to make sure that you are providing them with treats that not only taste good but are also beneficial for them.

For this reason, purchase grain-free and responsibly sourced dog treats that have the nutrients and vitamins that your pup requires. You can find many dog treats formulated with supplements such as glucosamine that help maintain your dog’s joint health.

Don’t feed your dog too many treats because that can lead to weight gain, negatively affecting their health and well-being. Generally, dogs shouldn’t get more than 10 percent of their daily caloric intake from treats or snacks. In other words, give treats sparingly and certainly no more than a couple per day. 

To teach your pet good eating etiquette, refrain from giving them scraps from the table. Not only is human food often bad for dogs, but it also is generally higher in calories and fat than a dog requires. 

Moreover, when your dog gets used to being fed from the table, you teach them to beg – which is not a habit you want to encourage. 

4. Personalized ID tag 

When it comes to dog supplies, there are plenty of items that are considered essentials. However, none are as crucial as a personalized ID tag.

You want to make sure that your dog is always wearing one of these as it will ensure they can be brought home as quickly as possible if they were to escape or get lost. Even if your dog is microchipped, you still want to have them wear an ID tag as not everyone can scan for chips. 

On your dog’s ID tag, you want to write their name, your phone number (a number you’re likely to answer), and the city or street where you reside. 

It is a personal decision whether you choose to include your complete address. Additionally, depending on where you live, you may also want to indicate whether your pet has had any vaccinations as this will inform whoever finds them that they are up-to-date on their shots. 

You may also want to include your dog’s medical needs and any relevant microchip information. If you have space, it is also nice to write a personal message such as “I’m friendly” or “I’m lost, please call Mum.”

Final thoughts on dog supplies

As a dog parent, it’s your responsibility to provide proper care for your pet. To do that, you need to buy the right dog supplies from beds and toys to treats and an ID tag. 

Use this guide to help you determine what you need to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always looking for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond. She is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market, representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.

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