A dog breeder needs a lot of supplies to care for his dogs, and that’s whether you have one or ten of them. It is hard to list them all here because different breeds require different needs but there are some major and essential items every dog breeder should own.

Whelping Box and Whelping Kit

A whelping box, sometimes called nesting box or birthing box, is where your pregnant bitch will feel comfortable enough to safely contain her puppies during their first days and weeks after birth. A top quality whelping box is designed to protect the litter from the cold and the dangers they could face if they were able to roam free. On the bitch’s side, each whelping box usually comes with a lower rail called piggy rail to protect the puppies from being crushed or stifled by the mother.

Additionally, every breeder requires a fully equipped dog whelping kit. It should contain a lot of small items of equipment a breeder may need if the whelping bitch requires some assistance during the delivery of a litter (e.g. round-tipped scissors, plasters, dental floss, surgical gloves…)

Puppy Milk Replacers

If the pregnant or nursing female dog is not able to produce enough milk or any at all, you must use puppy milk replacers to make sure the puppy or puppies have all their nutritional needs fulfilled. These come in powder or liquid form and can also be given to pregnant and nursing dogs as great health supplementation.

Manufacturers are completely aware of how much proteins, fatty acids, and carbohydrates puppies need at that very early stage so these requirements are easily satisfied. However, you’ve got to be careful since young whelps are needed plenty of micronutrients which are less likely to be fully listed on each milk replacer.

Goat’s milk is a natural replacement for puppies since it has a somewhat similar composition to the one of a mother dog.

Kennel Cleaner and Disinfectant

Dog breeding means having dogs, having dirt, and having to get rid of it regularly. You need to pick a kennel cleaner that will not harm your dogs and the surfaces you will use it on. Avoid using on grass or dilute it further to avoid turning your beautiful green grass yellow.

Cleaning is also what you must do every single day with your dog’s water and food bowls. These are where so many food poisonings originate from because we keep on leaving it to tomorrow. The good news is you can use your regular liquid dishwashing detergent so you’ve got no excuse to do it.

Dog Thermometers

Whenever you believe that your dog is a little feeble or sick – you must check their temperature using a dog thermometer and monitor it over the next hours and days. Once a dog is battling a medical condition (infection, inflammation, pain, etc) it will generally be accompanied with a rise or drop of their body temperature. This is normal and it can help you assess whether or not something definitely needs a vet’s attention or not quite yet. If you breed dogs, you also should take your female dog’s temperature to be aware of the approach of active labor, and delivery.

Dog thermometer can be intrusive (anal) or more modern using a non-intrusive laser. Both can be effective but despite scientific progress, off-the-shelf laser thermometers do not seem to have the accuracy of rectal thermometers for dogs. Especially as modern thermometers cost way more than you average thermometer.

Tube-Feeding Supplies

Believe it or not, some dogs are so small that their puppies do not have a big enough mouth to latch on a mother’s teat. Even bottle-feeding such puppies is challenging and often impossible.

Tube-feeding is performed using a syringe or a catheter tube. These have endings that are very small and allow for the puppies in question to be fed smoothly. However, because the holes are so small, it will take a lot more time to give them their entire meal at each sitting. Just be patient and they will soon grow up enough for you to use a regular puppy feeding bottle.

Along with the actual tube, you will need disposable syringes, a heating pad to soothe the dogs during and after each meal, and a calorie-dense supplement to ensure a rapid growth.

Puppy Litter Boxes

Many pups are not able or allowed to urinate or defecate outdoors. The main advantages and benefits of puppy litter boxes are to avoid spillage and facilitate the cleaning of a puppy’s excrements. Some litter boxes can even be used by adult dogs depending on their body size – ideal for people working long hours and living in an apartment. Some dogs also have bladder control issues or the weather is so bad you would rather stay home to wait for the storm to be over.

There are several types of litter boxes:

• the conventional litter box,
• the pee pad holder,
• the plastic mesh,
• the synthetic grass box, and
• the real grass box.

Each of these types has pros and cons ranging from average selling pricing to durability. Pee pad holders are the go-to solution for housetraining puppies and conventional litter boxes are the most cost-effective option. The grass, whether synthetic or real, is a fancier solution but it mimics closely what the dog will find outdoors whenever they are allowed to do their thing there.

Dog Food Containers

Dog breeders like to buy their dog food in bulk because it’s cheaper and just more convenient. However, bulk buying means you need to be able to store these humongous heavy kibble bags somewhere. Once opened, kibble can quickly lose its palatability and after a few weeks or days, your dog might turn its nose up and stop eating it.

Storing the kibble in a dog food container will help to keep it fresh for longer, ensuring an ideal level of palatability. There are some very cheap storage boxes as well as fancy metallic containers.

Food Bowls and Water Fountains

Food bowls are probably one of the most overrated pet supplies out there. Obviously, you need a few and they must be easy to clean as well as elevated so your pooches can eat comfortably. Besides that, it’s a matter of personal preferences unless you want to invest in a luxury food bowl in which case prices can skyrocket easily.

Running water is naturally more appealing than standing water, therefore dog water fountains are the most effective way to get your dogs to drink more water. This is rooted in every single dog’s instinct as their ancestors favored running streams of water over standing water which was commonly contaminated and simply not clean enough for consumption. Dog water fountains are definitely more of a priority in comparison to food bowls.

Automatic Dog Feeders

Dog owners and dog breeders alike are living very busy lives; some have additional jobs, a social life, dog events to attend, etc. During these outings, some of their dogs have to remain at home and still be fed the perfect amount at the perfect time. Automatic dog feeders do just that!

There are various models, some can be controlled remotely via smartphone, while others are simply gravity feeders refilling the bowl when it gets emptied. The best compromise is to get the best electronic dog feeder you can afford and schedule the time and the size of each meal.

Once the setup and programming are done, you can let your feeder do its magic. Make sure it designed with an anti-jam system in place to avoid a blockage that would starve your pooches at home for long hours!

Dog Scales

As a dog breeder, you must ensure that all your puppies are growing correctly as per your vet-provided chart of normal growth. During the very first weeks, weighing occurs daily, therefore, requires you to own your dog scale. Depending on the breed, you may get away with a cheap puppy scale or you might want to invest in a long-lasting professional veterinary scale.

Remember, this is not a grooming supply, this is a mandatory breeding supply; so do not think you could get away with it. Weighing your puppies daily can alert you of early signs of a medical issue; so just get one.

Every dog needs a den in which it can rest peacefully and comfortably. Depending on the dog’s size and preferences, you may opt for an outdoor kennel or a beautiful indoor dog house. In it, you want to make the beddings as cozy as possible using the right padding and materials.

Puppy and Dog Playpens

Dog and puppy playpens are your most important tool if you can’t afford to supervise your pet all the time, perhaps because you work long hours, even from home. An x-pen is a must-have for everybody even if it will not be used daily. It prevents your dog from gnawing on dangerous outlets, and teaches them to be happy alone with great toys to play with!

If you have large rooms at home, you may prefer a dog gate to separate a nice part of a room from the rest. Make sure that contained part is puppy-proofed and has enough toys to keep your dog(s) busy.

IATA-Compliant Dog Crates

Most airlines require dogs, and other pets, to be safely confined in IATA-compliant crates during international and long-haul flights. These crates will be kept in the hold and should follow guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association, and the specific airline you are traveling on.

Generally, they require a grid for ventilation, a pouch for the dog’s documents, food and water bowls, metallic nuts and bolts, and a solid frame. They tend to be a little pricier due to their sturdiness but they should last you a lifetime without any issue, and you can absolutely use IATA crates at home, too.

Soft Dog Crates

Small and medium-sized dogs can quickly be placed in soft dog crates and transported anywhere with ease. Soft-sided crates are very much feeble and fragile, especially with aggressive chewers and scratchers. However, for quick journeys, soft crates are ideal since they can be folded within seconds and unfolded for on-the-spot use.

While we do not particularly recommend soft dog crates due to their fragility, they are a good punctual solution for a quick trip. A lot of people use these at home when they need their dogs to be safely confined for a few minutes or hours. Additionally, very young puppies can also remain in soft crates safely – there is a very low chance of them biting or scratching through.

Heavy-Duty Cages for Dogs

A lot of dog breeds are known for their power, strength, athleticism, and smarts. With regular crates (even of good quality), such breeds can jump over, chew and scratch through, dig under, and break free. For instance, Dogo Argentinos, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and bully breeds, all could break from a regular high-quality crate.

The solution for these breeds, especially for outdoor use, is to invest in a heavy-duty cage. They are spacious and as comfortable as you make them be. However, they are reinforced and engineered to prevent any dog from escaping. The opening mechanism is specifically designed to avoid escape artists to open them. The bars are thicker and reinforced to resist heavy chewing and scratching.

Outdoor Dog Kennels

Unlike dog houses, outdoor dog kennels focus a lot more on practicality and less on aesthetics. Dog kennels come in different types:

• kennel runs — mostly used by shelters
• boxed kennels — mostly used by farmers
• dog cages — mostly used by hobby breeders

Due to the various needs of every breeder out there, it is hard to recommend a specific product off the bat. Some breeders require mobility and will need kennels that can easily disassemble, or that are wheeled. Others are breeding giant dog breeds thus require a large contained area with very high panels that could resist an aggressive push from a dog. Because outdoor dog kennels are used outside, most come with a kennel cover as well as anti-rust coating.

Outdoor Dog Houses

Outdoor dog houses are beautiful maisonette-looking accommodations for dogs that want to thrive in your garden or backyard. They are generally made of metal mesh or wood and often include a roof to offer some protection against the elements.

Boxed Kennels and Kennel Runs

Whether your dogs are kept indoors or outdoors, you do want to arrange a safe and contained space outside for them to exercise and enjoy themselves. Obviously, you won’t require that if you live in an apartment.

As much as you would love them too, it is often unrealistic to keep your dogs running loose in and out of your home. The safest and more adapted solution for dog breeders is to setup boxed kennels offering your dogs enough space to tire themselves with no risk to disappear.

We’ve also reviewed the absolute best kennel covers and crate covers to keep your pets protected from the elements if they are kept outdoors, or just to create a more intimate indoor space.

Well, this is a big category and we’ve published several in-depth buying guides because different dogs definitely require different beds. Some need orthopedic beds, others require chewproof beds, while some just need dog pillows to be comfy and lounge around. Then, some owners need a bed that looks good in the living room or one that is low, or high, or just different.

Once you have that dog bed, what do you add in it — some padding, a blanket, some pillows?

Indestructible Dog Beds

One thing dog owners know, regardless whether you own a pit bull or a chihuahua, our lovely dogs chew, scratch, dig and destroy pretty much anything they want. Having bought so many dog beds to all my dogs, and seeing my friends doing the same, it was about time I wrote a review of the best indestructible dog beds.

It is virtually impossible for a dog bed to be completely indestructible since such a material would cost way too much for most of us! However, plenty K9 manufacturers have put a lot of effort into producing a high quality of chewproof, waterproof and scratch-resistant dog beds, able to last years even with the most intense dogs out there.

Whenever a product promises to be long-lasting and resistant to so many different potential attacks, you can, of course, expect the odd reviewer narrating how his or her dog managed to ruin such dog bed in one hour. But besides these unusual people, our review is full of high-quality beds (except one that we single out!)

Extra Large and Giant Dog Beds

Large dogs, and even more so when they get senior, have a heavier body that drains and weakens their joints, muscles and overall bone structure. Such dogs tend to become very at risk with arthritis and hip dysplasia for example, and this is because of the fragility of their frame.

Provide large and giant dogs with a high-quality XXL dog bed is key to soothing any pain they may have, but to also reduce the pressure put on their joints. Most of the dog beds for giant breeds have specific orthopedic features that will truly make a difference in how your pet will sleep.

We can all sleep on hard concrete and feel okay the next day, but what matters with sleep is to have consecutive resting nights for years in order to reap the benefits. If you have an active or large dog, make sure to invest in a memory foam bedding design for dogs especially. Your pooch will thank you later!

Cooling Dog Beds

Summertime is challenging for a lot of dogs that are equipped to handle cold weather better. You have probably witnessed your dog going in your bathroom to sleep on the floor tiles, or trying to stay near an open door to catch some cold air stream. This is a sign that your dog is a tad annoyed by the heat and since dogs cannot sweat, they need external help to cool down.

Cooling dog beds and pads are engineered in ways that enhance heat dissipation and ventilation. First, the dog’s body heat needs to be dissipated and not retained (the opposite of what winter dog beds are trying to achieve). Then, you need to make sure fresh air circulates under, around, or through the bed itself. The elevation or raise is the way most manufacturers to that. For very hot days, using cooling pads will offer some instant relief.

Elevated Dog Beds

Sick, elderly and injured dogs tend to prefer raised dog beds so they do not need to flex their legs to get in and out of them. However, dogs that suffer from warm weather will enjoy elevated dog beds thanks to the ventilation it inherently provides. Usually, dogs sleep on beds that are directly on the floor – there is no air circulation below the dog so the heat remains trapped. With elevation, you allow colder air to circulate and the dog’s body temperature to dissipate.

Elevated dog beds are also recommended for aggressive chewers as they are often built with very strong materials and offer fewer opportunities for dogs to chew on them. The mesh your dog will lounge on is very important and a lot of manufacturers use military-grade fabrics or chewproof blends.

Luxury Dog Sofa Beds

Sofa beds for dogs are hybrids between loungers and fancy dog beds; they are mainly design-focused but if you are willing to spend enough money, they also get practical and comfortable. One of the best dog couches could easily be a great replacement for a damaged dog bed.

Dog sofa beds are usually plush and offer a lot of padding, making it a favorite place to lounge in for all dogs. If you own a large breed or giant dog, you may want to make sure you are getting the right product for your pooch — a dog couch still has to provide great support for your dog’s body.

Dog Pillows and Cushions

Pillows and cushions for dogs exist for two simple reasons: provide our pets with added comfort and also because, let’s be truthful, it also looks quite cool and refined (as long as it is not covered in dog hair)! Using dog pillows in a crate is also a way of making your dog feel more at home in it.

Once you skip the how the dog pillow looks part, you are left with the essence: a great dog pillow is a functional dog pillow especially because dogs don’t have that judgment on looks. Dogs prefer an ugly pillow that is super comfy over a super cute cushion that does not feel right.

Obviously, if you have puppies at home you do want to focus on having a waterproof cushion, or at the very least a cushion that is machine-washable.

Sleeping Bags for Dogs

Dog sleepings bags are a thing, yep! Whether you go for a single overnight escapade or are more of an adventurer with regular camping trips, having a sturdy long-lasting sleeping bag for you and your dog is a must. There is very little choice on the market and they are definitely not the cheapest out there — around $100 for the top pick, the Ruffwear sleeping bag.

Several aspects count when deciding on which dog sleeping bag is more suited for your dog. Generally, it’s all about warmth retention, bottom lining for both comfortable padding and waterproofing, quality of materials for a long-lasting life, easy to unpack and store, and obviously you want something that is easy to clean.

Unlike sleeping bags for people, dogs aren’t yet submerged by too many options right now.

Blankets for Dogs

Dog blankets are a mystery because they exist but they don’t seem to have any particular purpose. Sure, they keep our dogs warm but they are also loved by our pooch to the point where they keep dragging their favorite blanket all over the house, mopping your floor on the way.

Blankets for dogs are somewhat of a hybrid of an actual bedding supply and a lovely dog toy.

This is why any dog owner and dog breeder reading this should, as soon as possible, invest in a dog blanket. They are extremely cheap, you can even buy 3 of a different style each, and see which one your dog prefers. Remember, dogs can also have tendencies to play tug-o-war with rags and blankets so be sure to not overspend in that department!

Dog breeders are often grooming their own dogs. They visit professional pet groomers and salons only when a dog show is approaching. Grooming your dog is extremely easy and straightforward as long as you’ve got the right tools, as listed below.

Also, invest in a good dog bathtub and, as a responsible dog owner, a comprehensive dog first aid kit in order to properly look after your dog’s health rather than just his appearance.

Grooming Tables

The first item in any dog groomer’s shopping list is to get the best grooming table he or she can get for their budget. This does not mean the most expensive or fanciest table at all, instead, you want a grooming table that is adapted to the kind of works you will use it for. We have a comprehensive buying guide for the best dog grooming tables.

If you are a dog owner or a dog breeder using the table every month for a couple of hours, you may want to go with a small foldable grooming table. However, if you are replacing a table for your grooming salon, you will most definitely prefer lovely hydraulic grooming tables to help you avoid body fatigue, and restrain the pets for safer sessions.

We also have an article focusing on Flying Pig grooming tables from a great manufacturer who offers products ranging from the $100 foldable table to the $800 electric grooming table.

Dog Grooming Kits

A good dog grooming kit is packed with the must-have any pet parent should use to beautify their dog. There are some obvious items such as nail grinders, scissors, thinners, and brushes. Additionally, some include lightweight dog clippers and cleaning wipes.

Grooming kits are great for those who need a comprehensive set of grooming tools but do not have the time to hand pick each and every one product within it. Sure, if you attend dog shows you will prefer to select the best products individually, but if it is just for a grooming session every few weeks, a kit is perfect and more than enough.

Grooming Scissors

There is no great groomer without a great leather pouch full of extra sharp dog grooming scissors and thinning shears. Round-tip, thick, heavy, limited edition colors; you name it, a groomer has it. Grooming scissors are ranging from very cheap all the way to very precious and expensive (several hundreds of dollars); it’s all about what you want to do with them.

When getting involved with dog grooming you need to know what types of dogs you will look after so you can fill your grooming pouch with the right equipment. Some dogs require particular types of scissors while others require more detail works with smaller scissors.

We’ve created a buying guide for grooming scissors, as well as reviewed the World’s best Kenchii grooming shears. Make sure you invest the right tools in terms of how functional they are but also in terms of ergonomic design to reduce wrist fatigue during long trimming sessions.

Dog Clippers

Grooming scissors are declining because dog clippers exist; and they are becoming very, very good. The best dog clippers are manufactured by the same brands equipping your favorite beauty salons and hairdressers: Andis, Wahl, Oster, etc. They don’t just sell regular clippers repackaged and rebranded for dog use! They are actually built to trim dogs the perfect way without any nuisance (heat, vibrations, noise…)

Dogs have a sensitive skin so pet clippers remain cooler even after extended periods of time, the clipper blades are very sharp in order for you to trim and go through the coarsest coats. Dogs can also get a little anxious so quietness is a key element in dog clippers while power must be delivered to cut through difficult coats. The Andis Super AGR+ Cordless Clippers are pretty amazing at that!

Because dogs are so different between themselves, pet clippers cater to different use cases; it’s not rare to see a professional groomer with several different clippers for different types of works. Two brands are leading the marketplace and we’ve also written a face-to-face review comparing Andis vs Wahl dog clippers.

Some dogs get very anxious when electric trimmers approach them, usually due to the noise and vibration, so we also reviewed the best silent dog clippers. If it’s your first time clipping your dog, check out these tips and take a look at our list of the different types of clippers.

If you only use dog clippers at home, check out our special review dedicated to home dog clippers – they are cheaper and definitely able to do even the most difficult trims for a lot less money. The only reason they are cost-effective is that they are dedicated to occasional use. For more frequent or even daily usage, use professional-grade hair trimmers.

Dog Dryers

Grooming always starts with a good wash and rinse; only then the drying process starts. The skin of a dog will get burnt if you use a regular handheld hair dryer so you must invest in the best dog dryer possible. There are three types of dog dryers and we list them below in the order of recommendation:

1. Forced-Air Dog Dryers — cold air blasted at high velocity to blow water off a dog’s coat
2. Low-Pressure Dog Dryers — heated air is blown at a low speed, also called a cage dryer
3. Handheld Dog Dryers — quieter and weaker version of a human hairdryer

Because heat is such a problem and has already led to the death of dogs in some cases, the first category is the one you should look into as a reflex. Forced-air dog dryers are not just the safest dog dryers out there, they are also the most efficient at drying any type of coat. Thanks to their high pressure and incredible velocity, they will dry the worst double-coated dogs within minutes.

Low-pressure dryers are the second best option: they slowly diffuse heated air and dry the dog through this ambient hot air. You have probably seen these in some grooming salons where they are attached to cages. The only issue is that the groomer has to control the temperature at a regular interval to make sure the dog isn’t slowly burning.

Handheld dog dryers should only be purchased and used by the dog owners with an extremely limited budget since they aren’t efficient yet very dangerous. We do not recommend these at all and would even prefer a dry towel as an alternative.

Dog Nail Clippers

Honestly, I’ve never bumped into somebody who enjoyed cutting his dog’s nails. We all usually await that dreaded ‘tok, tok, tok’ nail-tapping noise on the floor to get it done. Many dog owners visit their groomer or vet just to trim the nails, while others have decided that it wasn’t worth the visit so when it could be done at home using good dog nail clippers — for free!

Now, doing it yourself is a little scary at first. We want to clip the dog’s nails without cutting the quick. But hey, even if you do, it’s not that painful and it won’t bleed liters and liters, plus there are plenty of styptic powder to help with the mini wound.

If you aren’t comfortable with the cutting action of nail clippers, you can buy dog nail grinders. These are a little pricier (generally around the $30 mark) but there is no cutting involved. You just grind the excess nail away. It takes a few minutes and it gives a super slick result. Dogs don’t mind it either!

Dog Ear Cleaners

One of the most common conditions veterinarians see daily in dogs they examine is an ear infection caused by ear mites, yeast, bacteria or fungus. We’ve written a short and comprehensive guide to the best dog ear cleaners along with its dog ear cleaning guide.

The shape of a dog ear is not straight like ours, therefore, using cotton buds would be useless because it cannot reach the end of the dog’s L-shaped ear canal. Most dog owners ignore the hygiene of their dog’s ears and start reacting when it is too late.

When done regularly, ear cleaning is extremely easy and takes a minute or two maximum. For the dog, this is totally pain-free even if it’s not necessarily a pleasant moment. But it is required if you want to avoid ear infections caused by ear mites, bacteria, and fungi.

Besides a few exceptions, dog ear cleaners are liquid drops to pour in your dog’s ears, to then massage in a circular motion and let be. It’s quick to do and can save you heavy vet bills.

Dog Toothpaste

Dental problems and gum diseases are at the very top of the conditions vets see daily; and here again, it is because dog owners and dog breeders simply cannot be bothered to spend a couple of minutes every day or two to brush their dog’s teeth. The best dog toothpaste will cost you less than $10 and it will last you for weeks.

Toothpaste for dogs comes in various styles: enzymatic, all-natural, spray, gum sensitive, etc. For the most excitable or anxious dogs out there, there even are brushless dog toothpaste. Brushing the outer side of your dog’s teeth is usually enough since your dog’s tongue will handle the inner side. That will fight bad bacteria accumulation, plaque buildup, and tartar control.

The bottom line is that you better start brushing your dog’s teeth from today onwards if you want to avoid periodontal issues appearing in a few years’ time. Bad breath, swollen gums, discolored and crooked teeth can all be avoided if you adopt the right routine from puppyhood!

Dog Colognes

That beautiful scent you can smell on your dog when he or she leaves the groomer, you know? It’s like magic! Dog colognes and deodorants are widely used by groomers but we also recommend you to have a spray at home to use every few days.

There are two types of colognes for dogs:

1. Cleaning Colognes — actively fight bad bacterias and germs to leave a fresh skin and coat behind
2. Masking Deodorants — simply masks bad odors by the use of a stronger and nicer scent

Obviously, you should always focus on using an actively cleaning dog cologne or deodorant because it is overall much healthier than simply masking the dog’s bad smell. As per usual precautions, start by using the cologne on a small patch of your dog’s body just to make sure he or she reacts well.

Prices are usually low and remain under or around $10 for a bottle that will last you weeks, if not months.

Dog Wipes

So easy to use and time-saving in a dog breeder’s daily routine, the best dog wipes you can buy will help you clean your dog’s skin, coat, teeth, ears, eyes, paws, and pretty much anything else. There is a type of dog wipes for most body parts and they do work. After all, a wipe is just a piece of cloth soaked in a solution that is formulated to perform a particular task (remove bad odors, break bacteria down, control tartar buildup, etc.)

Obviously, dog owners must remain careful when choosing and using wipes since some of them may be harsher than others. Indeed, some wipes are more of a daily product while others tend to be recommended curatively since their active compounds are much stronger.

Antibacterial dog wipes for dogs are so convenient and cost-effective that it would be crazy not to have a pouch at home. Most products available today are resealable and can be kept safely for months.

Medicated Dog Shampoos

Medicated dog shampoos are meant to soothe and relieve a dog’s itchy skin. Medicated shampoos contain active compounds that fight bacterias, fungi, viruses, worms, and even parasites. Whatever skin issue your dog has, once you or your vet find the cause, a medicated shampoo can clear the threat.

Finding the best antiparasitic and antiseborrheic dog shampoos is not an easy task but the good news is that they are widely available on online stores such as Chewy.com and Amazon. Prices are little higher compared to regular shampoos but the formulations and research put into them explain the price increase. Additionally, medicated shampoos are not meant to be used all the time – they are here to fix a medical skin-related issue.

Dog Flea Shampoos

Dog flea shampoos are a curative treatment to rid a dog of all the fleas and ticks it is currently hosting. Flea, lice and tick shampoos are generally used to treat the problem on the dog but the pet owner must kill all larvae and adult parasites on furniture, floors, and beddings too.

Flea shampoos for dogs come in various strength and formulations. You can buy an organic and mild shampoo or go for a much stronger and astringent shampoo to quickly fix a spread that got out of hand. There is no best product as it depends on so many factors such as your dog’s skin sensitivity levels, how advanced the parasitic infection is, and how quickly you want to sort the issue.

Dog Flea Powders

Every few months, it’s important to have a proper deep cleaning of your entire home and yard, including all dog areas, beddings, and kennels. This will take you a few hours on one day along with $30 but you will keep everything clean and free of parasites. Using a great dog flea powder is a must-do since ticks, lice and fleas are the most common parasites in home accommodating a pet.

The advantage of using powder is that the application is very quick and efficient while the long-lasting effects will allow the product to kill eggs and larvae for the next days and weeks to come. It’s an ideal cleaning supply for all dog owners and even more for dogs breeders.

From chemically-formulated powders that are very concentrated for a full-blast effect to the all-natural Diatomaceous Earth, there is a dog flea powder for all use cases. It’s a matter of taking twenty minutes reading our guide carefully and buying the right product (preventive or curative.)

Dog Flea Collars

Beating fleas is tough and requires a very comprehensive effort to eradicate the problem. Pet parents must clean up the dog’s beddings, the living room’s rug, the sofa, and obviously, the dog’s coat. In order to prevent fleas from using your dog as a comfortable and feast-providing host, you may want to go back to the good old solutions. Spot-on flea drops and the cost-effective dog flea collars.

Without getting into too many details, flea and tick collars are very safe for dogs (not so much for cats). Modern flea collars (e.g. Seresto and Salibor) emit safe levels of insecticides and parasiticide for dogs and their pet parents. Most of them are also fine to use on grown-up pups, too. However, it is important to remember that dog flea and tick collars are preventive and not curative. Meaning, you should use them to avoid fleas and ticks rather than remove them once they are there.

A healthy dog has the right balance between clean diet and varied activities. Of course, dogs do love fetching their tennis balls or discs, but you must also stimulate the brain in order to tire your pet. Physical exercising can be done using a dog ball launcher while mental stimulation can be achieved through training or dog puzzle toys.

Christmas Gifts for Dogs

Honestly, there are so many Christmas gifts for dogs and dog owners that we couldn’t make a top five or top ten. We went as far as doing a top 40 best Xmas gifts for dogs. This is because you can offer pretty much anything from dog food and treats to clippers and pet clothes. You are only limited by your budget and imagination.

Generally, gifts to dogs and their owners remain in the realm of foods and toys. These are people and pet pleasers with a very low chance of missing the mark. If your budget allows, go as far as buying professional dog clippers or a hover to clean up dog hairs. If you buy in advance, you will definitely save big bucks so get yourself ready in October or November and make a bulk purchase!

Luxury Dog Toys

While dog toys come in so many kinds, sizes and materials, there are very few very expensive dog toys that target a more premium clientele. To me, this is because most dog toys have a very short life as they either get lost or damaged within hours, days or weeks. Therefore, pet parents aren’t really into spending money on anything premium as it would be wasted.

Yet, a few manufacturers are starting to clearly respond to an incipient demand from a demanding clientele. Yes, some people are happy to pay more even if the toy goes to the trash within a few days. Additionally, manufacturers generally make bigger margins and markups on luxury toys for dogs.

Major selling points for luxury dog toys mostly include better materials, enhanced durability, and smarter designs and engineering.

Toys To Keep Dogs Busy

A lot of dog toys are very simple. Dogs play with a ball that rolls around or they chew on a squeaky toy. Unfortunately, if you are the owner of an anxious dog, you will quickly realize that these toys are not enough to stimulate them mentally. If you let your dog alone for hours each day, they won’t play with their ball for all that time. This is how separation anxiety can kick in – they are bored and miss you!

Instead of just purchasing balls and chews, invest in some smart interactive toys that will keep your dog busy. Some of them are definitely pricier nearing the $30-50 range, but others are a lot simpler and cheaper, yet mentally challenging (e.g. treat dispensing balls). Just buy a few of them someday and decide on what is your dog reacting the most to.

Bully Breed Toys

Dog toys are known to last a few days or weeks at best. Bully breeds tend to reduce that already short lifespan to hours or even minutes in some cases. The breed is not trying to destroy any toy they can lay their jaws on, they simply have a way more powerful bite than most other breeds so toys tend to break rather quickly.

No need to worry though if you own one of these breeds – American Bully, Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Staffies, Great Danes, Rottweilers, etc. A few manufacturers have engineered long-lasting dog toys that answer the needs of this niche. Some of these toys are virtually indestructible and if your dog manages to bite these off, they will replace the toy as many times as you need. This is how strong these toys are.

If you have a strong chewer or just a very big dog, most chew toys just don’t last. We’ve all been through these “indestructible dog toys” that just get destructed within days, if not hours. GoughNuts toys are actually engineered to resist the strongest jaws of all dogs and if your pet can chew through the toy to expose the Red, GoughNuts will replace your toy.

Chew Toys

As we all know, dogs chew a lot and on pretty much anything that is available to them. Furniture, shoes, sofa, our hands, etc. So we train them to chew toys and then we keep on buying these chew toys as soon as they are destroyed.

However, what you don’t think about is that that while destroying chew toys, our very own dogs swallow bits of these. Most of them are made of rawhide (leather) so you would think it’s ok for them to swallow what is cow skin? Nope, most rawhide is cleaned using chemicals that you would not even touch yourself.

If you can afford it, go for healthier and more natural alternatives. They last much longer so the purchasing price is somewhat ending up costing you less with a long-term vision. The most natural and best dog chew toys are:

• Himalayan Dog Chew — simple one-ingredient long-lasting dog chews
• Antler Dog Chews — safe, healthy and virtually everlasting chews
• Benebone — flavored wishbone chew toys

“We are what we eat.” – Everybody knows that saying and it is also true for our pets. While a dog’s diet is often thought to be what’s given for their meals, we forget that all the treats we hand them over are actual food. Because we give dogs so many treats, we tend to just buy big pouches that are cost-effective. But what about the ingredients? Well, most of the time they are made up of carbs and meat by-products. So it’s ok for a few days and weeks, but given continuously over several months means you are exposing your dogs to some health issues.

Whether it is for Christmas or for all year-round, dog treats have to provide as much quality proteins as possible while keeping the calorie-count as low as possible. Unless your dog is a big-time trekker, you don’t want him to eat loads of low-quality carbs and fats.

Natural Dog Treats

The pet food industry betrayed dog owners so often that it is hard to believe all of their claims. They often use loopholes and other schemes to make you believe that their products are better than the next ones. And then, they price accordingly. However, you will find out plenty of neutral reviews online that will mention a cheaper product as healthier. However, one thing is for certain, natural and organic dog treats seem to be much better alternatives.

Natural treats offer dogs a more nutritious and bioavailable snack as rewards, supplements, or just as a tasty afternoon biscuit. The key with organic treats is to limit the number of ingredients to avoid food sensitivities (to random additives and fillers). You also want to avoid dog treats that are very high in carbohydrates and grains. These are not necessarily well-digested by dogs and unless your dog is very active, they may end up stored as body fat. Prefer meat-based snacking whenever possible!

Dog Training Treats

Training treats for dogs are not like others kinds of biscuits and snacks. Because most training sessions require a lot of positive reinforcement, praises, and treats, you want your training treats to be as small as possible. A lot of big treats would literally result in weight gains, and potentially, to a detrimental obesity. So you got it – you want tiny training treats that have a high value (palatability) while training your dog!

Generally, such treats are small homemade cheese or meat bites. However, a lot of people favor the convenience of buying a back or pouch of training treats to keep the kitchen clean, and for long-term storage. Make sure your training treats are not packed with carbs – favor a high meat or fat content! Don’t forget that dogs love cuddles and praise so vary between treats and praises!

If you are training a puppy, be sure to find the right size and you also probably want to cut the number of treats you will give away.

Single-Ingredients Dog Treats

A lot of treats are packed with dozens of poor-quality ingredients that make it harder for dog owners to decipher what’s bad from what’s actually good. Single-ingredient dog treats are simpler and a lot healthier than other treats available. A single ingredient is used for your dog’s treats so you can decide immediately whether or not it is suitable for your dog.

By only using one ingredient in the recipe, manufacturers are sending dog owners clear signals: “we are not trying to deceive you and we are not trying to cheat you.” Of course, that one ingredient may not be of the highest quality itself but at least, your dog skips on additives, preservatives, and other undesired hidden chemicals. Additionally, by transitioning to single-ingredient treats, you will quickly realize that you could also prepare these yourself at home (e.g. cubes of cheddar, dried chicken bites, diced apples).

Freeze-dried Beef Liver Treats

A great option we recommend is giving freeze-dried beef liver treats. The raw dried liver is loaded with Vitamin A to aid digestion and B vitamins to help with fatigue, mental ability, and nerve health. Plus, you can make them at home yourself for a very low price!

Freeze-dried beef liver treats taste incredibly yummy to all dogs – small, large, hairless, strong, giant, etc! If your pet is a picky eater, you may want to switch to such a delicious treat. The palatability of beef liver is virtually the best and they can be stored for a very long time thanks to their moisture-free content.

While you could make liver treats yourself by air or oven drying them, you would need to prepare a batch every single day to ensure maximum freshness.

Wintertime is a very difficult period for dogs that aren’t built to face sub-zero temperatures. The cold makes the dogs lethargic, they are at a higher risk of hypothermia, and they can get frostbites if they tend to stay outdoors. However, many products are available to enhance a dog’s experience during the coldest days of winter.

Dog Houses for Winter

Dog houses are great for regular days but during winter, your dog will struggle to stay warm enough. A few kennel makers have now solved this problem by building insulated dog houses for cold weather. They are engineered to ensure heat retention and still allow some ventilation to keep the dog house fresh.

Winter dog houses boast several features in order to constantly protect your dog from the freezing cold, snow, wind, and awfully cold elements. For instance, the panes are thicker and seamless to prevent the entry of any cold air. The floor can be raised to allow for a chamber of warmer air. The door is generally a closeable flap to avoid having a huge hole as a door.

Finally, some of these dog houses even come with a kennel heater to provide additional warmth, especially useful for dogs that remain outdoors throughout the winter.

Dog House Heaters and Heating Pads

Dogs heat themselves up quite well but during wintertime, it is not enough. Especially when your dogs are left in outdoor kennels or in a badly insulated house. The weakest dogs are the ones that require warmth throughout the coldest days of winter, especially at night. By weakest dogs, I mean older dogs, short-haired dogs and obviously the pregnant bitch and her whelps.

We’ve also created a clear guide on buying the right heating pad for your dog, or for very cold periods, you will need an actual dog house heater.

Sweaters for Large Dogs

If you own a big dog, they may be too big to stay in an actual dog house and therefore require other means to get warmer. Large sweaters for dogs are extremely useful for owners or giant and large breeds such as Great Danes, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, and even Newfoundlands.

Make sure you pick quality clothing to avoid problems such as itchy skins, patches, and redness. Quality is important when picking anything that goes on a dog’s skin. Fleece is an ideal material – it insulates your dog’s body temperature and is very soft. Not every warm fabric is comfortable and even if dogs cannot talk, they do prefer soft and smooth fabrics.

Snoods and Neck Warmers

When going on walks in the winter, your dog may need a little help to stay warm. Extremities are especially at risk with frostbites and therefore require monitoring and extra warmth. Using a dog neck warmer or dog snoods you will ensure that your dog stays warm for the spots that matter. Snoods and neck warmers are very cheap and their usefulness is clear so the value for money is in there without any doubt.

Choosing the best dog snood for your pet is simple. Focus on what it is made with and how it affects the heating factor and comfort of the product. Never pick based on looks and design solely – while having a great looking snood is fun, the color won’t influence how useful it is. You may also consider how easy it is to wear and take off the dog’s neck or head.

Dog Winter Boots

Dogs have reactive skins. Yet, we often forget about how sensitive dog paws are. Cold weather is very aggressive and can damage dog paws by freezing nerve endings in the dog’s pads leading to frostbites. In fact, most veterinarians will recommend you to use paw protectors and winter dog boots whenever the temperature becomes too low for your dog’s liking.

Depending on your dog and where you walk them, you can go for very thin warming socks or more protective boots. Designs vary a lot and manufacturers focus a lot on convenience so you actually use them. Not all dogs get trained to wear these so they must be very comfortable to avoid dogs going crazy as soon as they are put on them. Ideally, you want to get your dog to wear them from the very beginning just so they are used to them.

As a leading dog breeding blog, Breeding Business receives a lot of requests to reviews, promote and showcase various products. On average, nine times out of ten we don’t go ahead but we sometimes receive interesting products. At other times, our visitors request some comprehensive buying guides for some particular items.

Dog Harness

Using a harness for your dog allows for a much better weight balancing and weight repartition on the dog’s body. Harness are better alternatives than regular collars. Indeed, collars tend to strain the necks of the dog without offering much comfort or added value. Various types of dog harnesses focus on specific tasks (no-pull harness, running harness) and audiences (service dogs, police dogs).

The only inconvenience caused by most harnesses is the putting on and taking off… Collars are a lot easier to wear and take off but once your dog is used to a harness, there is no going back – it is so much more comfortable!

Dog Anxiety Vests

Separation anxiety in dogs is a huge problem affecting more dogs than you could even think. Dog owners live their own busy lives at work, after work, and during weekends, resulting in our little dogs spending more time alone than ever. You guessed it, dogs do not like when we’re away. It stresses them out and without proper training, it can lead to destructive behavior and depression.

Dog anxiety vests and wraps work by soothing your dog’s anxiety using a particular compression that offers a sense of reassurance. It’s sort of identical to a mother holding her baby for reassurance. And it may sound fantasist but it most certainly works with 90% of dogs out there.

The most famous anxiety vest is the ThunderShirt, which was originally conceived to calm dogs down during thunder and lightning. It’s still the leading product on the marketplace today!

Dog Doors

Great dog doors allow your dog to enjoy the outside world and come back one when they are done with it. Now, the principle is simple but its implementation can differ. Safety is an important focus for manufacturers of doggy doors. Indeed, you do want to allow your dog to come in but you don’t want random stray dogs or foxes to come over for an evening drink in your home.

Therefore, when picking a dog door the principal feature you will look is whether you want:

• a smart dog door that only allows through the dogs it recognizes the microchip of
• a regular plastic dog door that allows all dogs with some extra features (scheduled timings, one-way restrictions, etc)

Over the last years, buying a smart dog door has become the norm. It’s just much safer and makes more sense.

Miscellaneous

So here are some great reviews and guides of dog supplies:

• Dog Sunscreen — our companions require sun protection, too
• Dog Stairs or Dog Ramps — senior and large dogs often need some help
• Dog Fans — dogs don’t sweat, they need external help to cool down
• Dog Pools — a lot of fun guaranteed (as long as you pick the right pool)
• Dog Raincoats — for all these disgusting rainy days
• Dog Backpacks — for our hikers, campers and adventure-loving dogs
• Dog Sleeping Bags — comfortable, insulated and easy-to-clean