Our Favorite Product Recommendations We Trust
Practical tools that help prevent common (and costly) dog problems
I only recommend products I personally use, trust, or would confidently choose for my own dog, Henry. These tools focus on prevention, safety, comfort, and enrichment, not trends or unnecessary purchases.
With the pet industry being nearly $160 billion, there are a lot of products to review. So, we take our time to make sure that it meets our standards.
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Calm, Comfort & Emotional Support
Heartbeat Toy
This helps prevent anxiety-driven behaviors by providing comfort during stressful events like fireworks, transitions, or time alone.
Lick Mat
A lick mat can be surprisingly helpful in preventing stress-related behaviors by encouraging calm, focused licking, which naturally lowers anxiety and promotes relaxation. Useful during bathing, grooming, crate time, or loud events. One with suction cups is very handy for bathtime or if your pup is a full-on licker, like Henry, it keeps it from moving all over the floor.
View Henry’s favorite lick mats
Cuddle Bed
This helps prevent restlessness and poor sleep by giving dogs a secure, supportive place to relax. Especially helpful for anxious dogs or dogs that seek pressure comfort.
View Henry’s favorite cuddle bed
Calming Mushroom Treats
This helps prevent stress escalation during predictable triggers like storms, fireworks, or travel. Best used proactively, not as a last resort.
View the calming mushroom treats that work for Henry
Crate
A dog crate can help prevent anxiety while supporting calm independence. Henry LOVES his crate. It’s where he will retreat whenever he feels anxious. It’s really one thing we couldn’t go without. But a crate needs to be introduced properly and not used as punishment or a form of confinement.
View the crate that Henry loves
Hydration, Shade & Heat Safety
Water Fountain
I’ve been shocked at how much more Henry drinks from a water fountain. A great way to encourage drinking and prevent dehydration.
View the water fountain that Henry uses daily and loves
Cooling Vest
I’m amazed how much a cooling vest helps prevent overheating and heat exhaustion, especially for dogs that struggle with temperature regulation. Henry is so much more comfortable during hot days with a cooling vest. It also helps him when he gets overheated from anxiety.
View the type of cooling vest that works well for Henry
Shade Solutions
A simple way to help prevent heat stress is by giving dogs a safe, shaded outdoor rest area. This can be done with a basic umbrella. You and your dog will love it.
View shade options you’ll love
Dental Care That Can Reduce Vet Costs
Dental Spray
I can’t express how much I’ve been impressed with this dental spray. It helps prevent plaque buildup and dental disease, reducing the likelihood of costly professional cleanings or dental procedures. Henry hasn’t even needed a professional cleaning.
View the dental spray that is working wonders for Henry
Yard Safety, Walking & Containment Support
Coyote Rollers
This is such a great invention! Coyote rollers help prevent your dog from fence jumping and escaping by removing traction at the top of your fence. It often means avoiding expensive fence modifications. Also, coyote rollers can help keep predators out of your yard and even help keep your kitty in your yard.
View the coyote rollers I always recommend
Harness (with front and back hooks)
A great harness helps prevent neck strain, pulling-related injuries (front hook), and escape risks during walks. A good harness improves control without discomfort. I also love a handle on the back for quick pick-ups or refocusing (and yes, even for big dogs a gentle tug and work wonders). One that has built in reflection is pawsome!
View the harness that works great for Henry
Vibrate Collar (Non-Shock)
A vibrate collar helps prevent unsafe behaviors by allowing gentle redirection during recall or boundary training without using shock. It’s been a game-changer for Henry, helping him learn boundaries and redirect him when he starts to wander after a scent.
View the vibrate collar I love for Henry
Identification & Lost Dog Prevention
Microchip & ID Tags
I was pleasantly relieved to learn on Henry’s first vet visit that he was microchipped. Having your dog chipped with a clear and readable ID tag can help reunite your dog if you should become separated.
View the ID tag I use for Henry
Why We Include These Products in Our Recommendations
Most costly dog problems don’t start as emergencies.
They build slowly from stress, boredom, anxiety, lack of structure, or small safety gaps.
These tools and products all help support:
- Calm behavior
- Safe routines
- Emotional regulation
- Fewer emergencies and avoidable expenses
They work best when paired with awareness and enrichment, which is exactly what this book I wrote teaches.
Do you have recommendations?
If you have a product you think we would love, then send us an email with the subject line “recommendations.” Simply go to our contact page (make sure to use my name, or it’ll get deleted).
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