7 Must-Have Items for Your Home If You Have Pets

Along with our pets, we also need to make sure that we have the items required to make them comfortable. It seems like, at least for newbies, there’s always something else that needs to be had. Are you ready to make sure your home is pet-prepared? Read on and see what you still need to get!

1. An Amazing Pet Bed

Your pet needs quality sleep, which means that you’re going to have to invest in a great pet bed. You could just get a poly-fill bed from the local big box store, but that’s not going to help in the long run.

Pets should be comfortable when they sleep, but more importantly, they need support. Memory foam is the way to go, just make sure that it’s actually memory foam and not just a small pad on top of the bed.

Great pet beds are an excellent way to begin heading off arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint issues. Depending on the climate you live in, you may also want to get a good heater.

Regardless, an amazing bed helps with your pet’s health, and that’s never a small matter.

2. Pet First Aid Kit

Our pets can get bruises, scrapes, and burns just like us.

And when it happens, many people are woefully unprepared. Add in the bill just for a veterinarian to take a look at your animal and it’s a recipe for disaster.

A pet first aid kit should be kept around any home with pets. While human-designed models work, they’re not optimal.

Of course, you’ll also need to learn some pet first aid. Do your research before you have to use your first aid kit and you’ll be in a much better position in the end.

3. Leash and Harness

Chances are you have a leash if you have a dog. If not, a stout 6 to 8 foot leash is a requirement, whether it’s taking the dog to the vet or going for a walk.

You shouldn’t just clip your leash to their collar, however. This can lead your pet to injure themselves, especially if they’re not well-trained in the first place. Opt for a harness instead, which will distribute your pet’s weight across the chest instead of the neck.

And, of course, make sure that you have some identification for your pet attached to them. Great ID tags are easy to find, and don’t skimp. Otherwise, your pet may stay lost if the two of you get separated.

4. Couch and Car Seat Covers

Pets are great, but our furry friends often shed in places we’re not happy with. Cars, couches, and fabric armchairs all seem to attract huge amounts of hair.

Rather than just deal with it, you may want to get a good set of covers. One for the couch is a great idea, but you should also pick one up for your car. Cars can be devalued by stains and extra cleaning required, so go ahead and pick them up.

Finding a good one is simple: it should also be waterproof. As long as you can wash it and know that it won’t let errant fluids through, you’ll be much happier with your couches situation.

5. Pet Carrier

Even if your animal rides well, you need to make sure you have the appropriate size of pet carrier. They’re essential.

Even worse, injuries and illness are the most common reasons that someone might need a pet carrier suddenly. That doesn’t exactly leave you time to hop down to the store and pick one up.

Make sure that the carrier is both appropriately sized and fits well in your vehicle. Then put it somewhere accessible and don’t worry about it until you need it.

It’s one of those things which slips people’s minds. But it’s much better to have one than to go without and find yourself caught flat-footed in the face of a pet emergency.

6. Basic Grooming Kit

Depending on how comfortable you are with grooming, you may need anything from a basic brush to a set of high-end clippers.

Many people forget to groom their animals regularly. You can save a heap on bills just by spending a few minutes per day staying on top of your animal’s appearance.

You may also want to look into getting some nail clippers or a grinder. Just do some studying beforehand, it’s a little bit trickier than trimming your own!

7. Stain and Odor Remover

Even the best-disciplined animal causes a mess sooner or later.

For that reason, no pet-bearing home should be without a stain and odor remover. Whether its urine, vomit, or just “wet dog smell” in the carpet, you’ll be glad it’s there.

It’s doubly important to find a good product for homes with puppies or kittens. Until they’ve been fully trained, you’re going to get a lot of mileage out of your cleaning products. So find one that works before you need it!

Conclusion

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but when it comes to being prepared for our pets it’s always best to do a second check! Make sure that you have the above and you’re off to a good start. More things will undoubtedly crop up, but at least you’ll be ready for most situations!