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When I began preparing to bring home my first dog, I spent a lot of time looking at cute collars and leashes, the trendiest dog toys, and “aesthetic” bedding, grooming supplies, and dog bowls. It’s easy to get lost in the world of dog products because so much of the market caters to trendy, “aesthetic”, items that are built to look cute, not built to last. Now, 7 years into my dog mom career, I’ve come to learn what is an actual necessity for dog ownership and what is just a fad, and not at all practical.
Today, I’m sharing my dog mom essentials: 5 products that I actually use every week (and sometimes every day!). These aren’t trendy purchases, they’re products that actually survive zoomies, shedding season, muddy paws, and the rest of the not-so-glamorous side of dog mom-ing.
1. A Heavy-Duty Vacuum That Can Handle Husky Fur
Not only am I a dog mom, I’m a husky mom, and with two Siberian Huskies the shedding is endless. While a high quality vacuum is ideal for any dog owner (because all dogs shed to some degree. Yes, even the doodles), if you’re the proud pet parent of a double coated dog like I am, you know how important a heavy-duty vacuum really is.
I vacuum multiple times a week, sometimes daily, and having a vacuum that doesn’t clog or lose suction is non-negotiable for the sake of my sanity.
I have the Shark Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum and it is a life saver for keeping my floors and furniture dog hair free.
2. Enrichment Toys (Not Just Regular Toys)
With a high-energy breed like a husky, walks alone aren’t going to cut it. My dogs need a ton of mental stimulation to tire them out. Lick mats, snuffle mats, and treat puzzles are on rotation constantly in our house.
Enrichment toys are an essential because:
- They reduce boredom (which prevents destructive behavior!)
- They provide my dogs the stimulation they need to feel fulfilled and happy
- And they give me 20 minutes of peace!
When my huskies are mentally tired, the whole house feels calmer and we’re all able to relax.
3. A Good Grooming Brush
I went through SO many different types of brushes before finding one that actually works for my Siberian Huskies.
Huskies are unique because they’re double coated. This means that they have an undercoat underneath their top layer of fur. This undercoat can get matted easily and is where the majority of their shedding comes from. Using a deshedding tool weekly (and more frequently during shedding seasons) makes a massive difference in their comfort level and also the amount of fur they leave all over my house.
I’ve had the most success using a metal wide tooth comb to de-shed my huskies. I find that it is able to really reach their undercoat (unlike a surface brush) while not ripping their fur (like a Furminator).
Proper grooming tools are important for any dog breed to keep their skin and coat healthy and prevent matting which will cause major discomfort for your dog.
4. Durable Leashes & Harnesses
Huskies are strong, fast, and selective listeners. I quickly learned the hard way that cheap gear was not going to cut it. To make walking my dogs easier on all of us, I invest in high quality and durable leashes and harnesses.
It’s important to note that all dogs are different, and the gear that works for one dog won’t necessarily work for the next. You may have to try several different brands and types of walking gear before you find something that works.
While there is a ton of cute dog gear on the market, it’s important to remember that safety and control is more important than aesthetics.
5. A Designated Dog Station
I recently bought my first house and one of the first things I knew I wanted to do was create a designated dog station, and it has changed everything.
I bought a second-hand piece of furniture from a thrift store and created my “dog cabinet”. This cabinet holds all of my supplements, poop bags, extra bowls, grooming tools, and pretty much anything else dog related that I own. This has made it insanely easy to find everything I need before a walk, spa day, or training session and is also great to keep clutter to a minimum.
When you’re a multi-dog household, being organized really makes a difference.
While some may call me “extra”, it’s not about doing the most for show. My goal is to create a home where my dogs can thrive, and I’m not losing my mind in the process.
These 5 essentials aren’t glamorous, they’re practical. And they make daily life with two huskies manageable.
