Dog Gear: What Equipment Do You Need As A Dog Owner?

There’s a lot of equipment you need to buy when getting a dog. This post lists some of the main equipment you’ll need to purchase and what to look for.

Collar

Your dog will need a collar when taking them outside. Collars come in different sizes - you should measure your dog’s neck so that you know which type of collar to get. Some owners like to buy customised collars with names and contact details printed on them (if your dog gets lost, it will be easier for them to be reunited with you). 

Lead/harness

For going on walks, you’ll need a lead and a harness. You can buy all kinds of leads from flat leads to chain leads to extendable leads. A harness is optional - it fits onto the body and can prevent dogs who may have a tendency to pull from choking themselves (useful for puppies). 

Clothing

Clothing isn’t just for people who want to dress up their dog. Short-coated dogs often need jackets in the winter, otherwise they’ll get too cold while out on a walk. Longer-coated dogs typically don’t need clothes (although you can buy specialist jackets to help them cool down in summer). 

Crate

If you’re getting a puppy, it’s recommended that you buy a crate. This can help you to housetrain your dog to sleep in one place, preventing them from wandering about at night. Be careful of choosing a small crate for a puppy - large breeds may quickly outgrow a small crate.

Bed

You’ll need to buy a bed for your dog. This needs to be the right size for your dog - if you’ve got a larger dog, you may want to avoid generic dog beds that are likely to be too small. You can find guides to the best dog beds online. 

Bowls

Bowls are necessary for food and water. Stainless steel bowls are common as they’re durable and easy to clean. Slow feed bowls could be worth buying for dogs that like to scoff their food - they can help to prevent bloat in large dogs. 

Poo bags

When it comes to picking up dog poo, you’ll want to have some poo bags handy. It’s worth buying these in bulk for convenience and to save money. Biodegradable poo bags are the most eco-friendly option. 

Shampoo

You’ll need to occasionally wash your dog’s fur. Dog shampoo can help to get rid of any stubborn dirt. Don’t use human shampoo on a dog - it may be a little too harsh for your dog’s skin and could cause skin problems. 

Toothbrush/toothpaste

A lot of dog owners don’t brush their dog’s teeth - however they should. Just like humans, dogs can develop tooth decay (especially if they’re being allowed to eat human foods). You can buy specialist toothbrushes and specialist meat-flavoured toothpaste for dogs. Never use human toothpaste - the fluoride is toxic for dogs.

Toys

Most dogs (particularly puppies) need toys to keep them occupied. When getting a young dog, it’s worth buying a selection of toys like chew toys, tug ropes and balls. It can be worth paying a little extra for durable toys that won’t get ripped apart in five minutes. You can also make your own dog toys.