5 Must Have Pampering Pet Accessories
Pets are among the best things in the world – right there with naps and long holidays. When you get a furry, or non-furry, friend, your troubles simply disappear and you can’t wait to spend just a bit more time with the forgiving, lovable cuddle buddy. You’d do anything to keep your friend happy and that means buying accessories. If you are a new pet owner or you’d like to surprise your pet with something essential, these are the five must-have pet accessories you should add to the shopping list.
Bedding
Your pet will need a nice place to sleep, whether you have a dog or a parrot. Of course, the type of bedding you’ll need depends on the animal you have, but the category refers to all sorts of bedding and nesting options.
When you are looking for a bedding option, consider the following points:
• Natural materials are the best – From bird nest to hamster homes, products that are made from natural materials tend to be the best options. This reduces the chance of allergic reaction and you don’t have to worry about your pet destroying the lovely bed you bought – though, it might annoy your wallet.
• Ease of cleaning – You need to regularly give a brush or a wash to your pet’s bedding. Therefore, pick something that’s easy to clean, whether with simple wet wipes or in the washing machine.
• The quality and durability of the product – The bedding might be put under a lot of strain, so you don’t want to necessarily opt for the cheapest option. You need something of a good quality to ensure your pet doesn’t destroy it straightaway.
My Pet Warehouse has a great collection of bedding options for pets. The options for dogs range from simple covers to fancier designer beds, for example. You’ll also find birdcages and fish bowls to house your loved ones.
Food & Water Bowls
The other essential accessory you need revolves around feeding. Food and water bowls should focus on two key characteristics: quality and uncomplicated design.
First, you should pick something sturdy for your feeding station. The pet bowls or any other structure should not move about while the pet is using it. For example, a feeding station for birds should sit tightly in the cage, even if the bird tries to flip it over. The same goes for dogs and cats – you don’t want them run after the feeding bowls. A heavy, metallic or ceramic structure is often your best pick. Think in terms of these pretty ceramic bowls for dogs at Pets Palace.
Second, while it’s undoubtedly fun to shop for quirky items, such as this Plastic Cat Bowl at World of Pets, you should go for a straightforward design. A plain feeding station or bowl is only there to feed the pet, not wow as a décor element.
Grooming Equipment
Grooming accessories might not be as needed with certain pets, such as fish, but essential with others like dogs. Whether or not you are planning to do the overall grooming yourself or at a pet salon, you should have some basic equipment at home.
You’ll most like need some or all of the following items:
• A brush.
• Scissors or other cutting equipment for fur.
• Nail clippers – note that this might be required for exotic pets like birds and turtles as well.
Essential Health & Medication
You shouldn’t generally try to self-medicate your pets, but instead contact a veterinary service, if you notice something wrong. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to have certain emergency items nearby for smaller incidents.
First, a good flea or worm shampoo is a handy accessory in a pet healthcare bag. Consider getting the Purina shampoo from the brand’s website, for example. These are often suitable for a range of pets, but do always read the label and instructions. You can also find flea medication from sites like Vitamin King, which is a good alternative for shampoo.
In addition, bandage is good for taking care of small cuts, especially prior to taking your pet to see the vet. It can ensure the area remains as clear as possible while you wait for treatment.
Travel Accessories
While you might not plan to take your pet on an around-the-world trip, you are likely to travel short distances. For example, you might take your pet to a friend for the weekend, if you go on a holiday.
You should consider getting a travel-sized transportation bag, cage or other such structure for these instances. This could just be a smaller and an easier-to-carry cage for birds or an official travel bag for dogs and cats. The Vet Products Direct website has a great selection of options.
If you have a dog that you like to take with you for drives around town, then a car seatbelt harness is a must-have. This is especially suitable for larger dogs, which might not feel comfortable in a dog carrier during travel.
There you have it! The most essential pet accessories all pets should have. Hopefully, the above examples and shops will help you give your lovely pet a bit more care and attention.