Blog For Dog Lovers

List of Animal and Dog Shelter Supplies Needed Wherever You Go

Animal and dog shelters take on the generous responsibility of housing stray, lost, abandoned, and surrendered pets to help man’s best friend find their hew family. It’s a big one—which is why they need your help to see it through. 

With all the different pets these establishments have and will continue to help over the years, donated animal shelter supplies and/or dog shelter supplies are always appreciated. Have a look around your home or make a small purchase if you have a little extra to spend, consider helping them out. It’s a good idea to call ahead and find out what they’re lacking so you can assist them with their biggest priority first before you take in any extra animal shelter supplies.

The Absorber Team has listed some dog shelter supplies that—no matter the place—are virtually always in demand. 

Food, Bowls, and Treats

Depending on the size of your local shelter, they may have a hundred or more mouths to feed. Based on a dog’s size, they may need anywhere from a quarter to 2 cups of kibble per day. Dog food is one of the most obvious dog shelter supplies needed, but with certain breeds’ or individuals ‘special diet needs (e.g. wet or gluten-free food), it’s also one you can never go wrong with gifting in abundance anyways. Find out from your shelter if there are any particular brands or types they’re running low on.

You may even be able to donate peanut butter, canned tuna, hot dogs, fresh produce, or other options like CBD dog treats. CBD oil and treats have become really popular products for dogs; they’ve been hailed for their ability to help manage and relieve arthritis, anxiety, digestive issues, neurological and blood disorders, and even some tumors and cancers.

CBD for dogs is still relatively new, so more testing is being done, but people seem to like the results so far.  Cannabidiol dog products should contain no more than 0.3% THC, so rest assured, the shelter animals will not be experiencing any psychoactive effects.

After calling to verify these dog shelter supplies are okay to bring in, make sure the donated food items are unopened and still fresh for animal health and safety reasons. Providing the pups a clean, sturdy bowl to eat out of certainly doesn’t hurt either, but see if your shelter only takes metal ones first.

Leashes and Harnesses

Just like any happy-go-lucky pup you’ve gotten to know, shelter dogs both want and require lots of exercise! Help them stay in shape and have fun by providing dog shelter supplies/equipment such as collars, leashes, and harnesses. As long as they are in good shape to use on shelter dogs, they will definitely come in handy during walks with potential families and exciting outdoor activities. This is especially true when considering all the different shapes and sizes dogs come in!

Toys

Dog shelter supplies like toys go by fast . Our canine companions love to rough around with them because they’re stimulating, comforting, and entertaining. Most animal shelters will want sturdy toys that will stand wear and tear because dinky or low-quality products can break apart and hazardously be ingested by the animals. Your safest bet is dropping off ropes, balls, and toys from dependable brands such as Kong. Don’t2 forget to disinfect any donated toys that were gently used beforehand!

Cleaning Supplies

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the animals that are placed into shelters to be suffering from poor health, malnutrition, anxiety, and trauma—and these places don’t get pets’ medical records as often as they’d like either. Coupled with the fact that “accidents” happen regularly while these pooches are potty-training, it’s safe to say that cleaning supplies are also dog shelter supplies.

Equip a shelter with anything from paper towels, garbage bags, rubber gloves, spray bottles, storage bins, Ziploc bags, and disinfectants like vinegar or chlorine bleach. You’ll be a huge help in stopping the spread of germs and diseases amongst the animals.

Towels and Blankets

Other dog shelter supplies needed in a pound’s crates and cages are blankets, towels, newspaper, for comforting warmth in these animals’ safe space while awaiting their new homes. In particular, shelters love to receive towels because they can be used for bedding and cleaning purposes. They don’t have to be in perfect condition, but by providing these shelters a high-quality towel, they will gain a resource that can stand the test of time to help many pups get through their stay.

The Absorber® is made from a super-absorbent PVA material that will dry the shelter dogs after a bath, swim, or rainy walk in record time. Soft, convenient, and machine-washable: your shelter is going to notice the difference with our doggy towel!

Crates and Carriers

Animal rescue centers aim to minimize their costs without losing their quality of care, so your gifted animal shelter supplies/equipment make a difference! Crates and cages have some of the highest costs per unit, so if you have an old one that you can spare, it would easily serve as a long-lasting solution. Even during the transporting of pets, they don’t get as roughed up as much as toys do.

Find out whether your shelter takes plastic carriers or if they are only looking for metal ones. Check to make sure nothing is broken, falling off, or sticking out of your cage before turning it in so it’s not a choking or physical hazard to any dog!

Furniture

If you’re going to get information about any of the in-demand dog shelter supplies listed by CleanTools, make sure it’s this one. Some shelters furnish playrooms with armchairs, cots, cushions, and footrests to get the dogs and possible owners used to one another in a familiar home setting. They may even want your old generic folding chairs for outdoor or adoption events. If they will take your good-standing furniture piece, plan in advance how you will have it safely delivered or picked up.

Grooming Supplies

Not only does the grooming of shelter animals keep them clean, healthy, and happy: it also makes them look absolutely huggable when potential adopters come in for their visits! Some arrivals come from difficult situations, so they could have thick, long, and matted fur, unruly nails, and uncomfortable skin conditions that need to be washed up and treated. Donate hygienic supplies such as shampoos, combs, brushes, nail clippers, haircutting scissors, The Absorber® , and other related products for a rewarding giving experience.

Infections, water, and mites are all reasons to clean your dog’s ears. Ear cleaning is an important part of grooming to keep your furry friend healthy and happy! Because of the way that dog’s ears are structured, debris and other harmful materials can get trapped inside. It is important to be aware of whether or not your dog needs their ears cleaned to prevent itchiness and infections. But before you take out your cotton swabs, you should learn about when you should clean your dog’s ears, how you should clean your dog’s ears, and the right tools to use to keep your dog safe.

Inevitably, there will come a time when your dog gets water in its ears. It can be frustrating for your pup, you will notice that they will rub their paws on their ears or shake their heads in an attempt to remove the water themselves. But don’t worry, if this happens here are a few tips you should know!

How Often Does This Happen?

It is common that your dog gets water in their ears, and because their ear canal is quite long, it can be difficult for them to get the water out on their own. Naturally, your dog will try to shake their heads to get rid of the water in their ears. Typically, this will help get most of the water out, but depending on the dog breed and how much water got in it may be hard to totally dry the ears with just shaking.

Dogs are pack animals. They want nothing more than to be with their loved ones at all times. Summer is a great time to bring your pup along on some of your outings. Here are some ideas for fun-in-the-sun summer activities for dogs that you both can enjoy. Below are the 7 things to do with your dog in the summer:

• Take a hike — Exploring new trails is one of the best things to do with your dog in the summer. Not only is it great exercise, but it's also mentally stimulating for your pooch to take in new scents and sights.
• Go for a romp on a beach — Does your dog love the water? Then it's time to search out a pet-friendly beach where your pup can swim in the surf and romp on the sand with his fellow salty dogs.
• Dine al fresco— When the weather is nice, make sure to enjoy a yappy hour or a leisurely dinner at a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio.
• Enjoy a kayak, canoe or paddleboard ride — There's something so relaxing about floating on a peaceful river or lake with your pup. It's also fun to stop and explore any islands or sand bars you might encounter while kayaking with your dog.
• Get away from it all — Ever get bored of doing the same old thing all the time? Your dog probably does, too. This summer, why not plan a special vacation for the two of you? No matter what kind of trip you plan — whether it's camping in a tent or staying at a pet-friendly resort — your canine is going to be absolutely delighted just to be spending uninterrupted time by your side.
• Set up a kiddie pool — Purchasing a cheap plastic pool for your pooch is an excellent investment, especially if there aren't many places to take dogs swimming near your home. On a hot summer day, a kiddie pool can be a fast and easy way for your hot dog to cool down.
• Strike a pose — If you have an older dog or one who doesn't like to expend a lot of energy when the temperatures rise, you can still enjoy some fun in the sun. Find an interesting (preferably shady) location where you can take photos of your pup. For the best pictures, make sure to get down to your dog's eye level.

Below are some ideas for indoor activities for dogs on hot days;

• Teach your pooch some new tricks or make them brush their older ones. 
• You can also set up a puzzle and make them find their food through their strong sense of smell, like a tricky treat.  
• You can also give them some tasks, numerous active dog breeds love to do work for their owner.

Do's and Don'ts for Summer Dog Activities

Steamy summer weather can be hard on dogs, too. Here are some suggestions for keeping your precious pooch in good shape throughout the dog days. And also enjoy dog-friendly summer activities with your furry. 

• Don't allow your dog to overexert itself when the temperatures and dew points are high. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting or drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy.
• If you and your pup will be engaging in any water-related activities, remember to carry a towel. Bacteria or algae that can be harmful if a dog should lick its fur after swimming in a lake, and ocean sand and salt can cling to its coat. After taking your dog to the beach or lake make sure to wash and dry it as soon as possible. The Absorber is one of the best towels to tidy active canines because it’s lightweight, super absorbent and small enough to easily fit into a backpack.
• Your dog should always wear a life vest while swimming or on any type of watercraft. Even a dog who is a strong swimmer could tire if it were to get caught in a riptide or fall overboard.

By engaging in these fun summer dog activities, you're sure to strengthen the bond between you and your furry best friend and also create many fond memories that will last you a lifetime.

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