Picture this – you’ve found the dog of your dreams and are ready to bring him or her home to your house or apartment in the city! Dogs are dogs no matter what, but items you’ll need for their care varies a little depending on where you live. So, to ensure that everyone stays happy, relaxed, and content, let’s check that you have all the best dog care essentials for life in the city.
LED Collar, Reflective Leash, & Safety Light
Keeping your doggo well-lit is important when walking the city at night. Unlike rural and suburban areas, city streets are typically used by vehicles at all hours, presenting a risk factor for our furry friends. An LED collar or safety light worn on your pup’s collar is bright, colorful, and makes them eye-catching for drivers, even when your dog is below their immediate line of vision.
A reflective leash is also a good idea for nighttime walks. That way, even if a driver sees you but not your dog, they’ll see the leash in your hand and know that someone is on the other end. Bonus tip – for maximum visibility, you and your dog could also wear reflective vests so drivers can’t miss either of you.
Fresh Patch
Do you have a small space and limited availability during the day to take your dog on a bathroom break? No worries – Fresh Patch is an innovative company that delivers patches of real turf for your dog to use as a bathroom. Not only will your dog feel comfortable with the familiar texture and smell of grass, it’s also super convenient for you! A fresh piece of turf is delivered every two weeks, after which the previous turf patch and its cardboard tray can be discarded.
You can choose between different sizes depending on your pup’s needs, and since the turf patch effectively traps odors, it’s usable inside your apartment or outside on a patio. Just pick up and discard Number Twos, and be sure to utilize the plethora of training advice on Fresh Patch’s website to help your dog get accustomed to its new routine. Bonus, if you also have a cat – Fresh Patch sells cat grass, too!
Poop Bags
Unfortunately for city dogs, they don’t have the luxury of doing their business in the privacy of a yard. So, with every bathroom break happening in a shared space, poop bags are an essential part of all city dog parent’s arsenals. Luckily, lots of leashes come with a poop bag holder attached, so you don’t have to remember to bring something extra on every walk.
Poop bags are traditionally made from plastic, but some newer brands offer eco-friendly, compostable alternatives. Just make sure to toss the used bags into designated dog waste bins or public garbage cans, as discarding them in private cans on streets or alleyways is prohibited by most city ordinances (and also not the most neighbor-friendly behavior).
Water Bottle & Bowl
It can be tricky enough to find water fountains for humans in many cities, let alone dog-friendly water sources, so ensuring that your pup has what it needs to be well-hydrated is very important. Consider carrying a water bottle with a built-in or attached bowl as part of your routine – it’s especially important during hot weather or when going on longer adventures.
As an alternative to the bottle and bowl combo, you can also get a squeezable water bottle, either one specially designed for dogs or the regular type made for humans. That way, you can simply train your dog to drink as you squirt the water into its mouth. It’s a good choice for playful dogs who might try to steal and play with a water bowl!
Paw Wipes
Paw wipes are a good idea for rainy, muddy weather anywhere, but if you live in a city, you may want to consider wiping your dog’s paws more frequently. Depending on where you live, the streets might be full of bacteria, animal feces, and other nastiness, warranting more frequent cleanings and making paw wipes your best friend.
Additionally, paw wipes are a good idea in the colder months, as city streets often fill up with salt that can cause painful burns and irritation on your pup’s sensitive toes. Trying using hypoallergenic wipes specifically designed for dogs, sensitive-skin baby wipes, or even a reusable rag with some water and dog or baby shampoo.
Booties
On a similar note, booties are a great addition to your dog’s wardrobe if you live in a snowy or icy climate. When salt is spread on the streets to help melt the snow, the salty slush can get in between your pup’s toes and cause painful burning. Slip on a pair of booties to protect them, and also save time on wiping wet, muddy paws!
Booties can be challenging for dogs to learn to walk in, so give your furry friend some extra time to practice feeling confident in their new shoes before heading out on the road. Additionally, make sure to carefully measure their feet before ordering their booties so they have the most comfortable fit.
Dog Carrier (for smaller dogs)
If you have a smaller dog, a sturdy pet carrier is a great thing to invest in, especially if you don’t have a car. A carrier will enable you to ride the metro with your pup, keep them protected in case of emergency, and can also perform double duty as a dog bed.
Pet carriers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, including hard sided, soft sided, backpacks, and totes, enabling you to choose whatever works best for your lifestyle. For example, you might want a soft-sided, airplane-approved carrier if you plan to travel with your dog, or a comfy tote if they’ll be joining you on errands.
