Quality Supplies for Your Pets

---

     If you are lucky enough to share your home with pets you know how much they add to your life. In return for the pleasure they give you, they do require a fair amount of attention, love, and care. And don't forget the pet supplies; whether your animal friend is a goldfish or a golden retriever, you need to have the right food and other supplies to keep the animal happy, safe, and healthy.

Let's take a look at what a typical dog needs. Of course there's the food; some dogs thrive on the least expensive brands while others need specialty food because of allergies or special health needs. You can buy common brands at the grocery stores, but you will have to go to a pet store or the veterinarian's office for the high-end products. Some folks even mail order their dog food.

If you plan to walk your dog, you will need a leash or lead. The type of leash depends largely on the size of the dog. A light nylon lead will work fine for a small dog, but a big, strong canine requires a heavier leather lead. And then there are style choices for the fashion conscious. One pet supply web site features over 120 types, lengths, and styles of leashes!

Your dog will need a collar or harness to go with the leash. Most collars for everyday use are made of leather or nylon. Newer plastic clasps may work fine for small dogs, but the old-fashioned metal belt-type buckle is more secure for bigger animals. Double construction leather collars are a natural choice for large, strong dogs. A good supplier will also have a range of training collars and reflector collars for night visibility. Rhinestone and studded leather collars are the fashion-forward choices.

If you walk a very large or very small dog, or a dog with a neck injury, consider a harness instead of a collar. A harness gives more control with less pressure on the neck. Like collars, they come in a wide array of sizes and styles.

Optional supplies for dogs include dog treats (well, maybe that's not optional!), crates, beds, and toys. Your feline friends will need the cat version of the dog supplies: food, beds, treats, and, if they go outside, a collar. Fish and birds are the two other most popular pets; their needs are very different. The list of supplies for an aquarium is pretty impressive, from pumps to plants to heaters and chillers, and is different for saltwater and freshwater tanks. Unless you plan to let your birds fly freely around the house, you will need a cage and all the cage accessories (cover, skirt, feeders, perches, toys, etc.). A sizeable bird like a parrot or cockatiel needs a different cage than a small bird like a finch or canary.

As you can see, any pet needs more than food and water. When you budget for your animal friends, don't forget to include all the quality pet supplies they need to lead good lives.