The Top 5 Essentials Every Responsible Pet Owner Needs

Being a responsible pet owner means more than just showing love to your furry friend, you must ensure their safety and wellbeing is a top priority. With many adventures ahead for you and your pet, it’s important to make sure that you have everything you need to be able to explore safely. 

Whether you’re out adventuring, or playing at home, there’s nothing better than seeing your pet’s tail wag as they’re brimming with happiness and excitement. But as much as owning a furry companion is joyous, you’ll need to make sure that you’re equipped with the essentials to ensure your pet’s health, safety, and wellbeing are taken care of.

Particularly for new owners, it can be overwhelming to look at the long list of items that you need to buy for your pet. We’re here to make that list feel a little less daunting, as we explore the top 5 essentials that every responsible pet owner needs! 

1 - Food and Water Essentials

While it may seem obvious, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary food, water, and equipment. Correct nourishment is critical to ensuring a happy and healthy pet, and it’s important that you’re prepared with the correct essentials in order to fulfil their dietary needs. Below, we will list some of the important food and water essentials that you’ll need.

Dietary Needs

It’s important to remember that each pet is different, and that their diet and water intake that may suit one breed, will likely be unsuitable to another. Important things to consider are age, breed, and activity levels. For dog owners, we’d recommend checking out the Blue Cross’s website for expert advice on food and weight for dogs, which you can read here.

We would always recommend consulting with your vet to ensure that your companion is receiving the correct nutrition.

Food and Water Bowls

One of the main things to make sure of is that your pet has clean food and water bowls. While it is essential to have both bowls in your home, a responsible pet owner should also ensure that they have a travel bowl, for when you take on your adventures. This should be accompanied by food scoops, to ensure your pet is getting the right portion size.

2 - Collar and Harness

Applying mostly to dog owners, it is vital that you ensure your pooch is equipped with a collar, and a lead, so that you can keep them safe on your daily walks! If you live in an urban area, the importance of having a lead is further emphasised by passing cars and people, with a need to keep close control over your dog. For new owners, you will need to keep your dog on the lead for longer periods, as your dog is likely still learning their recall.

If you’re looking to venture further afield, it’s definitely worth investing in a car harness to keep your pet safe on your car journeys. With plenty of gorgeous weather ahead, it’s definitely worth planning some days out with the dog. If you’re looking for inspiration for some exciting trips out, make sure to read our previous blog here!

3 - Identification

Another essential consideration that you must make is to ensure that your pet is equipped with a form of identification, particularly for dog and cat owners. Now that you’ve invested in your pet’s collar, it’s time to choose their ID tag!

As part of the Control of Dogs Order 1992, it is a legal requirement that all dogs in a public space must be wearing a legible tag clearly displaying your contact details. That’s why we recommend choosing a tag of high quality, ensuring durability and a long-term identification solution.

That’s why we craft our premium tags from high quality brass, ensuring longevity, legibility, and beauty! If you’re looking to explore your options, click here! For horse owners, you can even treat your horse to a bespoke nameplate, which you can view here!

4 - Play Toys

Pets thrive on excitement, and there’s nothing that brings out zoomies quite like a new toy for them to play with. Your furry friends will love nothing more than a new toy for them to enjoy, and it’s important to ensure that they have multiple to play with.

Toys are a fantastic mental stimulant for pets, and they are an excellent way to help encourage their development. We would recommend that you have a toy for every occasion, keeping your companion entertained at all times. Things a responsible pet owner should consider include:

• Outdoor toys - Whether it’s a game of fetch, frisbee, or an activity that is simply unsuitable to play in the house, you should always ensure your pet has a toy to enjoy in the fresh air.

• Personal toys - While on their own, pets need to find a way to keep themselves entertained, and an excellent way to do so is with a teddy, or a ball for them to play with.

• Interactive toys - Toys are an excellent incentive to train your pet, strengthening your bond with them as they look to you as a mentor.

• Brain Training toys - There are several brain training toys, such as puzzles and games that you can let your pup engage in exciting mental enrichment.

5 - Medical and Grooming Supplies

Any responsible pet owner should ensure that their pet has the essential medical and grooming supplies in order to keep your companion clean and healthy! Keeping your pet clean is an essential step to ensure that they remain healthy, preventing infections, and other illnesses. 

Preventing illness is much easier than treating it, which is why we emphasise the significance of ensuring you have the necessary supplies, such as:

• Pet-friendly first-aid kit

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Brushes and combs

• Nail clippers

• Poo bags

Your vet should advise on any other necessary medical supplies specific to your pet’s needs.

Summary

Now that you know all the essentials that you’ll need for your pet, it’s time to start planning some days out! There’s so much to explore across the UK, and with spring in full flow, we’ve got plenty of better weather to enjoy. 

Make sure that your pet is equipped with a durable tag to endure their energy, remaining legible for many adventures to come. Choose evident quality when you equip your pet with our exceptionally durable reinforced tags - explore your options.

Make sure to send us some photos of the best bits from your adventures to our social media inboxes for the chance to have your pet featured in our social posts on either Facebook, or Instagram - @engravingstudios!