We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

    53 Problem-Solving Pet Products That Are No-Brainers

    Because they may be the cutest thing on earth but they're a whole lot of work, too.

    1. ChomChom roller ready to put your regular old lint roller to shame. Forget ripping off sheets till you run out — this collects everything in a neat little compartment you simply empty out. With a fur-free couch, guests' eyes will be drawn straight to your seasonal throw blankets and pillows. 

    before and after of a BuzzFeeder's blue velvet sofa covered in cat fur and then clean
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    Here's more from BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes (those are her photos above!): 

    "I've been using the ChomChom for quite a while now, but I took the photos above literally just now to show just how quick, easy, and effective this roller is. It took 10 seconds to rid my velvet couch ottoman (yes, velvet...a terrible cat owner choice, I know) of the hair my two gray kitties are constantly leaving everywhere. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of using this roller — at first, I thought you only brushed down in one direction, and was confused why it wasn't picking up hair. It's important to do a push-and-pull brushing in *both* directions so it actually pulls the hair inside, which does require you to apply a bit of pressure. Afterward, you'll just dump out the hair that's been trapped inside."

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

    2. A bully stick holder so your pup can go ham on bully sticks without you worrying about them choking when they get it down to a nub. This smart accessory holds the stick tight — even when there's not much left — and it's lightweight so they can carry it around the house no problem. 

    a pup chewing on a bully stick in the pink holder
    gif of a reviewers dog using the bully stick holder

    There are several sizes to choose from based on the width of the chew sticks you give your pet: small (for treats 1/2 inch–3/4 inches), medium (5/8 inches–7/8 inches), and large (3/4 inches–1 1/8 inches).

    Promising review: "We recently got a new puppy who loves to chew on everything. Once we discovered bully sticks, we thought we were home free, but then I started reading about all these horror stories where dogs swallow the last few inches of the bully stick. Sure enough, a few days later, I see one of my other dogs coughing while frantically making chewing motions. I ran over and luckily managed to fish out the last bit of bully just before it went down his throat. These are the greatest invention ever! They are sturdy and grip the stick like nobody's business. If you give your dog any kind of chew stick, I cannot recommend these enough." —Mikara

    Get it from Amazon for $16.95+.

    3. A fuzzy, purring cat toy that helps calm kitties with anxiety. If your pandemic babe simply can't be separated from you or their siblings for any period of time, this is certainly worth a shot.

    reviewer's gray and white cat cuddling the purple toy
    a different reviewer's cat kneading the toy

    The toy purrs for a solid two minutes when squeezed or cuddled so your cat can activate it on their own.

    Promising review: "My shelter kitten ignored this at first, but I still put it in his bed every night and now he doesn't want to sleep without it. If I forget to activate it, he is restless until I do. He had to stay at the vet's briefly, and I took his purr buddy with him. The staff at the vet's all wanted to know where I got it because the clinic cats would crowd around my baby's cage wanting to see what he had. It was quite a hit. It's also very soft, and so far, the batteries have lasted several months." —NatureGirl

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

    4. A tough-as-nails cactus toy for superrrrr chewers who rip apart anything you put in front of them. With durable rubber bristles, this also doubles as a doggie toothbrush so — unbeknownst to them — it'll help keep their teeth and gums in tip-top shape. 

    reviewer corgi puppy gnawing on cactus toy
    reviewer bernese dog chewing on cactus toy

    Promising review: "Okay so I never leave reviews, but this toy is the best thing I have ever bought for my Pit. He usually tears apart Kongs the day of, and this thing has been around SIX MONTHS and he’s barely done any damage. It’s his favorite toy and is always his first pick in his toy basket. 11/10." —Hunter Hicks

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four sizes and two colors).

    5. A durable plastic clear toy blocker if your pet's favorite game is shoving their toys under the oven and then full volume barking/meowing at you until you free them, just to repeat the process all over again. 

    clear plastic blockers set up under a stove to prevent toys from going under
    The toy blocker under a piece of furniture blocking a ball and stuffed animal

    It can also be used to help discourage smaller animals from hiding under furniture!

    Promising review: "The toy blocker does exactly what is says it will do. It sticks well to our laminate floor and blocks my son's toys from going under the couch. Only problem is I had to buy two in order to cover the entire length of our couch. I do have to say it was worth the doubled price so I would recommend the blockers to anyone who has kids or dogs!" —amanda c

    Get it from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in three sizes).

    6. A hanging multilevel cat condo you can mount on the back of a door if you don't have enough floor space for a freestanding option. It's *way* less bulky than a normal ol' cat tree and you can easily move it from room to room. 

    a close up of a reviewer's cat in the cat condo
    The four-level cat condo, which has entrances/ peepholes on multiple floors, and attaches to the back of doors with built-in straps

    Promising reviews: "I purchased this because we live in a small home, and our cat tree was taking up too much space in the living room. I am super happy with my purchase. I have three cats, and they all go in it! In the photo [on the right] on the top is our 16-pound cat, and it is holding him good! I was a bit worried when I saw how high it was off the ground, but they jumped into it easily! I love how much space it has saved me and how easy it was to assemble; it took me three minutes. Really great material, too. I think it is thicker than the canopy for my gazebo, haha." —Ariel

    Get it from Amazon for $58.99+ (available in three sizes).

    7. A *silent* dog toy with an ultrasonic squeaker only your pup can hear! That means your super chewer can go to town on their toy without interrupting whatever you're watching on TV or waking up their angel baby sibling who's taking a nap. 

    gif of a dog squeaking the pig toy
    reviewer's dog with purple elephant tattoo
    Abby Kass / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    Promising review: "This friendly gator immediately became my dog’s new favorite toy! He loves a squeak toy as much as the next pup but I work from home so they’ve sadly been banned from the house. This toy works as advertised! I’ve tested it from rooms away and he definitely hears it and I do not. The negative reviews here are about the toy being destroyed. Know your dog, have realistic expectations. We’re a few scales down but it’s holding up just fine!" —Ginny L.

    BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass just picked one up for her family's pup and here's what she has to say: 

    "My family's dog LOVES squeaker toys. She squeaks them over and over and over again and especially loves to put on a little show when my dad's in a virtual meeting. I was intrigued by this toy when I found it at the pet store and had to give it a try. I wasn't sure how well it was going to work, but Izzy loves it so much. You seriously can't hear a thing. I even took the toy in another room (without her knowing) and started "squeaking" it to see what would happen, and only a few seconds later she came running into the room looking for her toy. This toy is amazing. Izzy can squeak all she wants (as you can see in the gif above), and we don't have to hear a thing. If you have a dog who enjoys squeakers, you need to invest in at least one of these toys." 

    Get it from Amazon for $13.80+ (available in two sizes and six styles). 

    8. stainless-steel automatic water fountain for those with picky pets who refuse to drink from a regular bowl. My cats drank solely from *my* water glasses until I picked this up and now I only have to wash/refill it once a week!

    reviewer's gray cat sitting behind a stainless steel fountain
    the same cat dipping their paw in the fountain

    Promising review: "My cat loves this! It was easy to set up and it’s very durable. If my cat tries to move it or anything it stays in place well. It’s quite sturdy, but not too heavy either. It does a great job draining the water and replenishing it so that it’s clean and free from any debris and pet hair. It’s not loud either, so it’s perfect." —joanna

    Get it from Amazon for $28.49.

    9. A fur-eliminating broom capable of squeegeeing enough fur from your carpet that if magically animated — you know, like those brooms in Fantasia — it would transform into a Pekingese.

    Promising review: "I seen several TikToks about this item! And it picked up dog hair that I couldn’t even visually see! Also works good on carpet. The handle is very durable and so is the rake part. The size of the pole is adjustable! I love the yellow handle, too! Makes me find it quicker than my broom! I have three dogs. All shed viciously! Will highly recommend and suggest this to anyone with dog hair issues." —Faith

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in eight configurations).

    10. hidden cat box enclosure so you can kick your unsightly open-top box to the curb. Angled just so, it'll pass for a faux plant and nothing more!

    cat crawling out of the faux planter cat box
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is absolutely fantastic! Hands-down, the most innovative thing I’ve ever seen in pet supplies. I was inspired by another reviewer and did a little DIY and now it’s white. Nobody would ever know it’s a litter box. Fits perfectly in my small space and goes great with the decor. Tbh, if you’re hesitant, don’t be. Just hit the 'Buy Now' button, you won’t regret it." —Shannon

    Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four colors).

    11. A pet-specific stain remover sure to hide the fact that Sparky isn't the perfect angel you make him out to be on Instagram. Turns out, he gets the nervous pees every time someone comes over and that includes the mailman!

    Promising review: "This stuff is so great!! I’ve tried so many brands of enzymatic cleaners and they all have a strong chemical smell. This smells exactly like the orange cream shakes at Arby’s!! It does an excellent job or erasing odors and seems to be working to deter puppy from peeing in that spot again. Leaves a great long-lasting scent and odors are long gone by the time the pleasant scent fades the next day. It’s also a great stain remover. I’ve only used it on puppy messes but it makes quick work of them. Love this stuff so much!!" —Geek Girl

    Get a 32-ounce bottle from Amazon for $19.97.

    12. A tub of aloe and eucalyptus ear wipes if your pup suffers from regular infections, wax buildup, or just being an all around stinky, stinky boi.  

    a reviewer holding a used ear wipe
    before of a reviewer's dog's dirty ear
    after of the same dog with a clean inner ear

    Promising review: "My little Beagle has allergies and easily gets yeast in her ears. If your dog is shaking their head and coming up to you to scratch them, get this. It is the best thing for her ears I have ever bought. Buy it now. We are now on the third container of the ear wipes and I love them!! There is a slight scent but it just smells clean. Thank you for a wonderful product!!" —S. nl

    Get a tub of 100 from Amazon for $14.99

    13. plush anti-anxiety donut bed with a raised rim that keeps your kittens feeling nice and secure. The fluffy material also mimics cat fur, so it feels like they're cuddling their mom.

    a buzzfeed editor's gray cat sleeping inside of the gray anti-anxiety bed
    Chelsea Stuart / BuzzFeed

    Both of my cats took to this as soon as I got it. They store their toys in there, nap in there, and make a wholeeee lot of biscuits. They have a few beds that they use but this one seems to be their favorite and I think the high walls are definitely why. Sometimes they use the sides as a pillow and other times they bury their heads into the interior and curl up in a little ball. My only complaint is that they don't sell one in my size. 😞

    Promising review: "I rescue geriatric cats and do medical fostering so I have great appreciation for reasonably priced equipment. These are fabulous! They are quite comfortable for cats with arthritis and joint problems or just feel miserable due to whatever health issues they have. These are calming and incredibly easy to wash and dry. They hold up very well and best of all they are affordable." —M. M. Robinson

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in eight sizes and 18 colors).

    14. A wrinkle cream that helps soothe itchiness and eliminates dirt and tear stains from the creases of squish-faced babies like French bulldogs, pugs, and American bullies. 

    before photo of a bulldog with dark brown stains in their skin folds and irritated skin next to an after photo of the same dog whose skin folds are now white like their fur and their skin is not red and irritated
    Amazon

    PS: Squishface is a small biz that makes all sorts of problem-solving products for pup's with wrinkles, tear stains, tail pockets, and more. 

    Promising review: "This cream is the miracle worker. My 2-year-old English bulldog had yeast in his wrinkles. I cleaned every day with hydrogen peroxide but it didn't clear it up. It just kept it from getting worse. One night I came across this product. I was desperate and decided to give it a try. Within 24 hours of using Squishface, I noticed a huge difference. Within 48 hours, it was almost gone. By 72 hours it had cleared up. I clean his face before bed and apply the cream. I can't say my bully loves it because seriously what bully likes having their wrinkles cleaned? He tolerates it and I love that it worked for us. It has no smell to it, it's natural, and it WORKS!" —KS92

    Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in packs of one and two). 

    15. A litter-trapping honeycomb mat because there is nothing more disturbing than stepping out of the shower, walking to your room, and immediately feeling cat litter on the bottom of your foot. And if you have 2+ cats??? Well multiply the horror factor. 

    the black mat under a reviewer's cat box
    the black mat opened to show collected litter

    My cats used to track litter alllllll over the house and no matter how often I swept, it was always there. In the living room, in my bedroom, even up on the couch. 🤮 That stopped as soon as I got this mat. Now, my cats step out of the litter box, wipe their paws on this, and voila! Clean toe beans! Plus, once it fills up, it's super easy to empty as it's designed like an envelope with one open end.

    Promising review: "We no longer have litter scattered throughout the house. I just have to remember to empty it. Nice looking and effectively hides the litter it collects. Just place it the to the side your kitty hops out of the box on, as they never leap out of the side intended for exiting! :)" —CharleezMom

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sizes M–XXL and in nine colors).

    16. A fence bubble for pupperonis who're just as nosy as their parents. Drama going down between the neighborhood kids?? Your doggos will be the first to know. 

    Promising review: "My dogs love their window! They are 20+ pounds each and can both get their heads into the window to see what is going on in the front yard. It only took my husband and I a few minutes to install. The acrylic dome is thick and is easy to wipe clean. It’s also made in the USA!" —Shopping Adict

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $22.55

    17. A self-grooming toy if your babies need 24/7 scritches and scratches and they just don't get the fact that you can't do that while you sleep/eat/use the bathroom or that you only have two hands, ya know?

    Promising review: "Now I bought this out of the fact that my cat likes to rub her face on EVERYTHING, so I thought she would like this and she absolutely LOVES THIS. Usually you think cheap cat things like this wouldn't work, and I thought the same, then my cat rubbed her face on it and it was like holy cow this actually works, like my cat actually likes this. A whole new experience tbh." —Raychelle Schar

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99

    18. A grooming glove so you can give your pets all the love they desire while covertly brushing away mats and tangles, too. Use it on wet or dry fur (it's great in the bath) and on your feline friends as well.

    a reviewer holding the blue glove which is full of white fur
    a reviewer using the glove to brush their corgi

    Promising review: "This is my second glove, my first one lasted 8 years until the nubs finally wore down. My cat is VERY fluffy! Our routine is to brush before breakfast. My cat loves it. No matter if your hand is small or large, the glove has good Velcro to keep it on." —Carol

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

    19. An organic cat grass growing kit that will add some additional greenery to your house and keep your kitties from eating your actual houseplants. 

    a ruler in the cat grass planter, showing how it's grown several inches over the course of 48 hours
    reviewer's cat chowing down on the cat grass

    The Cat Ladies is a family-owned, Southern California-based small business founded in 2015 by a mother-daughter duo who wanted to create unique, organic, nontoxic products for other passionate cat owners.

    Promising review: "I have been a customer for about a year now, and ever since the first time when we gave her gentle pets while she ate the grass, she’s now developed a whole daily routine! She meows at us every morning, demanding that we come and sit with her and pet her while she munches happily on the grass. It’s become such an important part of her daily routine that we bought two of the planters so that she can always have fresh grass." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $28.90 (available in four colors). 

    20. nail file board for pups TERRIFIED of nail clippers and Dremels. With a few treats and words of encouragement, you can persuade them to file their own nails and avoid extra trips to the groomer!

    a dog using the scratchpad
    Etsy / Scratchpad for Dogs

    Scratchpad for Dogs is a small biz based in Atlanta. Jen Fleming, the store's owner, came up with the idea after adopting a shelter dog named Ripley who absolutely hated having his nails trimmed. 

    Promising review: "This is the best, best, best item I’ve ever purchased for my dog, and also my family. Ever since we got our new puppy I spent time regularly with her every day to desensitize her from nail clipping but she still hates it so much. She learned how to use this within 30 minutes and she’s now even in love with it! Every time I pull out this board she knows that there’s something good waiting for her! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!" —Tracy Xu

    Get it from Scratchpad for Dogs on Etsy for $65.95+ (available in four styles and three grit levels).

    21. A slow feeding bowl if your pup is known for scarfing down their dinner and then promptly throwing it back up ~completely~ unchewed for their sibling to eat. 🙃

    Promising review: "Absolutely great product. I don't know what else to say, but I love this plate! I have a blue nose pit bull and she would eat fast. After purchasing this bowl, I found that she is eating more slowly and she doesn't choke on her food! Great product for my money. I have had this for several months and it is still sturdy and strong (my dog is outdoors). At first I thought that it wouldn't work, but I was wrong. I'm happy!" —Andy Cruz

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes and 12 colors and designs).

    22. A self-cleaning Litter-Robot because as much as I love my cats, there are few household chores I loathe more than scooping their poop. Even worse, the little devils seem to enjoy watching me do it.

    cat crawling out of litter robot
    Litter-Robot

    The Wi-Fi–enabled box self cleans, reduces litter usage, manages odors with a carbon-filtered waste drawer, and settings can be controlled via an app on your smartphone. Plus, it's suitable for up to four cats! You can lock the buttons on the actual box so your cat doesn't mess with them; you can set a 3-, 7-, or 15-minute delay before the unit cycles (after your cat has used the box); and it'll notify you when the waste drawer needs to be manually emptied. You can even monitor your cat's weight!

    Promising review: "Simply the best decision I’ve made regarding the cats in forever. I cannot imagine not having this now. Just send Whisker your money and buy it now. You won’t regret it." —Everett 

    Get it from Litter-Robot by Whisker for $699 (available in two main colors and eight bezel colors).

    23. A nontoxic, natural soy Pet House candle if you've deep cleaned the litter box and vacuumed all of your rugs but you still can't get rid of the funk floating around your living room. These babies burn for 60 to 70 hours and feature a proven odor neutralizer that doesn't just mask nasty scents, but gets rid of them. 👋 

    Promising review: "My cat is super sensitive and is allergic to certain scents but this candle has really been a hit! We both love the scent and the relaxing smell helps to keep my cat calm. AMAZING!" —Natalia Ramirez

    BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly has nothing but good things to say about these fantastic candles:

    "It's been a few years since I first experienced the powerful-but-lovely waft of a Pet House candle and back then I had a dog roommate (who's quite slobbery). But even a few years later living solo, sans pets, I burn them quite often. They're amazing at quickly canceling out my downstairs neighbor's nightly weed smells (to each their own, buddy) and basically any cooking smell on earth, including onions, Brussels sprouts, garlic, and more. My kitchen is *right* by my closet so canceling out weird food smells is vital. These will forever be my GOAT candle and there are so many scents to keep some variety going." Check out Elizabeth's full review of Pet House candles here.

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in 57 scents).

    24. laptop-shaped scratcher if the last few years of WFH life have led your cats to believe that they *too* have a 9 to 5. It's this or have them all piled on top of you and that makes it quite hard to type...

    a cat staring at the fake laptop screen
    Uncommon Goods

    Promising review: "I saw this when browsing Uncommon Goods and purchased it as what I thought would be a gag gift for my sister. The funny thing is...it actually works! Comments from my sister: 'My cat made my laptop keyboard unusable by treating it as a scratching post and popping the keys out. I finally gave up and purchased a cheap wireless keyboard to use with it. My sister gave me this cardboard laptop as a gift, which my cat now loves! I wish I had known about this earlier as my laptop would still be intact.'" —RedBirdWoman

    Get it from Uncommon Goods for $35.

    25. set of elevated ceramic bowls that are not only super sleek, but also ergonomically designed to help your bebes avoid whisker fatigue and prevent throwing up. 

    a reviewer's black and white cat eating from the elevated feeder
    different reviewer's grey cat eating from the bowls

    Promising review: "I must admit I was skeptical that the angle and height of a bowl could make a difference in preventing my cat from vomiting, but I am now a believer. My cat routinely threw up two to three times a week — she is on a limited-ingredient soft food diet which was recommended by my vet. These did stop the daily vomiting, but I still was cleaning up after her each week. Since she has been using this product, she has not vomited in over three weeks. I truly think she feels better and I know I am much happier!"Karen U.

    Get the two-bowl stand from Amazon for $17.79+ (available in two finishes).

    26. DogBuddy pooper scooper so you can pick up your pups' waste without having to use your hand. (I know it's in a bag, but is there anything more gag-inducing???) It also keeps the bag concealed so you don't have to carry it by hand the rest of your walk. 

    Check out a TikTok of the DogBuddy scooper in action. 

    DodBuddy is a small business specializing in pet care products including bowls, mats, and scoopers. 

    Promising review: "Very useful and handy for dog walking episodes. Hard to find good bag rolls for it that fit well because it is large enough to handle those big jobs. Shopping bags do work quite well but can't store too many of those in bag compartment. Very durable construction. Would be lost without it now." —KM

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes). 

    27. A pair of polarized doggie goggles should your pup's *absolute* favorite activity be sticking their head out of a car window while going 60 mph. The lenses offer UV protection, and side air holes prevent them from fogging up so your bebe will have an optimal view. 

    A Dalmatian wearing black dog goggles in a backyard
    Paw 2 Paws / Etsy

    Paw 2 Paws is a small business that specializes in stylish and affordable pet gear. These goggles have an adjustable elastic chin strap and headband that ensures a tight, secure fit. 

    Promising review: "Doggie shades are super cute and great quality. My poodle has a little face and I was worried they weren’t going to fit but the straps are adjustable and can fit small dogs as well. My little Rudolph looks like a stud in these! Love them. Thank you!" —Judy Ferrao

    Get it from Paw 2 Paws on Etsy for $9.99 (available in six colors).

    28. And a car door protector because you love supporting their hobbies, but their sharp little nails have done some serious damage to your car's interior. 

    the black protector on an interior car door side
    reviewer photo of their dog's paws on the protector

    Promising review: "Exceeded expectations in my 4Runner. Very satisfied customer. Bought this to protect the doors and especially the padded portions on the upper part of the rear doors. My 65-pound golden retriever puppy likes to put his paws on the door to look out, and his claws were creating permanent dents in the soft-touch plastic. I was skeptical they would stay in place but they work perfectly and don't move at all, even now that he is 65+ pounds. I am 100% happy with these after about a month of use, and they are holding up great with no signs of wear. Would buy again." —old john

    Get it from Amazon for $20.35+ (available in three colors, as well as in a pack with a seat cover). 

    29. A glow-in-the-dark ball for babies who insist on late-night romps around the backyard. It remains lit for 20–30 minutes after just ~5~ minutes of light exposure, so you can fit in a good game of fetch before it loses its magic. 

    Promising review: "My dog is OBSESSED with this ball. He carries it around all day and won’t go to sleep unless it’s in his bed with him. The first one of these he had lasted FOUR years of him carrying it around and biting it repeatedly, and it only just started developing a tear. That one also still glows amazingly bright in the dark. I can always spot it in the yard at night if he left it out there. My dog is a 65-pound German Shepherd and this size is pretty good for him, but he is not a big chewer or overly rough with his toys so that’s something to keep in mind. He loves the bounce and it gets good air for him. Solid toy." —E B

    Get it from Amazon for $6.20+ (available in sizes S–XL).

    30. A door latch that'll come in particularly clutch for blended pet families. Have a puppy that WON'T stop eating your cat's food or — even worse — their poop?? Pop this on the door and it'll allow your feline just enough room to go in and out of their space while also blocking out their naughty sibling. 

    The white door strap
    a reviewer's cat poking their head out of a door that's latched with the strap

    Promising review: "I cannot say enough good things about this product. Something so simple and inexpensive has made my life so much better! I have a German Shepherd/Labrador mix who thinks the cat pan is her personal snack machine. I was afraid she would be able to break this in no time. Although I’m sure she has tried, it has proven its durability. Easy to install, easy to use and adjust, and manages to keep a 75-pound dog out of a room. Thank you!!! Great product!!!" —psm1626

    Get it from Amazon for $16.94.

    31. A trusty lick mat meant to be slathered in wet food, lactose-free yogurt, or peanut butter. Your pups will think they won the lottery, *and* you'll get a few minutes to yourself while they scrounge for every last drop of food. 

    a reviewer's Yorkie using a green lick mat
    a different reviewer's dogs using two orange lick mats

    Promising review: "My pugs had a hard time with the deeper slow feeder bowls and these worked much better. Super durable, they’ve been chewed on and put through the dishwasher many times and still have a ton of life left." —Monica

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three styles and colors). 

    32. And — if bath time is always a struggle — a suction-cupped licky mat you can slap on the side of your tub in order to persuade your pup to take a nice (read: splash-free) bath. 

    a reviewer's dog licking PB off the blue lickmat
    a different reviewer's dog using the lickmat while taking a bath

    Promising review: "This is great for bath time or when we need to keep our pup busy. Freezes great, cleans great, and really durable for our super chewer. He did manage to bite a small piece off the suction part, but we're still able to stick it on. Great product!" —RJS

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (also available in a pack of two). 

    33. A tub of paw butter that soothes dry and cracked tootsies (and even noses) with a pH-balanced blend of shea butter, oatmeal, mango, vitamins E and F, coconut and olive oils, and aloe vera. 

    reviewer photo of the jar of oatmeal paw butter
    reviewer photo showing their dog's paws before and after using the paw butter and how well it works

    Promising review: "I love this stuff so much! It smells so good. Very good at keeping my dog's paws moisturized. Lasts a good while as well! This is my go-to for paw pads." —Sarah F. Valdez

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    34. And a game-changing microchip pet feeder designed to recognize your cat's microchip and open only for them! When they step away it'll close, too, keeping out any other kitties who may be prone to overeating. It's also great if your babies are on different diets. 

    two cats eating at the feeders
    the feeder opening for a cat
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    Here's what BuzzFeeder Jenae Sitzes has to say: 

    "I've had my microchip pet feeders from Sure Petcare for a couple of months now, and while it was a pricey investment, it's been worth every single penny and has alleviated a ton of stress around my cat's meals. One of my cats, Sneaky, always wants to eat his brother's food and has a tendency to be overweight. Separating them for meals just wasn't working — they would whine at the door and simply not eat enough unless they could eat side by side and have free access to food throughout the day — but I also couldn't be sure that my younger (and much smaller) cat, Chicho, was eating enough with Sneaky gobbling up part of his meals, too. When my vet started throwing around the word "diabetes" as a very real concern if Sneaky didn't start sticking to a controlled diet every day, I knew I needed to finally cough up the money for microchip feeders — I mean, it'd be a drop in the bucket compared to the longterm cost of cat insulin. 

    Surprisingly, there aren't many great microchip feeder options out there, but after extensive research, I found that these particular feeders are widely considered to be the best option currently available — and they go in and out of stock pretty often as a result. Setup is ridiculously fast, the open-close function works beautifully, and my cats learned how to use them almost immediately. Finally, Sneaky can *only* eat what's in his feeder, which allows me to control his calorie intake and see exactly how much food he's eating daily — and I can be sure that Chicho is getting *enough* food, too. This is also a fantastic solution if you have cats on different diets due to health reasons, and if one of them starts eating way less for some reason, you'll know immediately and be able to report that to your vet. I also love that the feeder comes with both split and regular bowls — I use the split bowls to serve my cats both dry food and wet food at once!

    BTW, I have the basic microchip feeder (because it was the only option in stock), but there's also a Wi-Fi-enabled option that connects to the Sure Petcare app for monitoring eating habits, weighing food portions, and more." 

    Get it from Sure Petcare for $199 (feeder bowls available in four colors). 

    35. A portable doggie water bottle that's both a bottle and a bowl, because if you're out on a walk and you're thirsty, your lil' buddies probably are too! This makes it super easy to keep them hydrated and you don't have to waste water or energy trying to cup your hands into a bowl for them to drink from.

    Promising review: "This is the second bottle we have purchased from this brand/seller. The first one lasted over two years before a drop of the bottle broke the main button. I purchased another brand and it SUCKED — I found this one again and purchased it right away. It's got a great flow, the lock button is sturdy, and it's survived many drops and hundreds of uses and washes. I highly recommend for anyone needing an on-the-go water bottle and bowl for their pup! Definitely worth it :) We use ours any time we leave the house with our pup!" —J Good

    Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in three sizes and four colors). 

    36. A litter deodorizer you can sprinkle in your kitty's litter box to help defuse any bombs they may drop. Since it's fragrance-less, it also won't irritate their noses or dissuade them from using their designated potty. 

    NonScents is a small business that specializes in pet products and household deodorizers. 

    Promising review: "We have 7 cats who share 10 litter boxes. Needless to say, things can get pretty smelly, pretty fast! We can't change out the litter as often as we would like, or we would be completely bankrupt with the price of cat litter now. So, I decided to purchase the NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer. I'm so happy I did!! It truly extends the life of our litter so we're not changing it as frequently. It definitely keeps the odor under control. I'm a happy cat mommy!!" —L. Holleman

    Get it from NonScents on Amazon for $11.67+ (available in packs of one, two, or three).

    37. A ChuckIt! ball launcher for pups who are *always* game to make fetch happen. Plus, this way, you don't have to pick up slobbery balls. It's a win-win.

    reviewer holding orange and white ball launcher in front of their dog
    reviewer's shiba inu next to the chuck it ball launcher

    Promising review: "First and foremost, the ball thrower is well-constructed and built to last. Its durable design means it can handle the force of repeated hits without showing any signs of wear and tear." —Meghan Brown

    Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in seven sizes).

    38. A portable paw washer because you'll be damned if your dogs track muddy prints all over your freshly Swiffered home!

    The nifty gadget comes in multiple sizes that work for pups as small as a miniature dachshund and as large as a golden retriever.

    Promising review: "This product is awesome. My dog is 100 pounds and he can get stubborn about paw cleaning. He also, however, loves to run around and get his paws muddy. This makes it really easy to clean all four paws and part of his leg quickly and without fuss. I fill it up with some warm water and grab a towel to dry him off, and I’m done in less than 5 minutes, no fuss. Then I dump out the water and rinse off the silicone part inside that rubs on his paws to clean them. I can leave this out to dry and it is ready for next time." —Anthony Rodriguez

    Get it from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in three sizes and six colors).

    39. A pack of Burt's Bees pH-balanced, deodorizing wipes if your cats have trouble grooming themselves, deal with dry skin and irritation, or just love to indulge in a good litter box swim whenever they're unsupervised. 

    Promising review: "We bought these after we adopted a rescue kitty who my daughter said was a 'little stanky.' Our older cat had been grooming him but he still had a mild odor to him and just felt a little gritty to the touch. We have used these several times, and while he fights us, it has really improved his coat and smell. Very happy!" —Smudga Smiff

    Get them from Amazon for $7.49+ (available in packs of 50, 100, 150, and 300).

    40. Or a pack of deodorizing doggie wipes if your babies are stinky, stinky bois but you don't have time for daily rinse offs. 

    a reviewer using a wipe on their small dog
    a different reviewer's dog next to the pack of wipes

    Promising review: "Takes care of hound odor (if you've owned a hound — you know!). Great for getting rid of dirt and debris that my basset tends to collect since he's low to the ground. Leaves his coat softer and smelling great." —Lauren

    Get them from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in packs of 25 or 100 and in four scents). 

    41. Some Bissell Stomp 'N Go pads capable of lifting whatever nasty stain your pet left you on your new Persian rug. Whether you're picking up slobber, mud, or an "accident" (let's be real — it was just cold and they didn't want to go outside) your fingers don't have to get anywhere near the mess — just throw on a house show, toss the pad on top of the stain, and give it a good ol' stomp. 

    a reviewer holding the pad which is covered in some sort of stain
    a reviewer's carpet with a rectangular clean spot where the pad was used

    Promising review: "I love this product! It's a game-changer. I have an older dog that is now starting to have accidents. I rent my place, and I was carpet cleaning every other week. Now with this, I don’t have to as much. She went on my new rug, which is white, and I was convinced it was gonna be ruined, but it’s not! The Stomp and Go did its job! My rug is perfect and no urine stains or odor. If you have a puppy or older dog, I highly suggest this product." —Sandra E.

    Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $27.49.

    42. A snout-soothing stick that helps with all sorts of nose woes from run-of-the-mill dryness and cracks to overgrowths and hyperkeratosis. The all-natural formula — with hemp seed oil, chamomile, jojoba oil, rosemary, and vitamin E — also includes SPF so it'll protect their snoot from the sun, too.

    Natural Dog Company is a small biz that specializes in vet-approved balms, supplements, and other health and wellness solutions for pups.

    Promising review: "Holy cow! This is a snout-healing wonder. Seriously. We have a senior Boxer who was rescued under harsh conditions. He came bearing emotional and physical complications. Whatever is usual for a dog, particularly a Boxer, had been exemplified many times over. So, an ordinary chafed nose became a lifetime challenge. Our vet recommended this product, something affordable and without frills. The stick is easy to use and store. The Old Man isn’t crazy about anyone messing with his snout but he tolerates the application of this pretty well. He gets relief within minutes and within a few hours a crack will show healing. Good value and lasts a lot longer than you might think." —Beje

    Get it from Amazon for $5.95.

    43. An Alexa-enabled, treat-tossing Furbo so you can show your baby a lil' love even if you aren't home. The cam is also equipped with a barking sensor — it'll send you a notification every time your bb acts up — and two-way audio so you can calm them down. 

    the furbo
    a screenshot of a reviewer's dog staring into the camera waiting for a treat

    Promising review: "Don't hesitate! BUY IT!! We got a puppy like everyone else during the pandemic. Then my option for telecommuting was taken away! I have been driving 15 minutes each way to go home for lunch to check on our now 6-month-old puppy. She is a good girl but acts more like a cat, climbing and jumping on all the furniture. Now that the Furbo is installed, (which took seconds!) I can catch her and tell her to get down. She is getting used to me talking to her. Right now it scares her, as do the treats, but she will get the hang of it quickly. On the days I can't come home for lunch it is so comforting to be able to check on her. It's well worth the money for the peace of mind! I did my research, too, don't bother with the copy cats — BUY THE ORIGINAL!!!!!" —Todd Dixon

    Get it from Amazon for $145+ (available in various styles).

    44. Tearribles — a plushie that's *meant* to be torn apart. Each piece attaches to the body via Velcro, so after your baby has gone to town tearing their toy limb from limb, you can piece it back together again for another round of attack. 

    The stuffy in blue
    The same stuffy with the limbs removed from the body
    Tearribles

    See how this works on TikTok.

    Tearribles is a small biz that was started by a dog owner who needed a toy that her dog could destroy over and over again to help with their need to shred things.

    Promising review: "I have two small dogs and purchased both the small and medium toys. Medium is best for them. Green monster is one dog’s absolute favorite toy. Once he has ripped a tail or ear off, he proudly brings it to me. When I put the toy up on a shelf between play times, he asks for it. This puppy shreds everything — paper, cardboard, sticks, etc. but he doesn’t shred this one; just takes it apart and asks me to reassemble it. Totally worth the money. We are getting another one." —Pat H.

    Get it from Tearribles for $14.99+ (available in three sizes, with or without a squeaker, and various styles/colors).

    45. Or a plush toy with reinforced seams and chew-resistant lining if your pup loves to turn their toys into what I call "flat babies" — AKA stuffing-less skins. This should give even the most persistent nibblers a run for their money. 

    a golden retriever chewing on a dinosaur shaped plush toy
    reviewer's french bull dog with dinosaur plushie

    Promising review: "This is my dog's favorite toy — so much so that we’re on our like fifth or sixth one. It lasts and lasts, and that’s saying a lot since my dog is a German Shepherd. She tears arms and legs off other toys. She finds and kills the squeakers in all her toys in the first three minutes of getting a new one. But THIS chicken toy's squeakers last! Plus, there’s like five squeakers inside so if she happens to kill one, there are four left that work. The only reason we continue to buy new ones is because I can’t stand how dirty they get. Best dog toy!" —Jill Scarborough

    Get it from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in four sizes and nine styles). 

    46. Jolly Ball that owners of German Shepherds, Border Collies, Boxers, Pit Bulls, and mutts of all shapes and sizes say is nearly indestructible! One pet parent also says it's a great way to release pent-up "squirrel aggression" LOL.

    Reviewer photo of a golden retriever with the rope end of the toy in its mouth
    Reviewer photo of a dog at the beach with the ball end in its mouth

    Promising review: "I have to have one of these on hand all the time for my Pitbull. It's her all-time favorite toy! Have even bought it for other people over the years and everyone loves it. Great value, rubber lasts a long time for my dog. The rope is super durable, too. Eventually my dog either pulls the rope out of the ball or rips the ball apart, but this is more durable than any other toy I have bought and the rope lasts longer. Bonus that my dog can even have fun with this toy without anyone else assisting her!" —Open Minded

    Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in three sizes and six colors).

    47. rake and bin pooper scooper system so just like Tony Soprano, you too can moonlight as a waste management consultant. But in all seriousness, this sure beats having to turn a bag inside out and pick up poop with your hand. 🤮 

    a model using the rake and bin
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Easy to use, store, and clean. I had my last one for 8 years and it was outside the whole time. Great quality." —Tara1986

    Get it from Amazon for $14.71+ (available in two styles).

    48. An all-natural itch relief shampoo bar made for fur babies with sensitive skin, hot spots, and/or seasonal allergies. The pet-safe formula includes olive, coconut, castor, and lavender oils as well as apple cider vinegar, which not only smells delish, but soothes irritated skin. 

    A person holding the shampoo bar in front of a dog in a basin
    Simple Sage Dog Treats / Etsy

    Simple Sage Dog Treats is a small business based in Norcross, Georgia, that specializes in all-natural paw balms and soaps for dogs with allergies or skin conditions.

    Promising review: "I was really hesitant to buy the bar soap because I wasn’t sure about how it would lather up, but when I read the great reviews I decided to try it. I am so glad I did! The soap lathered up really well, smells amazing and it really works. I will definitely be buying this again." —jdmiget

    Get it from Simply Sage Dog Treats on Etsy for $9.49.

    49. A no-spill dog bowl if your pups try to take a dip in their dish every time you refill it. They are SO dang cute, but man, that gets annoying fast. 

    Dog in a car drinking out of the no spill water bowl
    Amazon

    See it on TikTok here

    Promising review: "This is a lifesaver! My Labrador Retriever is a sloppy drinker like most. Not uncommon to walk away from the water bowl with a mouthful of water that ends up all over the kitchen floor. This is a real danger for me or anyone if I forget and to wipe up the mess. This bowl works great and sure saved a lot of work on my part — love it !" —Brenda K.

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four colors).

    50. Some mouse-shaped feeders that will keep your cats on their toebeans by encouraging their natural hunting instincts. Fill them up with food, hide them somewhere in the house, and then let 'em loose.

    a buzzfeed writer's cat with the small mouse-shaped feeder
    a buzzfeed writer's cat inspecting the box the mice come in
    Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "YOU MUST BUY THIS RIGHT NOW. I heard about this product on a cat podcast (yes, I’m that type of cat mom) and this has helped my girl in so many ways. She’s a Siamese so she gets pretty chunky, and I work long days so I’m not there to supervise or give her regular meals. On the very first night I filled the mice she started to understand that food came out when she picked them up by the tail. This has helped me and her so much; she isn’t bored at home, she isn’t overeating (and pooping), and she isn’t driving me crazy in the middle of the night for more food." —Emi Kusak

    And here's more from BuzzFeed Shopping writer Mallory Mower!:

    "I started a hunting system for my cats when I felt like they were getting lethargic. One of our cats was overweight because he would sit and eat the dry food left out when he was bored. With these he'll 'hunt,' eat one, and not eat again until he's ready to go hunting. I've written a full review on this clever feeding system before because I refuse to stop recommending it!"

    Get it from Amazon for $18.95.

    51. A bag of Pill Pockets if your pup has outsmarted your "hide it in a piece of cheese" ruse and is now refusing to take their meds. 

    Promising review: "OK, so my dog can sniff out the tiniest pill in her food be it a piece of chicken, peanut butter, etc, etc, I have tried them all. My vet told me about these and I honestly didn't think they would work, since nothing else I tried had worked... well, I did give it a try and THEY WORK! She actually is excited when I open the Pill Pocket package, she has not sniffed out any pills and gobbles them up. Seriously, if you have a picky dog, give these a try. My dog is a lab mix, has to take thyroid and gabapentin pills, along with the occasional antibiotics, etc. She is elderly and has various health issues." —SoCalJules

    Get 30 pockets from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in three sizes and other flavors).

    52. curved shower attachment that shoots out water in a narrow, contoured spray so you can really get into your bebes' thick coats and effectively wash away the goose poop they had so much fun rolling around in when you let them outside earlier. 🙃

    Promising review: "So I was skeptical because I thought 'how is this different or better than my current pullout shower head?' Well, I dunno how to explain it but this thing was a HUGE lifesaver when washing my dogs. Unlike a regular round shower head, this is kind of like a stick-shaped deal that gets into little crevices and, also, because it’s a line of water flow instead of a ring, like for humans, you can rinse off near their earlobes and eyes without splashing them. The water pressure is awesome, and the soap washed away so easily. My biggest dog is a 45-pound cockapoo with a LOT of freaking hair. This shower head made my life much easier." —MangoMood

    Get it from Amazon for $49.99.

    53. And a magnetic algae scraper you can use between deep cleans of your aquarium when you want to clear out stubborn stains and fish goo.

    Each cleaning magnet comes with one pad for glass aquariums and one pad for acrylic aquariums. 

    Promising review: "All the time I spent with a long-handled brush scaring my fish while I scrubbed away at the walls of the tank and never once did I think of making something like this. This is incredible! I used to let my tank get a lot dirtier than it should have been because cleaning it was such a messy, time-consuming chore. I saw this while I was looking for a tank to get my daughter's beta fish and it looked like such a good idea. IT. WORKS. In less than five minutes, I had every surface of the tank scrubbed clean and I didn't have to get my hands in the tank and didn't spill water all over the counter. The difference in just one pass was like night and day." —Jack H

    Get it from Amazon for $7.58+ (available in four sizes).

    Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.