Walking your dog is one of the most rewarding parts of being a dog owner. Not only do you get to spend quality time with your four-legged friend, you also provide them with the opportunity to get the exercise they need. Daily exercise is essential for dogs as it helps maintain their health and wellbeing. 

Everything from their heart health to their lung health will be boosted with a simple walk. Given how important it is, it’s vital to have all of the essential items to make your walk as easy and beneficial for your dog (and you!) as possible. Here are 4 essential items you shouldn’t leave the house without.

Collar

One item you definitely shouldn’t leave for a walk without is a high-quality and comfortable dog collar. As you’ll quickly come to see when you’re on the hunt for one, collars come in all kinds of designs. This means that with a bit of careful consideration, you’ll be able to find one that perfectly suits and fits your dog. First, think about the type of material you would like the collar to be made out of. Canvas, leather, linen, and nylon webbing dog collars are equally great options, so you certainly won’t need to worry about a lack of choice!

Alternatively, you can first filter by the type of collar.Martingale, waterproof, or service dog collars are a few popular types. Then it’s time to decide whether you want the dog collar to be personalized in some way. One of the handiest personalizations you can make is to get the collar laser engraved with key details about your dog, such as their name, as well as your address and phone number.  

Leash

Another essential item you will need for dog walks is a reliable leash. Leashes will not only ensure your dog is within your reach and line of vision, but also allow you to make a stylish statement. Likewise to collars, there are a wide variety to choose from. From nylon webbing to leather to velvet, you’ll be able to pick one that suits both your needs and personality.

If you’re looking to really make a splash at the dog park, you may wish to opt for a custom printed leash. Yes, your dog could be rocking a leash that has absolutely any text you wish to feature. Whether you want to include a fun message (such as “I Have the Best Dog Mom Ever!”) or emblazon their name and your phone number is up to you.

Travel Bowl

When you’re out and about exploring your surroundings with your dog, it’s important to ensure they stay hydrated. Many dog owners simply wait until they return home to give their dog water, believing that not much harm will be caused if their dog has to wait a bit to get their h20 dose. The thing is, dehydration can be dangerous for dogs. 

The reason many dog owners don’t give their dogs water while on a walk is because of the hassle involved. We get it—it can be awkward to carry a bulky and heavy bowl and perhaps even some water if a convenient water supply isn’t available on the way. That’s why travel dog bowls are so handy. Travel dog bowls are designed to be as convenient and lightweight as possible, making the task of keeping your dog hydrated a breeze. As an added bonus, you can also use one any time you go away on vacation with your pooch. 

Dog Bag

Do you find yourself constantly scrambling to find all of the items you need for your dog walks? It’s high time you started using a dog bag. While you can buy a bag especially for the purpose of carrying items for your dog, you can also use a backpack or any other type of bag with lots of pockets. 

Storing your dog’s leash and travel bowl in your dog bag will ensure they will no longer “magically disappear” just when you need them. You can also pop in any other items you’d like to bring along on your walk. For example, you may wish to place dog items such as snacks and a first aid kit inside, as well as your own personal items such as your keys and wallet. 

Author Bio

Monica Mizzi is a freelance writer and digital marketer with a soft spot for all fluffy creatures. She’s written 100+ articles about animal care, ranging from how to train puppies to the healthiest pet snacks on the market. She currently writes for Pet Life Today. Having grown up with a Tabby cat and later a Netherlands Dwarf rabbit, she’s always had a love for animals. While she’s now on the road too much to take care of her own pet, she’s found an innovative solution: take care of other people’s pets! She’s now something of a professional cat sitter, having taken care of nine gorgeous cats just in 2019! Her dream is to one day visit Antarctica to see penguins marching.