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Dog Must Haves: Essentials Every Dog Owner Needs

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This list is for dog products that survived real-life testing by my very opinionated dogs. These are the must-haves I actually use, not cute-but-useless stuff. Think comfort, cleanup, feeding, toys, and things that make living with dogs easier. You’l...
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Thepethub.org is your one-stop shop for dog and cat essentials, featuring carefully selected products for health, wellness, play, travel, feeding, and everyday pet care. We help pet parents find quality products their pets will love.

 
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🐶 Your go-to resource for pet care tips, dog and cat products
Helping pet parents find products that make life easier and tails happier. Shop curated dog and cat essentials, wellness products, toys, travel gear, and everyday pet favorites.
 
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New Dog Owner Checklist
🐾 New Dog Owner Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Dog Home Bringing home a new dog is exciting, but being prepared makes the transition much smoother for both you and your new best friend. ✅ Food and water bowls ✅ High-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age and size ✅ Collar with ID tag ✅ Leash ✅ Comfortable bed ✅ Crate or safe sleeping area ✅ Dog toys for mental stimulation and exercise ✅ Training treats ✅ Poop bags ✅ Grooming supplies (brush, shampoo, nail clippers) ✅ Pet-safe cleaning supplies for accidents ✅ First aid kit ✅ Vet appointment scheduled ✅ Vaccination records obtained ✅ Microchip information updated ✅ Emergency contact and vet information saved ✅ Designated potty area ✅ Dog-proofed home (secure cords, chemicals, and small objects) ✅ Established feeding schedule ✅ Established exercise routine ✅ Patience, consistency, and lots of love ❤️ Pro Tip: The first few weeks are all about helping your dog feel safe and secure. Focus on routine, positive reinforcement, and building trust.
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Travel

 
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🚗 Dog Travel Checklist: Everything You Need for a Safe & Stress-Free Trip Whether you're heading across town or across the country, being prepared can make traveling with your dog much easier.
🚗 Dog Travel Checklist: Everything You Need for a Safe & Stress-Free Trip Whether you're heading across town or across the country, being prepared can make traveling with your dog much easier. ✅ Collar with updated ID tags ✅ Leash and harness ✅ Portable water bowl ✅ Fresh water ✅ Dog food and treats ✅ Medications and supplements ✅ Waste bags ✅ Favorite toy or comfort item ✅ Dog bed or blanket ✅ Crate or travel carrier (if needed) ✅ Vaccination and medical records ✅ Recent photo of your dog ✅ Pet first aid kit ✅ Seat belt restraint, travel harness, or secured crate ✅ Towels for muddy paws or accidents ✅ Grooming wipes ✅ Emergency contact information ✅ Pet-friendly hotel reservations (if applicable) ✅ Research nearby veterinarians at your destination Before You Leave: ✔ Update microchip information ✔ Check weather conditions ✔ Plan rest stops every 2–4 hours ✔ Confirm pet policies at hotels, parks, and attractions ✔ Pack extra food and water in case of delays Travel Tip: A familiar toy, blanket, or bed can help reduce stress and make your dog feel more comfortable in new environments.
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We use these for all three of our Shih Tzus. They are so durable and easy to put on with velcro. Very good quality.
DOGGIE DESIGN American River Ombre Nylon Reflective Harness
 
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Such a beautiful dog stroller! Perfect for 2 small dogs.
PET GEAR No-Zip Double Pet Stroller, Boysenberry
 
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Take your dog along for your bike rides!
BURLEY Bark Ranger Dog Bicycle Trailer
 
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We use this water bottle every time we travel with our dogs and it's so handy!
Vila Portable Water Bottle for Dogs & Cats
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My Shih Tzus use these to get on the furniture and bed.
Pet steps
 
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The perfect road trip bag
PETAMI Pet Supplies Organizer Tote Dog & Cat Travel Bag ...
 
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Perfect for short or long trips if you have a restless pup
Xieeaozee Memory Foam Booster for Dogs - Comfortable Support & Enhanced Mobility | Chewy

Water dishes

 
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My 3 Shih Tzus have used this water dish for several years and it keeps their water filtered and clean.
PetSafe Healthy Gravity Refills for Dog Water Dispenser
 
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Keep your pet's water cool
Boomer™ 4 Dog Bowl
 
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Keep water fresh and free from floaties
Casfuy Smart Sensor Stainless Steel Pet Feeder – Chewy.com
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Food and storage

 
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No more dog food bags, this helps keep things organized and fresh
Iris USA 3-Piece WeatherPro Airtight Food Storage Canisters (3-Piece)
 
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Nice farmhouse look to this dog food storage container. Has a sealed lid for freshness.
Harry Barker Classic Dog Food Storage - Chewy.com
 
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Perfect to keep your pet food dry and fresh
Iris USA Round WeatherPro Airtight Container - Chewy.com Product Page
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Store food and get the bowl up off the floor for your big dogs
Dog Feeding Station w/ Storage Drawer, 2 Elevated Dog Bowls,

Crates and pens

 
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Stylish and functional. Love that these look nice but can function as a crate.
Iris USA Modern Furniture: Style and Function for Your Home
 
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We used this when our pups were small and we didn't want them to have free reign in the house. Worked so well!
Iris 6-Panel Dog Exercise Pen - Durable Indoor/Outdoor Enclosure for Pets
 
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Keep your escape artist safe.
XBRIGH Heavy Duty Indestructible Escape Proof Steel Dog ...

Grooming

 
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Great clippers for my Shih Tzus! Wireless is so handy.
https://www.chewy.com/wahl-arco-cordless-pet-clipp...
 
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Such a high quality grooming kit
We Love Doodles Dog Grooming Scissors | Chewy
 
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Highly recommend for saving your back if grooming at home
Lovmor Foldable Retractable Bath for Dogs
 
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In between baths use these grooming wipes
Dog Grooming Wipes – Extra Thick, Lavender Scented

Toys

 
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My dogs love these Kong toys. They are so durable and wash in the washing machine.
KONG Cozie Marvin Moose Plush Dog Toy | Chewy
 
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We use these so the dogs don't need bones that splinter or they could choke on
Durabone multi pack
 
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My pups love this toy holder. They can jump inside and pull things out easy which makes it a game.
Natemia Dog Toy Storage Basket | Chewy
 
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Anxiety reducing chewy bone
Hurley® Super Chewers Dog Bone Toy, Helps Reduce Pet Anxiety and Boredom, Made from Zero-Waste Plastic - Small

Beds

 
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My dogs LOVE these beds. They are cozy and calming.
BEST FRIENDS BY SHERI The Original Calming Shag Fur
 
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Snuggles with your pups!
LESURE Foldable Human Size Dog Bed, Light Grey, XX- ...
 
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My Shih Tzus LOVE this tent. They go in there and nap all the time. You can remove the pad for easy washing in the washer.
Best Pet Supplies Linen Tent Covered — Chewy Product Page
 
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How cute is this sofa for your dog?
Sam's Pets Akkeri Dog Sofa | AllModern

Medical care

 
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Emergencies happen when we least expect them.
🚨 Dog Emergency Preparedness Guide Every dog owner should be prepared for unexpected situations. Use this checklist to create a simple emergency plan for your pet. ✅ Save your veterinarian's phone number in your contacts ✅ Save the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic information ✅ Keep vaccination and medical records in an easily accessible location ✅ Ensure your dog's ID tags are current and readable ✅ Verify microchip registration information is up to date ✅ Prepare a pet emergency kit with: • Food (3–7 day supply) • Bottled water • Medications • Leash and harness • Food and water bowls • Waste bags • Blanket or towel • Favorite toy for comfort ✅ Keep recent photos of your dog on your phone ✅ Create an emergency evacuation plan that includes your pets ✅ Research pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your area ✅ Identify a trusted friend or family member who can care for your dog during emergencies ✅ Learn basic pet first aid procedures ✅ Keep a pet first aid kit readily available Remember: Emergencies happen when we least expect them. A little preparation today can make a big difference for your dog tomorrow.
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Our Shih Tzu had surgery and this came in handy so she didn't have to wear the cone but didn't pick at her sore.
BellyGuard Onesie for Dogs – Post-Surgery Recovery Suit
 
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Get 10% off with my code: MELS10
CBD Dog Health Home
 
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Calming treats work well for fireworks or travel. My tzus hate fireworks so these help when 4th of July comes around.
Vet Hemp Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract - Chewy Product Page
 
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Chapped skin on your dog? This will help!
Natural Dog Company Skin Soother for Dogs | Chewy Reviews, Skin Care & Soothing Balm
 
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If you have a dog with stinky breath these help so much. One a day keeps their teeth so clean and breath so much better.
Greenies Variety Pack Teenie Dental Treats for Dogs | Chewy.com
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I add this to my shih tzus water and it helps with their breath.
TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health for Pets – Chewy.com
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Handy to keep this first aid kit for dogs on hand
First Aid Kit for Dogs

Bark collars and training accessories

 
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For our one boy who is a barker
GROOVYPETS Smart Barking Control Waterproof ...
 
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We have one poo eater. This helps.
https://www.chewy.com/zesty-paws-chew-no-poo-chick...
 
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If you have a pup going potty in the house this helps!
Emmys Best Pet Products: Potty
 
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Stop your pup from chewing on things!
TropiClean Chew Stop Home Dog – Chewy.com

Waste clean up

 
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Earth friendly waste bags
Pet Waste Bags
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