How to Choose the Best Pet Accessories for Comfort
Curious about the easiest ways to shop for pets, accessories, and comfort accessories? Look no further.
Pets accessories have gone from luxury to necessity for animals all over the world. Pet owners understand the power of the right accessories to ensure their companions are not just surviving, but thriving. The right product could literally transform your pets’ daily routine. All that wonderment can be a bit overwhelming, especially for those of us in the market for comfort accessories.
There are so many different pet accessory brands and options out there that it can feel like drinking from a firehose. I understand. After scouring dozens of websites and online shops, I’ve come up with the easiest ways to shop for pets accessories with comfort in mind. Here’s what you can expect to learn in this quick-read guide.
- Why Pets Comfort Should Be Your Priority
- The Comfort Accessories Every Pet Needs
- How to Choose Quality Accessories that Will Last
- Shopping for Pet Accessories, Don’t Make These Mistakes!
Why Pets Comfort Should Be Your Priority
Pet comfort is not just about pampering your fuzzy, four-legged, or feathery friend. Comfort goes directly to health and overall wellbeing. Stress can severely affect your pet’s overall mood and energy levels. Keeping your animal companion as comfortable as possible is one of the best gifts you can give.
In fact, studies have shown that it’s good for pets to relax, too. Did you know that about 71% of households in the U.S. own a pet? That’s a whopping 94 million families. The market for pet owners and animal companions is at an all-time high.
Comfort accessories, then, are in high demand from all of these families. While any parent (pet or human) wants the best for their kiddos, most shoppers are not aware of all the benefits comfort accessories offer. They’re not just a nice-to-have for happy hour. Accessories and care products are meant to support comfort first, and everything else second.
Comfortable pets and accessories is a growing market. That’s why brands like Mimi Green personalized dog collars are among the best in the business.
The Comfort Accessories Every Pet Needs
Not all pets accessories are created equal. Many fall into the category of “nice-to-have”, but not essential to your pet’s happiness. Others are truly life-changing.
When it comes to comfort accessories, the following are essentials.
Quality Collars & Harnesses
The gateway to pet comfort starts right here. The wrong collar can be responsible for neck and shoulder strain, skin irritation, chafing, and poor posture. Not to mention it can make breathing difficult. Quality collars and harnesses for your pet should have a snug fit without being too tight. Materials are soft and breathable, and you should be able to slide two fingers underneath without much resistance.
Of course, the size and type of collar will depend on the individual pet. Keep their size and activity level in mind before settling on a final decision. For dogs who tend to pull on the leash, harnesses are a better alternative as they more evenly distribute weight across the chest.
Comfortable Bedding
Think about where your pet sleeps. In the average lifespan of your pet, they will spend a significant amount of time sleeping. Sleeping is when your pet gets the majority of their rest and recovery time, so this matters.
The average dog sleeps between 12 to 14 hours a day. Cats spend more time sleeping, averaging around 15-20 hours per day. For cats in particular, bedding can be the deciding factor between a good sleep and a bad sleep.
Pet bedding and mats should offer good support for joints and muscles. Orthopedic beds with extra support are ideal for older pets, as well as breeds that are prone to hip or joint problems. Memory foam beds are great, too, since they will conform to your pet’s shape to provide maximum support.
Ensure that bedding has a removable and washable cover, and launder frequently to keep your pet clean and smelling fresh.
Climate-Appropriate Accessories
Temperature regulation is the next major factor to consider when it comes to your pet’s comfort. This is why in the summer, so many pets seem to run towards their cooling mats and snuggle in breathable blankets and beds. In the winter, heated beds and sweaters are a godsend. The right accessories can make all the difference for your pet’s comfort.
This is especially true for pets with short hair. A few coats on a dog or cat can help them stay warm in colder weather, while cooling bandanas and towels work well in hot climates. Temperature fluctuations can be tough on senior pets, too.
How to Choose Quality Accessories that Will Last
The biggest frustration…
Low-quality pet accessories are everywhere. Cheap materials, poor craftsmanship, and toxic dyes are an all-too-common theme for budget items. Why waste money on accessories that break or wear out after a few weeks?
Spotting quality accessories is all in the details. Follow these tips to ensure you buy the best.
Check the Materials
Pay special attention to the material list in the product description. Natural fabrics like cotton, leather, or hemp are better than synthetics in most cases. These are also better for your pet’s skin and safety in the event they decide to chomp on the collar or bed.
Materials that are best avoided are those with:
- Sharp edges, hardware, or poorly finished construction
- Toxic or chemical-heavy dyes
- Materials that trap heat or over-insulate pets
- Weak or loose stitching
Think About Your Pet
Pets are not all created equal.
An older dog needs different accessories from a puppy, a short-haired cat has different needs from a long-haired, etc. Age, size, breed, and any health conditions will all factor into the types of comfort accessories your pet needs.
Ideally, custom or personalized options are best as they will be tailored exactly to your pet’s needs and measurements.
Read Reviews
The most valuable resource for buying any pet accessory is other pet parents.
Reviews can give you an idea of durability, comfort level, and how the animal reacted to the product. Customer photos and questions are especially helpful for identifying quality issues.
Shopping for Pet Accessories, Don’t Make These Mistakes!
Even the most well-intentioned of pet owners make these mistakes.
Style Over Function
A cute collar is useless if it causes neck pain or other injuries. Comfort and function are number one, style is number two.
Size Guidelines
Another common issue is buying accessories based on the standard breed size rather than your actual pet’s size. Animals all have different builds and proportions, and it is important to measure your pet before buying any items that must fit snugly.
Buy the Cheapest
Budgets are a reality of life, but pet accessory safety should always come first. Cheap accessories tend to have low-quality materials, have sharp edges or toxic dyes, and wear out fast. Collars that break in the middle of a walk could lose your pet. Beds that sag or flatten over time provide no support.
Invest in quality items that will last. It will be worth the money in the long run.
Maintenance
Comfort accessories for pets require maintenance and regular inspections.
Dirty bedding can lead to bacterial and parasite infections. Broken collars can develop weak points or sharp edges. Inspect your pet’s accessories, too, and replace them when the time comes.
Wrapping Things Up
Shopping for pet comfort accessories doesn’t have to be so difficult. With the right resources and a bit of patience, you can find the perfect products for your furry friend.
The Pet Accessories Market is predicted to reach $21.9 billion in 2024 for a reason. Pet owners have spoken, and are demanding the best when it comes to caring for their animal companions. They know the investment of top-of-the-line accessories, accessories, and care products translate to better health and a happier pet.
To recap, the most important takeaways include:
- Comfort is more important than style
- Quality of materials and construction are vital
- Buy for your pet, not the breed standard
- Read reviews from real pet owners
- Maintenance is key
Start with the basic essentials like collars, bedding, and climate-appropriate gear. Add from there based on your pet’s reaction. Their health and comfort should always be your number one priority.
As a pet owner, your pets, accessories and care deserve the best, and shopping for that should be simple.
