You might accidentally be hurting your dog if you're doing any of these common things

“Bored dogs often create their entertainment, which will not be good for you or your household. Dogs always need 10 to 12 toys available,” Burgess explains, adding, “You should also have another four to five toys that you keep hidden. Rotate the toys once a week.” And if that sounds like an overwhelming number of items, these no-stuffing toys are a great place to start. This variety pack comes with five enticing animals, all with crinkling bodies and heads that squeak for lots of stimulation. And because they’re made without stuffing, you won’t be cleaning up fluffy carnage if they chew them up.

When pups are showing signs of stress, these calming dental sticks can help. According to Julie Burgess, Certified Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA, CVT, at Senior Tail Waggers, “As many as two out of three dogs display signs of anxiety, according to a new study from the University of Helsinki in Finland. I had a very fearful dog named Maya who encouraged me to become a dog trainer. [...] We used environmental and behavior management and medication to keep her calm.” This particular brand of supplements uses soothing ingredients like hemp, melatonin, and chamomile to enhance relaxation. They’re also great for dogs’ gums and teeth, too. Use them before vet visits, fireworks, or any other stressful situation.

If left too long, dental issues can cause a whole host of problems for dogs, so stop them before they start with this water additive. It can help prevent tartar and plaque, all while reducing bacteria that can lead to bad breath. It doesn’t require any brushing, either; just add a teaspoon of the additive to one cup of your dog’s water.

Help soothe your pup and give them a cozy place to sleep at the same time with this calming dog bed. It has raised sides — a bit like a donut — so that dogs can nestle in and feel protected. It’s made from a plush shag fabric for extra comfort and it’s machine washable, too. Reviewers adore this bed, with over 17,000 Amazon users giving it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.

• Available colors: 11

Entertainment can come in many shapes and sizes, and this dog food puzzle proves it. “Food puzzles are great because you can put treats in them to have your dog find using their amazing nose,” Burgess says. This model features several sliding and rotating panels under which you can stash treats. It also has an engaging button in the middle that makes a sound when your pup presses it.

And if you’re looking for a little hands-on relaxation, look no further than this pet massager. This method of calming is expert-approved, as Burgess explains, “Owners often tell me they don’t want to coddle their dog when they’re fearful. I tell them you can’t reinforce fear, so it’s better to try to soothe your dog through exercise, gently petting, massage, using a sound machine, or finding a safe place in your home.” This battery-operated massager is easy to grip and features flexible nodes that won’t snag in your pup’s fur. It automatically rotates for slow, soothing movement that won’t tire out your hands.

“Toys that you can stuff like Kongs work well,” Burgess advises, suggesting you use canned dog food, yogurt, xylitol-free peanut butter, canned sweet potatoes, or applesauce. This gives them the benefit of chewing as they would with other toys, but also the added challenge of having to reach the hidden treat within. Since it’s dishwasher and freezer safe, you can even freeze the Kong and its contents, so your pup will have to focus even harder to get their reward.

The dangers of eating too quickly for dogs are many, from choking to bloat, so if this is an issue for your pup, you may want to grab this slow feeder bowl to help them pace themselves. It’s made from durable ceramic and has ridges throughout that prevent your pup from scarfing things down, instead forcing them to eat around the obstacles more purposefully. The back has a nonstick coating for extra stability, too.

• Available colors: 8

Another way to slow down eating, whether it’s treats or kibble, is this adorable snuffle mat. In this setup, the food is concealed in the soft, felt-like fringe, so your dog will have to use their sense of smell to root them out and earn their snack. You can use the drawstring to manipulate the structure depending on whether your dog prefers more of a flat mat or a rounded bowl.

• Available colors: 3

Help your doggy help themselves with this anti-itch balm. It’s formulated with natural and organic ingredients like chamomile, cocoa butter, almond oil, and vitamin E to soothe irritated and itchy areas, while nourishing skin. And since it’s a balm, it isn’t at all messy to apply — just gently swipe it on.

Aaron Rice, founder of Stayyy Dog Training explains, “Many of us are not aware that certain daily habits could be harmful to our pups.” An example he notes? Giving them leftover human food. If you’re guilty of feeding your pup from the table, switch to these chicken jerky dog treats that are specially formulated for dogs but are still way more enticing than kibble or other dry treats. They’re made from real chicken breast and are safe to feed dogs across their lifespan.

Rice also recommends against retractable leashes, which under some circumstances can cause friction burns if they retract too quickly, as the fast-spinning mechanism can be difficult to control. This dual-handle leash, on the other hand, gives you length options but with less risk. The 6-foot lead has an additional handle closer to the collar clip, so you can keep your pup close by in traffic or when they get excited to meet another dog. It’s made from durable nylon with neoprene-coated handles for a comfortable grip.

“Pushing your pup to exercise too hard or in extreme weather conditions causes serious health problems,” Rice explains, so enlist the help of this indoor dog ball instead. The ball is coated in chenille fringe which makes it soft to the touch and gentle on your floors and furniture. It still retains its bounce, however, ensuring it’s just as engaging as outdoor fetch.

Rice advises against frequent baths, as it can dry out your dog’s skin and cause irritation. But if they’ve just been bathed and wind up a little stinky after a trip to the park, you can use this waterless shampoo for a little touch-up until they’re due for another bath. It dispenses as a foam which you lather into your pup’s coat. There’s no need to rinse it away, as you can simply pat it dry with a towel. The highly rated formula is alcohol and paraben free and leaves behind a refreshing coconut and lime scent.

This dog paw wax is the antidote to lots of common skin aggravations, from hot sidewalks to snowy streets to jagged, uneven pavement. It uses ingredients like vegetable oils and beeswax to not only soothe and moisturize irritated paws, but to create a protective barrier against further damage as well. And since the ingredients are food safe, you don’t need to stress if your pup licks some of it off.

Some dog barriers are bulky and unattractive, but this walk-through pet gate is both sleek and functional. It’s made from sturdy alloy steel and uses tension rather than screws or anchors for installation in your doorframe. Compatible with openings from 29 to 36.5 inches wide, it has a handle with a locking mechanism for easy human pass-through, plus a smaller gate at the bottom, so your cat is free to roam.

Collar accidents are all too common, whether dogs catch a snag playing at the park or get stuck on a tree or fence, but this breakaway collar can prevent an accident from getting worse. It has a traditional snap closure but also an additional buckle that comes apart if too much pressure is applied. It doesn’t impede your usual walks, either: Just attach your leash to both D-rings and it won’t activate the buckle.

• Available colors: 5

Keep your pet’s paws healthy with this dog nail grinder. You can choose from six different speeds based on nail thickness while resting easy that the quiet motor will get the job done without spooking your pup. It’s fully rechargeable and also has a built-in LED light, so you can get a precise trim every time.

• Available colors: 6

Buildup in your dog’s ear can lead to infections that necessitate expensive medical care, so get on top of regular maintenance with these dog ear cleaner wipes. They help clear away wax and dirt for clean, happy ears using soothing aloe vera. They can even help reduce ear odor, too, making it a win-win for both of you.

Help your pet stay safe in the car with this dog seat belt. It’s made from sturdy nylon and adjusts from 21 inches all the way up to 31 inches, depending on the size of your dog and vehicle. One end buckles directly into the seat belt, while the rotating clasp clips onto your pup’s harness. It even has a small portion of elastic sewn in to act as a shock absorber, too.

• Available colors: 2

While bigger dogs may need a seat belt, experts suggest smaller dogs may do better in a pet booster seat for safety (in either case, consult with your vet). The adjustable straps are secured around the headrest and seat back to offer a gentle lift, so pets can see their surroundings out the window, which can help reduce stress. It has a soft interior and reinforced sides for extra security.

• Available colors: 3

Pet accessories aren’t just for fashion, and this cooling dog vest proves it. This vest is constructed from three layers of mesh and cotton that work together to keep your pup cool by holding onto moisture. First, soak it in water, wring it out, and then zip your dog into it. There’s even an adjustable elastic closure to help ensure you’ve got a comfortable fit.

• Available colors: 2

A plush bed can be too cozy when the weather heats up, so utilize this elevated dog bed to keep your pup cool and comfortable. Made with breathable mesh, the bed is raised 8 inches off the ground, allowing for plenty of airflow both underneath and throughout. As an added bonus, it’s gentle on dogs’ joints, too.

• Available colors: 7

When it comes time to bathe your pup, turn to this hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Specially formulated for furry friends, the pH-balanced shampoo includes baking soda and anti-itch ingredients. It’s made without dyes, sulfates, or parabens, so you can be sure it’s gentle on their skin and coat. Not only does it deliver a deep clean and conditioning, it leaves behind a refreshing scent, too.

Real wood might be enticing, but using this alternative wood chew toy gives them all the benefits, without the choking hazard or splinters. Not only is it shaped like an authentic stick, it uses real wood flavoring to make it just as appealing. You can use it for a game of fetch or just as a standard chew toy with the confidence that it’s both safe and mess free.

For early-morning or late-night walks, turn to this LED collar to improve visibility. It comes in a range of colors and has three different modes, including one solid light option and two blinking settings. It can enhance visibility from up to 1,000 feet away and will run for up to eight hours on a single charge.

• Available colors: 11

Take steps to make sure your pet never gets lost by using this silicone holder to slip an Apple AirTag around their collar. The holder is durable, water resistant, and soft on dogs’ skin, so your pup won’t protest. The AirTag (which is sold separately) will give you GPS location of your dog and alert you when they go out of bounds. Features like last-known location and AirTag scanning will help you (and any neighbors) ensure they’re safely returned.

• Available colors: 7

Never be caught without adequate hydration for your pup, thanks to this dog water bottle. Just fill it up and use the button to dispense water from the bottle into the bowl. When your dog is done drinking, that same button allows you to drain any remaining water back into the bottle to prevent waste. There’s even a handy doggy bag holder on the opposite end, so you can be prepared for anything.

Help nurture every part of your dog’s health with these hip and joint dog chews. It includes ingredients like glucosamine to support joint lubrication, chondroitin for healthy cartilage, and turmeric to help reduce symptoms of inflammation. Better yet, these chews have an enticing chicken flavor, so your dog will look forward to eating them.

Help encourage your dog into a more natural position during mealtime with these elevated dog bowls. Not only can the setup be easier on their spine, but it can also help digestion, too. The stainless steel bowls sit atop a raised platform with adjustable legs that can go from just under 4 inches to nearly 11 inches off the ground, depending on the size of your pup. The feet feature a nonslip coating to ensure everything stays in place, too.

• Available colors: 4