My husband Nathan and I are the proud parents of two chihuahuas. Yes, I said parents — a title I think we've earned after caring for our oldest dog, Lexie, for 15 years. We were just puppies ourselves when we brought her home, and together we've navigated every phase of her life, from the anxious and destructive days of puppyhood, to her impossibly fun and playful middle-aged years, to her calm and cozy days as a senior.
Three years ago, we adopted our second dog, Theo, and if I wasn't already obsessed with giving only the best to my dogs, that desire ratcheted up a notch. Suddenly, everything that I bought for them needed to work harder. I didn't want to waste money on bedding or clothing that would only last a year or two, and realizing that our medical costs had doubled, keeping them safe and healthy was more important than ever.
Enter: all of the products on this list. These are the items I've perhaps had to restock but never replace. They're durable and practical, and they help keep our dogs happy. And isn't that all a dog mom could want? Keep reading to shop my finds.
Comtim Silicone Can Lids [1] ($5)
We go through a lot of canned pumpkin in our house — it's the treat of choice for giving medicines to our dogs — and these dishwasher-safe can covers are clutch for keeping it and other canned foods fresh until we're able to use them.
Lukito 2-Piece Licking Mat [2] ($8)
These silicone lick mats are a must in our home. We like to fill them with canned pumpkin, yogurt, or peanut butter and give them to the dogs when they're most likely to feel anxious — whether we're stepping out of the house, having work done on our apartment, or attending a large family gathering. If your pup is spooked by bathtime, you can also suction a lick mat to the wall of the tub or shower as a good distraction.
Kismet Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs & Skin [3] ($40, originally $50)
Both of my dogs have food sensitivities, so I'm constantly scanning labels for food and treats that are both safe for them to eat and so good that they'll keep coming back for more. Kismet's chicken-free Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe fits the bill. It's made with real salmon as the first ingredient, along with tasty, freeze-dried nuggets of beef and sweet potato for extra flavor. Plus, the food contains prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health.
P.L.A.Y. Plush Carrot Dog Toy [4] ($8)
Made with a double-layer exterior and reinforced, double-stitched edges, these seemingly indestructible fruit and veggie toys are the only plushie to ever stand up to my power chewer. They come in an assortment of shapes, including this carrot (Lexie's favorite), as well as a peapod, apple, pumpkin, and zucchini.
Bedsure Small Dog Blanket [5] ($9, originally $14)
Throw blankets on every surface is a surefire sign that a chihuahua lives in your home — but even if your pup isn't a burrower like my dogs, having their own blanket can make their space cozier, and help with transitions when they need to leave the house. We keep several pet blankets on hand that we can tuck into a pet carrier or stroller for vet visits, toss in the backseat of the car on road trips, or pack in Lexie and Theo's bag when they're being boarded. It's our way of ensuring that they have a soft place to land — and the familiar scents of home — no matter where the day takes them.
Spark Paws Green Plaid Dog Hoodie [6] ($23, originally $39)
My city pups have a complete wardrobe as a means of survival, and we can't get enough of Spark Paws's adorable (and durable!) designs. Lexie and Theo wear the brand's hoodies on crisp fall days, the Spark Paws WarmShield Water-Resistant Jacket [7] ($36, originally $60) in the dead of winter, and the Spark Paws Breatheshield Dog Raincoat [8] ($33, originally $55) on rainy walks year-round.
Trust me when I say that this clothing is such good quality, you may just want to steal it for yourself — and if you do, you're in luck: Spark Paws also sells matching sets [9].
Maxi Guard Dental Cleansing Wipes [10] ($23)
Chihuahuas are notoriously prone to dental disease, and mine are no exception. For years, we cycled through handled brushes and finger brushes, and tried every flavored toothpaste on the market, to no avail. Lexie, in particular, simply wouldn't cooperate to have her teeth brushed. After the dogs' last professional cleanings, we decided to try dental wipes instead, and they've been a game changer. Maybe it's because Maxi Guard's wipes are taste-free, or maybe our pups are just too gentle to lash out at our (almost) bare fingers, but we've finally been able to make nightly cleanings part of our routine.
Earth Rated Max Absorbency Training Pee Pads [11] ($25, originally $35)
Whether you have a puppy at home or (like me) an aging senior, it never hurts to have training pads on hand. Earth Rated has simply redefined the category for me, by designing pads that really do prevent messes. Not only are the pads available in larger sizes, but they also absorb urine faster, reducing the risk of tracking. Oh, and did I mention that they have adhesive tabs to keep the pads in place? Actually genius.
Wild One Cushioned Dog Harness [12] ($48)
We've had our share of harnesses over the years, and this soft, double-layer neoprene number from Wild One trumps them all. The adjustable straps on the neck, chest, and back make it easier to find the perfect fit, while the three buckle closures keep your baby secure. That's important because Theo has slipped out of a harness before — but for a multi-dog household like ours, the three points of attachment are also a huge selling point. Simply clip the leash to the upper or lower back or to the front to match any pup's pace. For that, we like the Wild One Waterproof Dog Leash [13] ($48) too.
Urpower 6-in-1 Dog Car Seat Cover [14] ($39)
This easy-to-install car hammock is Lexie and Theo's home away from home on road trips. We pile some cozy blankets into the backseat, and they're content for hours. But their comfort has a lot to do with the design of the cover itself. The secret is the mesh window that stretches between the front seats. It allows for better air circulation and helps the dogs feel like they're part of the action, even when they can't be in our laps.
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed [15] ($50, originally $55)
I could actually wax poetic about this orthopedic dog bed from Bedsure. It's been our favorite by far, made with high-density egg-crate foam for joint support, a waterproof layer that helps keep the cushion dry in the event of a spill or accident, and a removable cover you can toss in the washer. A happy bonus: The size designed for medium dogs is big enough to house a Lex and Theo cuddle puddle, and yes, that's as cute as it sounds.
Rubyloo Dog Travel Bag [16] ($52, originally $55)
Once we added a second dog to our family, we realized that traveling without a dedicated piece of luggage for them was no longer an option. This bag from Rubyloo has been a godsend — it has both internal and external pockets for keeping things organized, a removable divider I use to separate food and medications from other items, a water bottle pocket, and even a poop bag dispenser for easy access. Plus, it comes with two food containers that can hold up to eight cups each, and two collapsible bowls for feeding on-the-go.
WeatherTech 4" High Pet Feeding System [17] ($54)
If you have a sloppy drinker (cough, Lex), you'll love the generous mat on WeatherTech's pet feeding systems. The raised outer lip has spared our hardwood floors from so much water damage over the years, and both the stand and bowls are super easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Plus, the elevated design — available in a range of sizes — helps reduce neck and back strain, something that's become increasingly important as my dogs have aged.
Karen Snyder Duke [18] (she/her) is the managing editor at PS. She previously spent 13 years writing and editing health and fitness content for digital and print media brands, including Redbook, Good Housekeeping, and Parents.