You might think this to be a tad ridiculous. Why on earth would you need to know about pet care when you know you have already gotten everything known to a pet’s existence? Truth is; that is exactly where the problem lies. So often, pet owners go overboard on their pet’s care and buy anything and everything they can get their hands on so they can spoil their pet to bits. Although this much attention may seem adorable to you, your bank account doesn’t think so. Essentials and luxury items for pet care can be very expensive, and such spending can be harmful for your bank balance in the long run.

So to help you balance out that love with your expenses, we are going to give you a list of the top five essentials needed for pet care.

1.     Food and Water Bowls

If you have a dog, then your food bowls will be used on a daily basis and will most likely ruin faster than any other object that’s used, such as your dog’s bed or their leash. So when choosing the food and water bowls, go for better quality such as stainless steel dishes rather than the inexpensive plastic ones. Whether it’s a dog, a cat or any other pet, having the right food and water bowls is definitely an essential item which cannot be skipped out on.

2.     Grooming Supplies

A pet has to stay clean and healthy, so to maintain your pet’s hygiene along with their grooming, invest in shampoos, brushes and nail clippers to keep your pet’s fur and toenails under control. Another great item is the PVA pet towel which is also known as the pet care towel. Although your pet won’t sweat like you in case of hot weather, they will need to stay cool, so buying a pet towel from companies such as Towel Chamois is your best option when keeping your pet happy and cool.

3.     Toys

Your pet is an intelligent animal which means that they will want to do something to occupy their mind. Toys for your pet are an absolute essential; however this does not mean that you should buy too many toys and objects. Getting your pet a few different toys is enough to absorb their interest. Also, buy toys which are not too expensive. Your pet will not notice how much money you spend on it so it is best to only get toys which you won’t mind throwing away after they have been thoroughly played with.

4.     Bed

A pet might not seem like a necessity, especially if you have those kinds of pets which favor the box the bed came in, rather than the actual thing. Nevertheless, a bed is an essential because it will give your pet something to call their own. They will recognize it as a safe place, one which they can go to if they are scared or simply want to have a safe and cozy place for the night.

5.     Travelling Supplies

When travelling, many people either leave their pets behind in a trusted person’s care, or take them along. If you’re the type who takes their pets along with them, opt for a bag which will be able to store all your pet’s essentials such as toys, grooming supplies, and possibly their bed. Bringing along their spare bowls is also wise, especially if they’re the finicky type.

And there you have it. This short list may not seem like much, but for those panicking over the charges on their credit card bills, using this guide to buy the essential items for your pet might be just the thing you need to not only take care of your pet, but to also keep them happy while on a budget.