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55 Genius Things For Your Dog You'll Wonder How You Ever Lived Without

Safe, calm, and healthy.

by Maria Cassano
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

I love my dogs more than anything, but they’re not easy. One is an old man with separation anxiety, and the other is a rescue with a sassy attitude and a lot of allergies. Fortunately, preparedness makes all the difference. The right pet gear helps me keep them safe, calm, comfortable, well-fed, healthy, and hydrated. These game-changing things for your dog are so genius, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

01An Absorbent Feeding Mat That Actually Looks Nice

Available in vintage-inspired prints and modern botanical patterns, this pet feeding mat actually complements your home’s design aesthetic. That said, unlike most rugs, this one is absorbent to soak up spills, tear-resistant to handle scratching, and non-slip with a thick rubber backing to protect your floors. It’s also easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.

02A 3-In-1 Interactive Toy That Slows Eating

Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson is a favorite brand among dog trainers, and this three-and-one interactive toy keeps your dog engaged and challenged while slowing their eating. Its textured grooves encourage licking to reduce stress, its top layer spins to test their agility, and its panels flip up to access the tray underneath. Made from BPA-free, dishwasher-safe material, it can hold up to 1 cup of wet or dry food.

03An Absorbent Chenille Towel That Dries Dogs Fast

Forget that old dog towel. The Soggy Doggy has thousands of five-star ratings because its microfiber chenille texture feels velvety soft, absorbs seven times its weight in moisture, and has spongey fingers that dry fur fast. It’s also washable and quick-drying to prevent that wet-dog smell, and it has built-in hand pockets for improved control. Use it after bathtime or keep it by the back door to clean muddy paws.

04Rinse-Free Paw Cleaner With A Scrubber

Stash this no-rinse paw cleaner in your car to protect your upholstery, or keep it by the door to prevent your dog from tracking mud into the house. The hypoallergenic foam formula sanitizes your pet’s paws without soap, water, or irritation, while the built-in scrubber applicator manually removes dirt for quick, on-the-go hygiene.

05A Cap That Turns Bottles Into Portable Showers

Pop this outdoor shower attachment onto virtually any bottle between 16 ounces and 2 liters to turn it into a portable shower for your dog. Made from flexible silicone, it creates a generous, fan-shaped spray when you squeeze, rinsing your dog free of dirt, mud, sand, and gravel. It’s also dishwasher-safe and fits into your pocket, making it a no-brainer for camping, hiking, and beach trips.

06A Dog Seatbelt That’s Easy To Use

Made from nylon webbing with a reinforced tactical buckle, this well-rated dog seatbelt can handle up to 850 pounds of max force tension, keeping your pup safe and secure on car rides. The loop easily wraps around almost any headrest in any vehicle, while the aluminum carabiner clip attaches to your dog’s harness. It also adjusts from 16 to 26 inches to suit any breed.

07A Slow Feeder Toy That’s So Easy To Fill

Made from durable yet bouncy material and infused with mint to freshen their breath, the Outward Hound Snoop toy is available in seven colors and three sizes for most breeds. It rolls and wobbles, dispensing treats to reward active play or kibble to slow your dog’s eating. Pull the neck out to fill it, and push it back in to start playtime, no batteries, complicated setups, or fuss required.

08Dental Sticks That Clean Teeth, Freshen Breath, & Support Immunity

Your dog will probably love these dental chew treats, but really, they’re as much for you as they are for your pet. Made with 100% real ingredients, they have a blueberry-mint flavor to freshen breath, deep ridges to clean teeth, and a firm texture to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. They’re also filled with antioxidants for immune support.

09An LED Collar That Keeps Your Dog Visible After Dark

When my best friend moved to the country, she bought this light-up collar to keep track of her dog after dark in her massive yard. Sold in three sizes and seven colors, it’s waterproof to handle the rain and USB-rechargeable for up to 10 hours of use. Most importantly, the optical fiber LEDs keep your dog visible to you and other people, including drivers and cyclists.

10A Cooling Blanket That Wicks Body Heat

Lay this cooling blanket out on the deck on a sunny day, across your car’s upholstery for summer travel, or over your dog’s bed if they have thick, long fur. Its heat-wicking nylon layers aim to lower your dog’s body temperature while protecting your furniture from fur, dirt, scratches, and stains. It’s also reversible, machine-washable, and available in several sizes and colors.

11Extra-Thick Poop Bags For Ick-Free Cleanup

Standard poop bags get the job done, but you can typically feel the temperature and the texture through the thin plastic. Mutt Mitts are 300% thicker than most waste bags with a two-ply design and a mitt-style gusset, protecting your hand, trapping odors, and eliminating the ick factor. They’re also extra-large, so you can clean up after big breeds or pick up multiple piles from multiple dogs.

12A Toy That Cleans Teeth & Freshens Breath

This affordable dog toy could prevent some expensive dental bills down the line. The Nubbies dental chew toy has a T-bone shape that encourages chewing from all angles and a textured surface that’s designed to clean teeth. It’s also infused with baking soda to fight bad breath and remove plaque and tartar. While it’s non-edible and durable, its peanut butter taste keeps dogs coming back for more.

13A Stress-Free Alternative To Nail Clippers

This scratch board offers a satisfying scratching outlet for your dog and a stress-free trimming alternative for you. Once your dog is trained to use it, it acts as a manual file, using replaceable dual-grit sandpaper to shorten and buff their nails so you don’t have to clip them. The set includes a large board and a handheld tool, both made from bamboo with replacement adhesive pads.

14A Plush Sofa Cover That’s Worth Every Penny

“Worth every penny!” one reviewer raved about this sofa cover, which is as pretty as it is practical. “Our light colored couches are now safe from the dogs!” Filled with plush cotton, its textured velvet fabric comes in several colors, cushioning and elevating your furniture while protecting it from stains, scratches, and accidents. It’s also machine-washable with a non-slip backing.

15Protective Doggy Boots That Actually Stay On

Available in five colors and 10 sizes, these doggy boots are made from waterproof EVA with non-slip soles and ventilation holes. As a result, they protect your dog’s paws from ice, hot pavement, puddles, gravel, dirt, and sharp debris. They also have adjustable velcro straps that secure around the ankles. According to one reviewer, “They actually stay on my dog's feet which I have yet to find with any other.”

16A Dirt-Trapping Mat That Keeps Your Home Cleaner

This doggy door mat is textured to trap dirt, super absorbent to soak up moisture, lined with rubber to prevent slipping, and fully washable to keep it looking and smelling fresh. According to one reviewer, the chenille fingers “absorb moisture and reduce the amount of cleaning we have to do inside,” making it “a must if you have dogs.” It also comes in tons of colors and sizes.

17A Fridge Magnet That Lists Safe & Toxic Foods

Put this magnetic feeding chart on your fridge to keep your pup safe, healthy, and nourished. By separating common ingredients into safe and toxic columns, it quickly lets you know which foods they can eat, and which foods they can’t. It also has helpful phone numbers and vet information at the bottom. “This really came in handy,” one reviewer wrote. “You would be surprised how many times we checked it.”

18An Enriching Sniffing Game Inspired By Kanoodle

Hide treats underneath the rotating or removable pieces to engage your dog’s mind, nose, and foraging instincts. This interactive puzzle toy is inspired by the human game Kanoodle, but the pieces are BPA-free, dog-safe, and easy to clean. According to the brand, 20 minutes of sniffing burns as much energy as a one-hour walk, so it’s a great way to tire your dog out.

19Ear Wipes That Fit Over Your Finger

Slip one of these dual-sided ear wipes over your finger to clean your pet’s ears with ease and dexterity. Suitable for both cats and dogs, they’re gently textured to remove wax, dirt, and residue, and they’re infused with plant-based ingredients to reduce inflammation, soothe itchiness, prevent infection, and moisturize sensitive ears.

20A Treat Toy That Keeps Them Entertained & Active

At room temperature, this Pupsicle feeder toy keeps your pet active and entertained for up to 30 minutes. When the treat is frozen, it lasts even longer. The ball itself is made from natural rubber with ridges for grip and slots to catch drool. Pack it with the brand’s low-mess pops for easy refills, or make your own treats at home from your pet’s favorite ingredients.

21A Calming Chew Toy Made From Real Wood

This calming chew toy is made from a combination of real wood, but it’s significantly safer and less messy than sticks, which split off into tiny pieces. It’s also infused with hemp flavors to reduce stress and encourage calm, content chewing. Even though it’s made without nylon, it’s dishwasher-safe and long-lasting for moderate chewers up to 35 pounds.

22Deodorizing Spray That Also Detangles & Hydrates

Can’t get your dog into the bath or to the groomer? This deodorizing spray gives them a refresh in between washes. Yes, its white tea and basil scent “smells amazing,” according to one reviewer — but it doesn’t just cover up smells; the pH-balanced, hypoallergenic formula actually tackles unwanted odors, all while detangling their fur and hydrating their skin.

23An “Outstanding” Bag For Traveling With Your Pup

If you’re taking your pup on a trip, this doggy weekender bag is a must: “An outstanding choice for pet owners who are frequently on the go,” wrote one reviewer. It has a roomy interior for blankets and bedding, plenty of pockets for accessories, and two included food containers with leakproof lining. It also comes with two collapsible bowls and has multiple straps, including a sleeve that slips over your suitcase handle.

24A Moldable Treat That Disguises Pills

Can’t get your dog to take their medication? This Wrap-A-Pill paste is “magic,” according to one reviewer whose dog spits out everything else: “This dog has taken every single pill for the past 1 2/2 months.” Sold in three flavors, the moldable texture is easy to wrap around vitamins, supplements, and capsules of any size, so your pet swallows them without detection.

25Soothing Wipes For Your Dog’s Itchy Butt

These rear-end hygiene wipes are a staple in my household. Infused with enzymes to tackle unwanted odors and vitamin E and aloe to minimize itching, they gently but effectively clean, hydrate, and soothe dogs’ butts to keep your home hygienic and your pet’s anal glands comfortable. You can also use them on paws, faces, and ears.

26A Lick Mat That Keeps Your Dog Calm & Distracted

Load this lick mat with peanut butter, wet food, or frozen broth before sticking it to the floor or the wall of the shower. Made entirely from silicone, it has suction cups on the back and slow-feeding nubs on the front, keeping your dog calm and distracted during stressful activities, like grooming, fireworks, and guest visits. It’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

27Calming Dog Chews That Soothe Anxiety

According to one reviewer, these calming chews “work really well for my reactive foster dog,” who “likes the taste and gobbles them up.” The plant-based formula contains melatonin to promote sleep, chamomile and valerian root to encourage relaxation, and L-tryptophan to soothe anxiety. Give them to your dog before stressful situations, like travel, grooming, vet visits, separation, or fireworks shows.

28A Supportive Car Seat For Safe, Comfy Travel

Keep your small dog safe, comfy, and calm on the road. This car booster seat has raised edges and a harness clip that keeps them buckled in. Underneath the machine-washable fabric, your pet will feel plush, supportive filling — and the bottom is waterproof in case of accidents. It secures around most seats and has pockets for storage.

29A Cheap No-Pull Harness That Actually Works

This affordable no-pull dog harness is changing lives: “It REALLY works! I can finally walk my dog!” wrote one reviewer whose pug mix tugged, pulled, and slipped out of every other harness — but not this one. Its patented front-loop design applies gradual pressure to the chest, teaching your dog leash manners without choking, gagging, or overheating.

30Glove Wipes That Cleanse & Deodorize Without Water

Give your pet a quick refresh without water, stress, or irritation. These pet glove wipes are plant-based and infused with rinse-free ingredients that gently cleanse and deodorize, including coconut oil, oat extract, calendula, and jojoba oil. They’re extra-gentle for use all over (including around the eyes and ears), and since they fit over your hand, your dog will just think they’re getting pets.

31A Food Topper Made From Nourishing Bone Broth

Designed for picky eaters and dogs of all ages, this whole-food food topper comes in three flavors: beef, chicken, and turkey. They’re all loaded with collagen and protein from grass-fed bone broth, which not only adds a burst of flavor to every meal, but promotes healthy skin, nourishes the gut, repairs muscles, and boosts hydration when mixed with water.

32My Go-To Spray To Keep My Home Smelling Fresh

This Angry Orange odor eliminator spray is my go-to for surfaces I can’t wash in the machine. Using the power of citrus from real orange oil, it neutralizes strong odors from pet messes at the source and leaves behind a pleasant scent. I spray it on my sofa, throw rugs, and my dog’s travel crate to keep my home smelling fresh despite two dogs.

33A Memory-Foam Dog Bed For Luxury Lounging

This orthopedic dog bed is like a luxury mattress for your pup. Its six-layer design features fleece jacquard upholstery, a waterproof lining, multiple layers of memory foam, and a non-slip bottom. As a result, it’s plush, supportive, and easy to clean, especially since the cover comes off for machine-washing. Get it in six sizes and 14 colors.

34A Fur-Removing Rake That’s Amazing & Gross

This carpet rake has earned over 20,100 five-star ratings because it’s cheap, effective, and refill-free. “I'm amazed and disgusted by how much pet hair this tool pulls up,” one reviewer wrote. Its tiny double-sided teeth pull hair, fur, and lint from the depths of most fabrics, including rugs, furniture, pet beds, car upholstery, and cat towers. You can even use it directly on your pet.

35Non-Adhesive Gauze Made Specifically For Pets

Made from a combination of natural rubber latex and non-woven fabric, this adhesive-free pet wrap only sticks to itself. As a result, it offers a safe, comfortable, breathable way to dress wounds and protect injuries — without getting stuck in your dog’s fur. It’s also soft and super stretchy to securely wrap any body part, and it comes in a wide selection of colors and prints.

36A Pooper Scooper You Can Operate With 1 Hand

Make quick work of a poop-covered yard with this well-designed pooper scooper, which works on dirt, grass, and gravel. Pull the handle to activate the spring, opening and closing the large receptacle for single-handed use. It’s made from shatter-resistant materials that are easy to sanitize, and it has a long handle so you don’t have to bend down — but it still folds up for compact storage.

37A Universal Cover That Protects Your Back Seat

Protect your car’s upholstery from fur, scratches, dirt, and accidents, all while keeping your pet comfortable on the go. This non-slip car seat cover is compatible with most sedans, trucks, and SUVs. It secures over the headrests with its adjustable straps, covers the entire back seat in four layers of waterproof, washable fabric, and has cut-outs for seatbelts and cup holders.

38Powder That Hardens Wet Messes For Easier Clean-Up

Wet messes are definitely the worst messes to clean up, but this Sprinkle & Sweep powder is “an absolute LIFE SAVER,” according to one reviewer with three dogs. Sprinkle it over pee, runny poop, or vomit, and the non-toxic formula will absorb and harden the mess, so you can simply sweep it up and throw it out. It also tackles odors with coconut-based activated carbon, and it’s safe to use on all hard surfaces.

39A Life Jacket That Keeps Your Dog Safe In Water

When it comes to keeping your pup safe in the pool or at the beach, this shark life jacket is as adorable as it is functional. Its cotton foam is highly buoyant to keep their head above water, its Oxford fabric is quick-drying and rip-resistant, and it has three adjustable straps with quick-release buckles for the ideal fit. It also doubles as a harness thanks to its attached D-ring, and it has reflective stripes for low-light visibility.

40A Gel That Heals Wounds & Hot Spots Fast

“This stuff is BLUE BUTTER MAGIC!” raved one reviewer whose dog had a hot spot on his head ever since he was a puppy, but this anti-itch gel treatment healed it within two weeks. Developed by pet care experts, its veterinary-strength formula tackles bacteria and creates a protective barrier that prevents infection, relieves itching, and speeds up healing. It’s also great for yeast infections, ringworm, bug bites, wounds, and cuts.

41A Tug-Minimizing Bungee That Works With Any Leash

If your dog is a tugger, you don’t have to blow $100 on a no-pull vest. This Jerk-Ease bungee has a zinc clip on the bottom and a steel O-ring on the top, so it’s compatible with any collar, harness, or leash — including retractable designs. Its ultra-stretchy construction absorbs shock to minimize pulling and improve safety for both you and your pup.

42Durable Ring Toys That Float, Fly & Flex

“My dog is obsessed with these,” one reviewer wrote about these ring toys,” which “hold up really well” and “lasted soooo much longer” than anything else their 100-pound German Shephard mix put to the test. Made from flexible yet durable EVA, they’re tooth-safe for tugging, aerodynamic for playing fetch, and buoyant to float on top of water.

43A Doggy Playpen That Folds Up For Travel

Let your pup enjoy the outdoors while keeping them safe and contained. This doggy playpen comes in eight colors and small, medium, and large sizes to fit most breeds. Made from a combination of metal rods, tear-resistant Oxford fabric, and large mesh windows with zippered panels, it sets up in minutes — and when it’s time to hit the road, it breaks down and folds flat for compact travel and storage.

44A Portable Dog Water Bottle With Stellar Ratings

This portable dog water bottle has earned an average 4.7-star rating from almost 40,000 reviewers. Fill it with 19 ounces of water and put it in a cup holder or throw it in your bag. It’s impact-resistant and leakproof with a lock that stops the flow of water when you’re on the go. When your dog needs a drink, flip the lock, turn the bottle sideways, and press the button to fill the attached bowl.

45A Pet-Hair Removal Glove That Clings To Fur

Using the power of electrostatic cling, this hair-grabbing glove removes excess fur from your pet’s coat and stray hairs from your clothing, upholstery, and bed. Unlike most lint removers, it doesn’t require refills, and the glove-like design fits over your fingers and secures around your wrist, so your dog feels like they’re getting pets when they’re actually getting groomed.

46Dog-Safe Peanut Butter With Only 1 Ingredient

Contrary to popular belief, not all peanut butter is safe for dogs. Some brands contain xylitol (which is highly toxic to dogs) and added sugar, palm oil, and salt (which aren’t good for them in large amounts). Mighty Paw’s Bark'n Butter contains only one ingredient: dry roasted peanuts. It has 9 grams of protein per serving, is easy to spread on lick mats, and helps mask the taste of medication.

47A Hands-Free Leash With A Waist Belt

Safely walk, jog, or hike with your dog while keeping both of your hands free. This hands-free leash has two bungee buffers to absorb shock, reflective trim for visibility, and dual handles if you need to grab your pet. It also attaches to the included adjustable waist belt, which has two zippered pouches and a built-in dispenser for poop bags.

48A Waterproof AirTag Holder For Their Collar

Slip this Apple AirTag holder over most collars to outfit your dog with the popular tracker (not included), so you can get alerts when they leave the property, track their location on a map, and use the Find My app to get them home safely. Available in solid colors and glow-in-the-dark glitter designs, it’s made from shatter-resistant silicone with a waterproof seal for all-weather protection.

49Enzyme-Powered Detergent To Eliminate Pet Smells

Can’t get the dog smell out of your fabrics? Instead of covering it up with fragrances, this pet laundry detergent uses the power of enzymes to break down unwanted odors and stains at a molecular level. Use it on blankets, pet beds, furniture covers, clothing, and washable rugs. The powdered formula is compatible with high-efficiency washers, and this 2-pound bag lasts for up to 64 loads.

50A Potty-Training Doorbell That’s Damage-Free

Unlike most potty alert tools (which drill into your wall or stick to your door), the Tinkle Bell is totally damage-free. Just hang it over any door handle to create an instant potty-training doorbell, so your dog can let you know when they have to go out. The strap is durable while the thick metal bells are loud and melodic, and the included three-step guide shows you how to train any dog, big or small.

51A Game-Changing Tool For Dogs That Hate Baths

Bath time just got a whole lot easier. This four-in-one grooming tool includes two adapters: a hose adapter for outdoors and a shower adapter for indoors. The eight-foot hose then hooks up to a handheld sprayer with two water pressure settings, an on-off button, and silicone bristles that double as a scrubber. One reviewer called it a “game changer for dogs that hate baths.”

52Washable, Reusable Pee Pads That Look Like Rugs

Tired of blowing money on disposable pee pads or how they look? These washable training pads are much easier on your wallet — and your eyes. They look like antique rugs in your choice of several colors, patterns, and sizes, but underneath the gorgeous design, they have an absorbent, odor-controlling layer on top of a waterproof backing. They’re also washable for endless reuse.

53A Cozy, Waterproof Jacket For Inclement Weather

Keep your pup warm, dry, and cozy in inclement weather. This dog jacket has water-resistant fabric on the outside and thick, insulating fleece on the inside. It also has two adjustable straps for the ideal fit, a high-cut tummy for mess-free potty breaks, a zipper for easy dressing and removal, dual D-rings for a leash, and reflective stripes for visibility. Get it in seven sizes and nine colors.

54A Self-Warming Pet Bed That Reflects Body Heat

Instead of cords or batteries, this self-warming pet bed ensures that your dog stays cozy warm throughout the night — and you don’t have to worry about chewed wires or fire hazards. Using a combination of fluffy fabric, a carbon-infused cover, and thermal insulation, it reflects your pet’s body heat back to them, making it 16% warmer than your average blanket. It also has a removable, machine-washable cover with a zipper.

55A Tie-Out Stake That Stays Secure & Tangle-Free

Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your dog is tangle-free and safely tethered outside. The IntelliLeash Intelli-Stayk has a raised platform with a steel hook that allows for 360-degree roaming without the leash getting caught or twisted. Underneath, its chrome-plated steel base has a corkscrew-like design that anchors into most types of dirt (including soft soil) to ensure a secure hold, even when tugged.