All dogs, big or small need to have a few essentials, whether they are at home, or you are out and about or in the car.
Here is a list of what I think are your essentials (and some non-essentials) that our four-legged fur babies should have:
Make sure your collar and lead are suitable for your dog.
Be sure to regularly check the fitting around the neck, especially for growing puppies. Large dogs grow very quickly and what might have been somewhat loose a month ago, could almost be strangling your dog. Even old dogs gain a little around the neck, so watch this. The collar shouldn’t be so loose as to fall off (or allow them to ‘back out’ of) or to catch on anything. Also as I said, never too tight. Ensure, especially for big dogs that its size and durability is suitable for the size of your dog. If s/he is 30 plus kilos, then a pretty dainty thing may just likely snap with a bit of pressure. That might mean your dog can run onto a road, attack a child or get caught up in a dispute with another dog. Keep everyone safe with a strong and sturdy collar and lead.
Poop Bags
Don’t forget these when you’re out and about; either having a poop bag dispenser on your lead, or simply tying a few at the top of the lead. I recommend always having a few; my big boy will often go more than once and it’s really not fun having to untie a full bag to try and fit in more. Ever wonder what dogs think when they see their owners collecting their precious droppings? What’s the dog equivalent of ‘crazy hooman’?
Harness or Seatbelt
Whether this is for walking or in the car (or both) you will definitely need something to safely restrain your dog in the car. Human seatbelts are not designed for animal bodies; in my view, a harness is best as it will restrain them in the instance of a sudden stop or accident. The last thing you want is your dog being hung (because s/he’s on a collar only) or as bad, flying through the window or windscreen. Accidents sadly do happen and I believe in Queensland it’s actually illegal to not have your pet restrained in the car. It’s not just about the distraction they may cause the driver, but about their own safety.
ID Tags – depending on the Council you’re in, you may have to have your dog wear a council tag.
But also ensure your dog has a tag with their name on it and your phone number. Make sure if you change your phone that you update this! Regularly check it’s not lost, damaged or has become worn so the numbers are not legible. I personally found the council tags never lasted on my big boys (always had large dogs – Rottweillers, Labradors, Shepherds etc … so I get the council number engraved onto the back of their dog tag. For my local council, that’s a suitable alternative to using their tags.
Dog Bed, Crate or Both?
I know so many dog people say your dog should have a crate. I’ve had big dogs all my life and I’ve rarely found they particularly loved having a crate. Every situation will be different; my dogs are inside at night, so they are not exposed to the elements and they have a closed-in safe place where their bed is. With one of our QA Testers, Theo (a German Shepherd) had a crate and used it only in the early days; now it sits there unused. What I do strongly suggest is a great bed. Big dogs are bigger (obviously) and weigh more and when they are older, need more padding. I love the beds that we sell for a heap of reasons. They offer quality support especially for the older dog. Caesar has had hip and leg issues these last couple of years. He feels unsteady on a thick fluffy bed and one we had before that flattened to the thickness of a pancake offered him absolutely no orthopaedic support. An older dog deserves a little comfort and support in their later years. However, why wait till then? Remember like us humans, dogs spend a good amount of time asleep. As they get older, the amount of time asleep increases … so invest in a good bed for a peaceful night’s sleep for your best friend.
Health supplies
By this, I’m talking about flea and tick products and deworming. An annual visit to your vet (more often perhaps as they get older, and certainly when they are younger) is critical too. You may also wish to have vitamins and other products, such as oil supplements. Talk to your vet as to what you need and remember also that online often offers some excellent pricing.
Grooming supplies
This includes a good shampoo and conditioner. My personal favourites are Dermcare Malaseb medicated shampoo and Dermcare Aloveen intensive conditioner. Both Caesar and Theo use these products and they have been great for all skin conditions. I’m not on a kickback here from that company; just my personal experience. Don’t forget combs or brushes and nail clippers.
Feeding supplies
This will be a stainless steel bowl for their food – I even recommend two; one for dry food and one for wet food. Another item you can’t go back is a large water bowl, or I should say bucket. Our super bowls are excellent products to not spill, not run dry too quickly and don’t cause craning of a large dog by having to swoop too low to reach the water bowl. Don’t forget a measuring cup, or aluminum scoop to ensure you’re dishing out the right amount of food. Naturally ensure you’re putting quality food into their bowls.
Stain and Odor Remover
Enzyme-based cleaners are truly a miracle saver. They will help remove spells, stains and, of course, the underlying pheromones that tend to encourage remarking of that spot time and time again. If you use bleach or ammonia on the floors, remember that our fur babies walk on the floors, then lick their feet and have now ingested these poisons.
Healthy Treats
Select ones which are rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Remember also that people treats are often not good for dogs and in fact can cause damage. As I used to educate my children when they were little “Chocolate ain’t good for dogs!” Yes I know the grammar wasn’t brilliant, but they all remember it very well.
Toys
Especially for young active dogs (like our young Theo) you want to have things for them which will keep them interested and out of mischief. For years I’ve had a ‘dog toy basket’ in the corner of my lounge room. This is the dogs’ place where their toys are kept. They know it’s a safe place to pull out things and play with items which are ok and won’t get them in trouble. I’m still trying to teach Theo to ‘put back in the basket’ … we’re working on that one. The toys are dog friendly, safe and suitable. Never have (especially for big dogs) anything which is small and can be a choking hazard or which can be easily chewed up (and choked on or ingested). Variety is also important to keep their interest. As we build up the store of 4 BIG DOGS we will be working to source products which are great and pass the ‘Theo Destruction Test’. A few items have failed so far, but we’re working on that!
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