DOG SUPPLIES

     As an important member of our family, we want our dog - or dogs - to be healthy and happy. Our dog's diet is of utmost importance but dog food alone is not all that is needed for the well being of our pet. There are many kinds of dog supplies that are fundamental necessities as well.

     If your pet does not sleep on your bed, he needs his own special place to go for naps and at bedtime. There are a great variety of beds specifically designed to accommodate your dog. The first consideration is that the bed must be a proper size to fit your dog comfortably. Most dog beds are soft for sleeping comfort and can be easily cleaned.

     There are pillow beds, sofa beds, donut-shaped beds and various other types designed to accommodate your pet.

     To feed your pet, there is the common doggy bowl and there are also automatic feeders that can be useful for owners who are away from home at feeding time. Many stores offering dog supplies sell feeders equipped with timers than can feed your pet at appropriate times with pre-set amounts of food. These feeders can be programmed to feed your dog over a period of weeks if required.

     Dog supplies for your dog's pleasure can be health bars, gourmet dental treats containing ingredients such as calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and bones and various other doggy treats. Choose only those that have some beneficial effect on teeth and overall health rather than "junk treats" containing ordinary sugar.

     Dog bones are wonderful for your pet. They exercise jaw muscles, stimulate gums and have some teeth cleaning benefit. Additionally, they are fun for your dog and exercise a calming effect.

     Rawhide bones are safest and are often preferred over nylon although your dog also appreciates flavored nylon bones. Either type of bone should be washed between chews to avoid bacterial build-up from dried saliva.

     Natural bones should be avoided - with the exception of marrow bones with marrow removed. Marrow bones should be kept in the freezer between chews and discarded in a day or two due to the inevitable bacterial buildup. Chicken bones and any bones easily splintered can be a life-threatening danger to dogs. They can choke on a bone or a bone splinter can perforate an intestine.

     A further list of necessary dog supplies includes collars and leashes. Among the many kinds are choke collars and short leashes for training guidance, harnesses for smaller dogs, extra long leashes to allow a little more leeway for dogs who like to trot a bit faster than their owners, etc.

     No list of dog supplies would be complete without a mention of grooming equipment. In addition to the many types of dog shampoos available, proper grooming needs for the do-it-yourselfer are flea combs, brushes specifically designed for dogs, nail clippers and special grooming combs for long-haired dogs to minimize shedding.