Comfortable and Happy: 4 Essentials When Welcoming a Dog in Your Life
Did you know that Australia is one of the leading countries when it comes to adopting pets? Around 61% of Australians have some kind of pet. Dogs take the lead with 40%, cats are at 27%, and the rest are other animals like frogs, tortoises, rabbits, lizards, fish etc.
But having a pet, especially a dog, and taking care of it is not that simple. Dogs require constant care and love. If you can't take up the responsibilities you need to attend to, don't get a dog. But if you're willing to do so and have a best friend in your life, you should make your house the most comfortable and happy place it can be.
Enclosures
Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. There are so many breeds that have different characters. Some are small and aggressive, others are big and gentle, and many are energetic or lazy. There are dogs that are more resilient and don’t need a lot of protection but there are also more vulnerable breeds that need a place where they can hide.
Because of this, it’s very important to choose the right type of enclosure for your dog. There's a wide variety of sturdy and comfortable pet enclosures for dogs you can choose from. All are made of different materials and have different features and sizes.
The main purpose of the enclosure is to act as a temporary home for the dog. They can be indoor or outdoor enclosures. In many cases, the outdoor ones are made larger and for bigger, more energetic dogs, and the indoor ones are smaller and made for smaller breeds. However, this isn’t a strict rule.
When selecting a pet enclosure, one should consider the material it's made of. The most common ones are metal, wood, plastic and sometimes fabric. Fabric isn’t something you should buy if the enclosure is outside. If it’s indoors, fabric and plastic are good choices. For outdoors, metal and wood are more resilient and can withstand the elements.
Make sure you measure the dog’s size before you buy the enclosure. Make sure it can lie down, stand up and walk freely without its head or tail hitting the walls. There should be enough room for some pillows, toys or even a dog bed if the enclosure is its favourite place to sleep.
Another big thing to consider is the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance. Look for simpler designs. Enclosures that don’t have a lot of nooks and crannies where the dog can get food or dirt. You should be able to clean the enclosure easily, without spending hours in brushing and washing.
Dog Bed
Every dog should have a space of its own. A spot where it can relax, unwind and get a good night’s sleep after a long day. Dogs shouldn't sleep in human beds since it may cause damage to their bones and muscles. Instead, get your pup a nice comfortable dog bed. It’s tailored to the dog’s needs, and it provides a cosy place for rest and relaxation.
There are several types of beds you can choose from. If you’re bringing home a small pup, a cave bed will be perfect. The design is made to replicate the closeness and warmth of the mother so the small dog will feel comfortable and safe even though it’s been separated from its mother.
In some cases, these beds can fit in some pet enclosures for dogs, so it’s a double protection system for them. The soft and velvety interior feels warm, and it’ll be the perfect hiding spot when the pup is feeling overwhelmed and scared.
Elevated beds don’t have a very luxurious design but they’re some of the most comfortable options. Their design keeps the dog away from the floor, creates more airflow and helps your dog with temperature regulation. Plus, they’re easy to clean which is a very important feature.
Comfort should be your priority, and you’ll get plenty of that with memory foam dog beds. They're a popular option, not because they look elegant and sophisticated, but because they’re beneficial for the dog. The memory foam shapes around the dog and gives it full muscle, bone and joint support. No matter which type of bed you choose, make sure it’s big enough for your dog.
Blankets
Blankets are often an item of comfort for dogs. They carry them around and sleep, walk and eat with the blankets by their side. You should choose the proper material, size and design that suits your pup the most. Look for soft and breathable materials like cotton or linen. They're gentle to the skin and very durable.
Size-wise there isn’t one blanket that fits all dogs. The size you buy depends on the dog’s weight and size. The dog should be able to stretch and still be covered with the blanket. It's legs and head shouldn’t be bare. If it’s lightweight, you can easily take it with you in the park with the portable pet enclosure and enjoy a nice day out.
Food & Water Bowls
Food and water bowls are items dogs use every day, multiple times. If you have the space, buy a bigger bowl. This way the food will be spread on the bottom and the dog will eat it slowly instead of rushing. If you’re adopting a pup, get an automatic feeder. It makes things easier because small pups need to eat smaller meals 4-5 times a day.
Get a bowl that's easy to clean because it can accumulate a lot of bacteria during the day. It'll be even better if it’s dishwasher-safe. Get a bowl with a rubber base if your pet is active and moves around while it eats. This will stop the bowl from slipping and moving. A mat underneath the bowl will also work.
The best materials for food and water bowls are stainless steel, ceramics and glass. All of them are easy to clean and difficult to damage. But stainless steel is at the top of the list. It's stain-proof, rust-resistant and extremely durable. It's also something you can use outdoors as well.
If you’re bringing home a larger dog, get an elevated bowl. This one is perfect because the dog won’t have to strain its neck to eat, and the food will travel to its stomach faster. If the dog is a fast eater, buy a slow feeder. It'll prevent the dog from choking, vomiting and experiencing stomach ache. And of course, if you’re planning on travelling a lot with the dog, buy a travel bowl.
