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    If You’re A New Dog Owner, Check Out These 25 Things That Reviewers Say Are Must-Haves

    Don't mind me, I'm just building my wishlist while I wait for my boyfriend to sign off on dog #2...

    1. A heated pet pad because there's personally nothing I love more than curling up under my electric blanket on a chilly night, and I want my dog to experience that level of comfort, too.

    2. A Snuggle Puppy stuffed animal that comes with a disposable heat pack and a heartbeat simulator. While these toys are typically touted as great for new puppies, an older dog can appreciate a warm cuddle buddy, too!

    3. A pillowy pet bed to help you politely keep your new dog off of yours, and generally make them feel more at home in their new space.

    corgi sleeping in the dog bed

    4. A Furbo 360° dog camera with a treat dispenser to help make *extra* certain that your good boy is still on his best behavior when you're away. This camera is also great for ~treating~ your pet, because you can launch treats at them whenever you feel like it.

    5. Or, a set of durable doggy boots with water-resistant nylon, and flexible thermoplastic coating on the toe and sole — sans the leggings part, in case your pup is picky about what they prefer to wear.

    6. A bottle of Burt's Bees tearless puppy shampoo, because that precious puppy smell does NOT last forever — no matter how hard we wish.

    a reviewer's dog in the tub next to the burt's bees shampoo

    7. A slow feeder bowl for kibble which I can *personally* attest is a must-have for extra hungry puppies (of all ages).

    8. A hide-a-squirrel plush puzzle toy that's both adorable AND interactive so you can skip the usual outdoor squirrel-chasing routine on those extra cold mornings. This clever toy makes a perfect replacement, and you can purchase replacement squirrels for this toy, so the more destructive players can enjoy, too!

    dog on top of couch with soft plushy burrow toys featuring cute squirrels in a tree stump

    9. A vanilla-mint toothpaste that'll help make polishing your pet's perhaps-not-so-pearly whites a less dreadful task for both of you! 

    A dog's teeth looking yellow
    The same dog's teeth looking whiter

    Promising review: "It’s a great product, easy to use, and have seen improvements after just a few uses. My dog does not fuss to have his teeth cleaned with this product. A must-buy for your fur babies." —ANG

    Get it from Amazon for $10.69 (available in three flavors).

    10. And if teeth brushing isn't even on the radar right now, this dental health powder can be sprinkled in with your pup's food to prevent plaque and keep bad breath at bay. 

    a dog with some red irritation on their gum
    the red irritation on the gum now gone

    Promising review: "This is the best dental solution for those especially finicky dogs. I still brush my Yorkie's teeth, but the Perio Support is a MUST-HAVE as an addition to a dog's dental care plan. Her teeth and breath are so much better with the daily use of this product. It does not hinder her appetite when sprinkled on her food; plus, it is so nice to take on vacations to continue her dental health at all times!" —Kelli

    Get it from Amazon for $20.91.

    11. A customizable embroidered dog collar because as cute of an accessory as dog tags can be, they're real noisy when your dog decides to scratch his ear at 2 a.m.

    12. A pet ear cleanser to prevent that nasty vet bill from your pup's first (or in my dog's case, third) ear infection...*shudders*. 

    This is, of course, free of harsh chemicals and cleaners!

    Promising review: "This stuff is a must-have!!!! I adopted a 10-year-old Husky Golden Retriever mix who came to me with three different kinds of ear infections and a severe problem with ear wax. The vet instructed I use this product once or twice a week as maintenance. It’s amazing how clean his ears get!" —KimberlyKeriann

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

    13. A set of Foldable pet steps in case your new dog is on the older side, or simply has short legs and needs a lift every so often! 

    a dog next to the pet steps
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I would definitely recommend these pet stairs and this vendor! For the safety of an aging pet, these are a must-have item! (in my opinion)." —MzSoCali2U

    Get them from Amazon for $69.95+ (available in two colors and two sizes).

    14. A no-pull harness with padding to start your pup's walking manners off right (and save your hands from leash-burn — trust me)!

    15. A travel dog water bottle that's both a bowl and a bottle, to make keeping your best pal hydrated as easy as paw-ssible.

    A reviewer giving their dog water from the blue bottle

    16. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser because for all the pros of pet ownership, the incessant shedding is one unavoidable, frequently outfit- and/or furniture-ruining con. 

    Features multilayered filtration and a 16-foot power cord. Includes two specially designed nozzles to pull out dirt and hair from areas like the stairs and upholstery.

    Promising review: "Of all the options we have tried to control pet hair on our furniture, this unit is by far the best option we have yet found. A must-have for any pet owner who has an animal that sheds! Would give it six stars if I could!" —Biglove

    Get it from Amazon for $32.94+ (also available in an option that includes one filter).

    17. A suction cup lick mat that can stick to the shower wall to make bath time, if not fun, then at least tasty and stress-free!

    18. A dog car seat to make your first road trip with Fido im-PAW-ssibly comfy and cozy. It's also washable, in case your furry friend has a li'l accident while you're both traveling.

    Promising review: "I absolutely love this little dog bed almost as much as my 17-pound Jack Russell Terrier does. A must-have if your dog travels in the car." —Maria Renquist

    Get it from Amazon for $41.99 (available in three colors).

    19. A pack of beef collagen bully sticks that are meant to help any gut issues your dog may have while also improving joint health and keeping their teeth clean. When your new puppy starts eyeing your beloved furniture, these sticks will be your best defense!

    Promising review: "Must-have for any pup that loves to chew. My Cavapoo Piper absolutely loves these! She was steadfast in her love of nothing but Yak Chews until I got these for her, and now, she won’t even look at anything else. [These] sticks seem to be everlasting, do not have the smell that other brands do, and really keep her attention." —Evan L.

    Get a pack of five from Amazon for $15.82.

    20. A portable paw cleaner to save basically all your surfaces. No matter the season, there's *always* something unsavory for your pup to step in. This ~good boy~ will come in clutch, trust me.

    Promising review: "The MudBuster along with a hand towel is all you need before letting the dog(s) in the house/vehicle. It's a must-have!" —Jon Burgess

    Get it from Amazon for $16.19+ (available in eight colors, three sizes, and two lid styles).

    21. A basic, leak-proof dog crate in case you're considering crate training (which I personally cannot recommend enough). A simple, cozy crate can make those first few months of dog ownership go *so* much smoother.

    22. A plush Lambchop toy that for some mysterious reason seems to be the favorite toy of nearly every dog I know (my own included!). I'm not sure what sort of spell Lambchop has cast on the canine community, but I *promise* your new fur baby probably wants one.

    23. A pack of disposable pee pads because potty training tragically does not happen overnight, and even a fully potty-trained adult dog may be prone to accidents in a brand new environment. These make the inevitable cleanup much more manageable.

    A reviewer's photo of the pee pad in their dog's playpen

    24. Or, a large, washable non-slip pee mat if you're looking for a more eco-friendly solution while you potty train your pup. This mat also doubles as comfy padding for a playpen or large crate!

    a reviewer's puppy laying on the pee pad mat

    Tell your new pup I said "Good boy!"