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If You Own A Dog, These 55 Clever Things Are Life-Changing

Go fetch these useful picks ASAP.

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

If you own a dog, you’re all too familiar with both the love you get from them and the never-ending effort that goes into their care. Case in point: My Maltese mixes are particular about everything from their poop schedules to their food preferences. Thankfully, giving them the nurturing they need doesn’t have to feel like a chore thanks to the brilliant, useful items below. These life-changing picks keep your pups clean, comfortable, hydrated, and entertained, all with less stress and effort for you.

01An Nonslip Food Mat That Absorbs Spills In Seconds

Since it’s made from highly absorbent material with a nonslip rubber backing, this feeding mat seriously reduces messes during mealtime. Spills soak into the fabric in as few as five seconds and disappear without staining. Better yet, it comes in five sizes and five colors to suit your pet and your home.

02Finger Pads For Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears With Just A Swipe

These cleansing ear wipes fit over your finger so you can easily clean the inside of your dog’s ears, preventing unwanted odors and possibly infections. They’re hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, infused with aloe for hydration, and textured to grab onto build up and residue. You can also use them on bunnies and cats.

  • Available styles: 2

03A Wildly Popular Dog Water Bottle With A Built-In Bowl

Whether you’re taking your dog on a quick hike or a cross-country road trip, this portable water bottle is a must have. It features a leak-proof and lightweight design but the star of the show is unique lid. Just hold it sideways and press the button to fill the attached bowl with water, using the same button to drain any extra water back into the bottle when they’re done. Amazon users are obsessed with this bottle, over 39,000 of whom have weighed in to give it a stellar 4.7-star overall rating.

  • Available styles: 5

04A Powder That Hardens Wet Messes For Easy Cleaning

This sprinkle-and-sweep cleanup powder made one dog-owning reviewer ask, “Where has this been all my life?” Just sprinkle the powder onto wet messes on hard surfaces; it’ll harden pee, poop, and vomit into a manageable consistency so you can easily sweep it away with the included brush and dustpan. As an added bonus, it’s infused with essential oils and carbon to help deodorize the mess.

05A Waterproof Trunk Liner To Keep Your Car Clean & Your Dog Comfy

Turn your trunk into a travel nook for your dog with this cargo liner. Since it snaps around the headrests of your back seats, it’s compatible with most trucks and SUVs. It’s made from a padded, washable fabric with a waterproof liner and a nonslip backing, creating a sturdy barrier that makes accidents easier to detail with. This way, your dog stays comfortable and your vehicle stays clean.

  • Available styles: 2

06Rinse-Free Fur Foam That Removes Compacted Clumps

If you have a dog with long fur, especially in the “pants” area, this no-rinse dog shampoo is a must for getting stuck-on poop out of their tails without hassle and in record time. The foaming formula loosens up debris so you can wipe it off, and since it’s non-irritating with no harsh ingredients, you don’t have to rinse it out right away.

07A Washable Couch Cover That’s Actually Cute

Get this couch cover in five sizes and four checkered color options for a home upgrade. It’s soft, plush, and nonslip to comfort your pet — but it’s also washable to keep your home clean and cute so you don’t have to compromise on style. “It was love at first sniff!” one reviewer wrote. “My dog loves soft things and this was perfect for the couch.”

  • Available styles: 4

08Textured, Chewy Treats That Clean Teeth & Freshen Breath

Your dog thinks they’re getting a delicious treat — and they are — but these Dentastix treats are more than just a tasty reward. They’re also designed to clean dogs’ teeth, freshen their breath, and reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar thanks to the chewy texture that pulls away buildup. This variety pack comes with three flavors (beef, chicken, and fresh mint), and they’re suitable for large breeds over 40 pounds.

  • Available styles: 8

09An Engaging Ball That Makes A Giggling Sound As It Rolls

If your dog gets bored with toys easily, this giggle ball provides engaging, interactive solo play. The interior tubes create enticing giggle sounds when rolled or shaken, no batteries required. And since it’s made from durable vinyl, it can stand up to wear and tear. “An absolute hit in our house!” one reviewer wrote. “From my 12-year-old senior pup to our 10-week-old puppy, every single dog is obsessed with it.”

  • Available styles: 5

10A Hammock That Contains & Cradles Pets For Easy Grooming

“I adopted a rescue dog and was dreading cutting her nails,” wrote one reviewer who decided to give this grooming hammock a go and loved it, adding, “It made the process so much easier for both of us!” Made from breathable air-mesh fabric with reinforced stitching and metal clasps, it helps you suspend your pet from a rod or pull-up bar for calmer, simpler grooming. It also comes in five colors and eight sizes, all of which include a comb, clippers, and a file.

  • Available sizes: 2XS — 2XL
  • Available styles: 5

11Jingling Bells Your Dog Can Ring For Potty Breaks

These dog doorbells snap around most doorknobs and use metal jingle bells on a 24-inch strap as a potty training tool. Just tap the bells and take them outside to teach them the association. Pretty soon, they’ll be ringing them on their own to let you know they need to go out. “Saved us from many accidents inside,” wrote one reviewer who said this training tool is “very sturdy” and their puppy “learned very quickly.”

12An Interactive Puzzle Toy That Dispenses A Frozen Treat

Fill the Chilly Penguin with broth, wet dog food, peanut butter, or yogurt. Then, put it in the freezer for a few hours before giving it to your pup. The rounded base wobbles and the vanilla-scented rubber slowly releases the treat as they lick and play, keeping them entertained, focused, and engaged for much longer than your average dog toy.

  • Available sizes: Small — Medium/Large
  • Available styles: 2

13Freezable Bandana Collars That Keep Your Dog Cool

Yes, these ice collar bandanas look adorable on your pup (especially since they come in four cute prints), but they’re also surprisingly functional. Wet them, wring them out, and put them in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep your dog cool in hot weather. They’re machine washable and the 20-inch foldable design fits both big and small dogs.

  • Available styles: 2

14A Bowl Insert That Creates “Speed Bumps” To Slow Down Eating

Made from easy-to-clean silicone that you can sanitize in the dishwasher, this puzzle feeder insert has a flexible wavy design that creates compartments your dog will have to navigate and lick around. This slows eating and helps to reduce the risk of choking and throwing up. It’s compatible with most medium-sized pet bowls, but it’s also structured enough for use on its own.

  • Available styles: 5

15A Hands-Free Dog Leash That Comes With A Bonus Storage Pouch

Runners, hikers, and dog walkers rejoice: This hands-free dog leash snaps around your waist with an adjustable strap and has a shock-absorbing bungee leash to prevent pulling, choking, and discomfort. It also doubles as a fanny pack to hold your phone and poop bags. For enhanced safety, it even has a reflective strip to keep you visible in the dark.

  • Available styles: 6

16A Gadget That Turns Plastic Bottles Into Portable Showers

With tiny perforations that create a wide, gentle spray of water, this silicone shower attachment turns almost any 2-liter plastic bottle into a portable dog shower. Since it’s compact and portable, it’s super convenient for hiking, camping, muddy walks, and the beach — and it’s dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing when you get home. Just tip and squeeze the bottle to get the water flowing.

17Grooming Gloves That Turn Your Hands Into Scrub Brushes

De-shed, scrub, and massage your pet at the same time with these grooming gloves. Available in three sizes and five colors, they’re made from waterproof silicone with thousands of soft bristles to remove dirt, residue, and extra fur while keeping your hands clean. They’re also heat resistant, so you can sterilize them with boiling water after bath time.

  • Available sizes: Medium — X-Large
  • Available styles: 5

18A Cooling Blanket That Wicks Away Your Pet’s Body Heat

Not all dogs like plush, warm blankets — especially if they have tons of fur — which is where this cooling dog blanket comes in. It still protects your furniture thanks to its fur-resistant, washable design, but it’s also covered in dual-sided cooling fabric that absorbs your pet’s body heat to help regulate their temperature.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available styles: 5

19A Cute Dog Harness That Doubles As A Backpack

You can get this cute dog backpack in multiple sizes and three designs: green frog, blue shark, and pink pig. It fits and functions as a harness thanks to its adjustable mesh fabric and two metal D-rings that attach to leashes, but it also provides you with extra storage to hold treats, poop bags, toys, and more in a zippered pouch.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — Large
  • Available styles: 3

20A Puzzle Toy That Tests Your Dog’s Intelligence

A slow feeder and an IQ trainer in one, this puzzle toy tests your dog’s intelligence with two difficulty levels. For level one, place food or treats in the surrounding boxes and watch as your dog opens them one by one. For level two, place rewards in the center button, which your dog then presses to dispense food into the individual boxes.

21An Adorable Alternative To The Cone Of Shame

Ditch the cone of shame and opt for this donut collar instead. For one, it looks like a donut with sprinkles, so it’s downright adorable. For another, it’s inflatable with a soft outer fabric to keep your pup comfortable while they sleep, eat, and play — all while preventing them from licking their wounds after an injury or surgery.

  • Available sizes: XS — XXL
  • Available styles: 14

22Foam Stairs That Make Scaling Furniture More Comfortable

With rounded steps to accommodate small legs, these dog stairs help your pup get up onto furniture without hurting themselves. They’re made from lightweight, high-density foam that cushions your dog’s joints and come with a grippy cover that zips off so you can wash it in the machine. No wonder it has an overall 4.7-star rating from over 1,000 reviewers.

  • Available styles: 2

23A Lick-Safe Paw Balm That Hydrates With Avocado Butter & More

Soothe hot spots, moisturize dry or cracked skin, minimize unwanted odors, and encourage healing with this paw balm. It’s an all-natural wax with ingredients like coconut oil, manuka honey, and avocado butter, all of which absorb fast to keep your dog’s paws healthy and hydrated. It comes in stick form for mess-free application, and best of all, it’s non-harmful if ingested.

24A Dual-Sided Tool That Squeezes & Scoops Ticks Away

This tick remover tool has fine-tipped tweezers on one end and a slotted scoop on the other for removing ticks of all sizes and levels of engorgement. Simply grasp the tick and gently pull it upward with steady pressure. This tool is made from stainless steel for durability and sanitation and is safe to use on both humans and pets.

25A Leash Attachment That Keeps Poop Bags At The Ready

Thanks to this leash attachment, you’ll never be without a poop bag again. It’s spacious enough to hold up to six rolls (or other pet essentials like wipes and water bottles) and has a built-in dispenser for easy access. It also boasts a carabiner clip and velcro straps so you can attach it to a leash, dog bag, belt loop, or harness.

  • Available styles: 5

26A Stretchy Seatbelt That’s Secure Without Being Too Restrictive

Made from rip-stop nylon with a built-in bungee cord, this dog seatbelt aims to keep your pup safer in the car by securing them while allowing for a comfortable range of motion. It’s also length-adjustable with a steel buckle that universally fits most seatbelt latches. It’s impressed shoppers as well, as it’s earned an overall 4.7-star rating from more than 4,000 reviewers.

  • Available styles: 2

27Pink Eye Drops That Come In An Easy-To-Dose Squeeze Bottle

Since he’s prone to allergies, my dog is constantly getting eye infections, and this pink eye solution has saved us from expensive vet bills countless times over. A few drops, and the goop and redness is gone by morning. They’re nontoxic and steroid free, plus the squeeze bottle makes them super easy to administer — even on my temperamental pup.

28A Pooper Scooper I Use To Pick Up The Whole Yard

I use this Arm & Hammer pooper scooper to clean up the entire yard in record time and without bending down. Made from durable materials that you can rinse clean with the hose, the bin swivels for easy pickup on any surface and the rake extends up to 32 inches for comfortable use. This set also includes two heavy-duty waste bags that line the bin, so you can just tie them up and throw them out.

  • Available styles: 2

29A Stylish Tote With Dog-Friendly Features

While it looks like a stylish bag, this carrier purse has several dog-friendly features, including a harness clip, a padded interior, a structured base, and a curved cutout for their head. It’s also machine washable with comfortable straps and storage pockets for both of your essentials. This compact tote is safe to use for dogs up to 15 pounds.

  • Available styles: 7

30Bristled Caps That Turn Your Fingers Into Dog Toothbrushes

Stick one of these dog toothbrushes on your finger and start scrubbing to remove plaque and tartar, freshen breath, and boost dental hygiene. The set of eight includes brush heads with both soft silicone and more rugged nylon bristles, depending on how deep of a cleaning you’re after. Many shoppers appreciate the improved maneuverability, one of whom wrote, “So much easier than using a regular dog toothbrush, especially on a smaller dog.”

31A UV Flashlight That Reveals Hidden Pet Stains

If you can’t seem to find the source of unwanted odors, this flashlight can help. Using a UV blacklight, it highlights stains from pee and other pet messes, so you can finally tackle them once and for all. It also comes with a AA battery and an adhesive mount, so you can stick it to the top of your stain-remover bottle.

32Chicken-Flavored Treats That Are Safer Than Rawhide

A safer and healthier alternative to rawhide, these twist sticks are easier to digest and come in two flavors: chicken and cheesy bacon. They’re made from a combination of real meat and vegetables, infused with minerals for nutrition, and have a dense texture that cleans their teeth while they chew. Most importantly, “my picky dogs love these,” wrote one of almost 30,000 five-star reviewers.

  • Available styles: 2

33A Freezable Gel-Lined Bowl That Keeps Water Cold

Like your favorite reusable water bottle, the Polar bowl is made from double-walled stainless steel to keep your pet’s water cold and fresh — even in the backyard on a hot summer day. It also has a freezeable, nontoxic gel core that retains temperature to keep the bowl’s contents chilly for hours — way longer than individual ice cubes.

34A Calming Spray That Soothes Dogs With Herbal Ingredients

Reviewers use this calming spray to soothe separation anxiety, stop crate crying, and relax their dogs before car rides or vet visits. The formula’s herbal ingredients include valerian root, chamomile, and rosemary oil, all of which aim to ease your dog’s nervous system. One shopper called it a “huge lifesaver” — especially for dogs who refuse edible options.

  • Available styles: 7

35An Absorbent Door Mat That Traps Mud, Dirt & Moisture

This dog door mat has earned an overall 4.5-star rating from more than 12,000 reviewers, one of whom called it a lifesaver and raved, “I’m buying them for every entrance into my house!” The chenille fibers trap moisture, snow, mud, dirt, and sand, while the rubber base is thick and nonslip. Better yet, the whole thing is machine-washable for easy upkeep.

  • Available styles: 45

36Recording-Enabled Buttons That Help Your Dog Communicate

If you’ve ever wished you could teach your dog to talk, these communication buttons might just be the next best thing. Record custom messages up to 30 seconds long and reinforce the sound of the button with a corresponding action. This way, your dog can learn to ask for exactly what they want.

37A Height-Adjustable Hurdle Set For Agility Training

Use this hurdle set to train your dog, hone their agility, improve their coordination, and encourage exercise. The set includes a storage bag, six detachable rods, and 12 cones with multiple cutouts so you can adjust the height of the hurdles. Despite the “awesome price,” they “hold together” and are “easy to set up and take out,” one reviewer wrote.

38A Pheromone Diffuser Designed To Help Your Dog Calm Down

It’s odorless to humans, but this relaxing diffuser plugs into an outlet and releases calming pheromones that aim to reduce barking, separation anxiety, and destructive behaviors in dogs. “The difference is truly remarkable,” one reviewer wrote. “After a week, he's like a different dog. He's more relaxed, playful, and even seems more confident.”

  • Available styles: 2

39A Metallic Dog Coat That’s Fresh & Functional

“Perfect for my diva dog!” one reviewer wrote about this dog coat, which is both bold and practical. Available in six bright or metallic colors, it makes a stylish statement while the polar fleece lining keeps your dog warm and cozy. For added functionality, the exterior is waterproof and wind resistant for inclement weather, too.

  • Available sizes: Small — XXX-Large
  • Available styles: 6

40Protective Dog Boots That Stay Put With Secure Velcro Straps

Snow, dirt, rocks, hot pavement — these dog boots protect your baby’s feet from all of the aforementioned and more. They have soft, waterproof material on top, a thick, textured sole on the bottom, and highly adjustable velcro straps for a secure fit. “These are the only shoes that not only fit him, but stay on,” wrote one of over 8,500 five-star reviewers.

  • Available sizes: Size 1 — Size 8
  • Available styles: 5

41A Color-Changing Mat That Lowers Your Dog’s Body Temperature

Place this cooling mat on the couch, on the floor, in the car, or in your dog’s crate or bed. Its color-changing fabric goes from deep blue to light blue as it absorbs and wicks heat, lowering your pet’s body temperature by up to 6 degrees. It’s also waterproof in case of accidents and washable for easy cleaning. “This thing is a miracle for my husky who has the misfortune of living in the desert,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available styles: 2

42A Rake-Like Tool That Tackles Both Matting & Shedding

This undercoat brush has a two-in-one design that helps you both de-matt and de-shed your dog with the same tool. Its stainless steel head has nine rounded blades on one side and 14 cutting blades on the other, all of which are easy to clean and designed for safe, painless use. “A must have for grooming long-haired fur-babies,” one reviewer wrote.

43Highly Rated AirTag Holders That Slip Onto Your Dog’s Collar

If your fur baby is an escape artist, these AirTag holders help you track your dog using Apple technology. Slip the tracker into the rounded nook and slide the holder onto their collar. These clips are made from soft silicone, so they’re comfortable to wear while keeping the AirTag relatively free from dirt, moisture, and damage.

  • Available styles: 12

44A Tempting Flirt Pole To Help Your Dog Burn Off Energy

This flirt pole is made from aluminum parts that detach for easy storage but are still simple to screw together when it’s playtime. It also has a length-adjustable rope and comes with two attachable toys, one of which squeaks. Better yet, everything fits in the included pouch. “Excellent, quick way to burn off energy,” wrote one reviewer who added, “after a high-energy play session, all she does is sleep.”

45A Cooling Splash Pad With Sprinkler Streams For Added Fun

No pool? No problem. This splash pad keeps your pups cool, hydrated, and entertained throughout the hot summer months. Connect it to your hose and adjust the water pressure to change the height of the sprinklers. It’s made from thick, puncture-resistant PVC and it’s shallow enough for small dogs, too.

  • Available styles: 3

46Convenient Shampoo Bars Designed To Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin

Designed for dogs with allergies, these shampoo bars are infused with lavender essential oil and oatmeal to nourish dry, itchy skin. Even though they’re sulfate free, they still cleanse their coat and neutralize unwanted odors. And since they come in a cardboard box, they’re eco-friendly, free from plastic, and convenient to take on the go without fear of leaks.

47A Double-Sided Backpack Ideal For Longer Walks & Hikes

When you’re planning to spend a bit longer away from home than usual, this doggy backpack makes it easy to store extra reserves of your favorite essentials, from water bottles to treats. The balanced design features two pouches on either side (one with a poop bag dispenser) connected by an adjustable harness with D-rings in the center for easy leash attachment. And since it’s reflective, it helps provide enhanced visibility at night.

  • Available sizes: Medium — Large
  • Available styles: 5

48A Snuffle Mat That Engages Their Foraging Instincts

For active dogs who crave stimulation, this snuffle mat keeps them locked in during feeding time. Hide their food inside the various puzzles to slow eating, enhance brain stimulation, get out their energy, and engage their natural foraging instincts. Since it’s made from soft felt, it’s quiet and washable, plus it rolls up for convenient storage.

49A Waterproof Soccer Ball With Straps For Easy Fetching

This soccer ball is designed to keep your pet entertained (especially outside) for as long as possible — and according to buyers, it works. “Best money ever spent [for] hours of fun,” wrote one reviewer who has three dogs. It’s durable and waterproof with built-in straps so they can easily grab it or play tug of war. And since it comes in four cute designs and four sizes for various breeds, you’re bound to find one that works for your pup.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available styles: 4

50Classic, Sturdy Dog Bowls That Reviewers Love

Don’t be fooled by their simplicity, because these dog bowls have earned an overall 4.6-star rating from nearly 1,300 reviewers for a reason. One reviewer even went so far as to call them the “best dog bowls ever.” They’re made from stainless steel that’s durable, rust resistant, and dishwasher safe. On the bottom, they’re lined with a nonslip silicone bottom to prevent spills, tipping, and messes, making them convenient for both of you.

  • Available sizes: Small — Large

51An Electric Nail File With A Quiet Motor To Keep Dogs Calm

If your dog hates getting their nails clipped, this electric nail file could be a cheap, easy alternative. It’s rechargeable with two speed settings and a quiet motor for more customized and less stressful grooms. Thanks to the long-lasting diamond bit, it’ll shorten pets’ nails without cracking, creating rough edges, or damaging the quick, too.

52A Plush Pet Blanket For Cuddling, Napping & More

“My dog is obsessed,” wrote one reviewer who said that this fuzzy pet blanket is “so soft” and the “quality is very good.” It comes in several plush, textured patterns like stripes, hearts, and dots as well as many stylish colors. Plus, the jacquard fleece material is luxe, washable, and protective all at the same time.

  • Available sizes: XXS — XXL
  • Available styles: 14

53A Fleece Sweater That’s Warm, Stretchy & Reflective

Keep your dog cozy in cold weather with this fleece sweater, which is made from highly elastic velvet with front leg cuffs and a high-cut belly for a comfortable fit. The insulated material and reflective strips are helpful safety features for regulating temperature and enhancing visibility, too. “Stretchy enough to get on and off without a struggle, and snug against her chest,” wrote one reviewer who’s “hugely appreciative of the hook for her leash.”

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available styles: 2

54A Grooming Kit That Saves Time & Money

This grooming kit “is an amazing purchase that saves us so much time and money,” wrote one reviewer who has two toy poodles and a cat. It comes with five professional attachments to brush, de-shed, and trim fur. It also collects the pet hair like a vacuum in its 2-liter dust cup, so it doesn’t end up all over your house.

55An Orthopedic Bed That Supports & Spoils Your Dog

Sold in tons of colors and sizes to accommodate pets of all breeds, this orthopedic bed is made from high-density, pressure-relieving foam that supports your dog. It also has a four-sided bolster that envelopes them in comfort for a downright luxe experience. Its machine-washable cover and waterproof liner to keep the bed clean and fresh, too.

  • Available styles: 34