The number of dogs in America has nearly doubled over the past 30 years. So has the demand for high-quality pet accessories.
And just as humans have upgraded to smartphones, ergonomic mattresses and Pelotons, dogs now have access to better gear, more natural food and a healthy dose of luxury.
So whether you’ve been a dog parent your whole life or are just thinking about getting your first, here are the essential items for keeping them happy, healthy and ready for the next adventure.
Adventure’s Best Friend: This article is part of a series of stories and gear reviews about adventuring with dogs. Want more? Check out the complete collection.
Leashes
Wild One
For Small Dogs
Wild One Dog Leash
Designed for everyday walks, the Wild One Leash combines durability with a soft-touch feel. Made from all-weather nylon webbing, it’s strong yet comfortable, easy to clean, and resistant to dirt and odors. Adjustable lengths and dual snap hooks make it versatile — perfect for quick tie-ups or tandem walks.
Larger breeds need gear that can keep up with their strength. The APC Lifetime Leash is built from premium climbing rope that won’t break or tangle, features a stainless steel clip, and even comes with a lifetime warranty. If your dog manages to destroy it, APC will send you a new one — no questions asked.
Designed for trail runners and hikers, this waist-worn system keeps your hands free while tethering your dog to your waist. A fanny-pack-style pouch stows excess leash length, while a climbing-inspired rope adjuster lets you modify slack on the go.
Training treats need to be high-value — something that immediately grabs your dog’s attention. Stewart’s freeze-dried treats (beef liver is a favorite) are single-ingredient, non-messy and come in a large bucket, making them perfect for walks and training sessions.
This step-in harness features a sleek design that’s easy to slip on and off while ensuring a snug and secure fit. Made from durable Cordura fabric, it’s built to last through countless adventures — and perfect for people (and dogs) looking for low-maintenance functionality.
Yes, dogs need their own seat belts. Built for road trips, this crash-tested harness keeps your dog secure in the car without sacrificing comfort. Durable metal hardware ensures long-lasting reliability, making it a must-have for safe travels.
This harness is a blend of everyday functionality and modern styling. It features four points of adjustment and two leash attachment options for versatile control. This is a fantastic looking yet practical option for any dog.
Any epic trip with your dog typically starts in the car. The best way to keep all your dog’s hair, dirt and drool contained — and off your leather seats — is via a hammock seat protector. Featuring a window for easy check-ins, this will keep your dog comfortable and your car clean.
A good collar is a low-maintenance collar. Wild One designs its collar from waterproof, flexible and easy-to-clean flex-poly coated nylon for odor-free, everyday use. Lightweight, durable and available in multiple colors, this is an easy choice.
If your dog is a flight risk and skittish (no shame there), you’ll want to have your phone number displayed prominently — offering a way for people to contact you even if they can’t catch your dog. Plus, the wrap-around reflectivity is perfect for safety during night walks.
Nowadays, leashes are now more commonly attached to harnesses rather than collars, so you may want to consider a fixed length collar. These super comfortable collars easily slip on and off, and the double loop design allows the collar to double as a leash in a pinch.
Your room-temperature probiotics need an upgrade. Improve your dog’s gut health — a hugely important factor in their longevity and comfort — with the high-potency probiotics that are only available via cold shipping.
Kong is the gold standard in durable dog toys, and their classic red rubber toy is perfect for stuffing with treats to keep your dog occupied. Built for even the toughest chewers, this is an essential toy for exercising a dog’s brain. Pro tip: fill the center with peanut butter and then pop it in the freezer to occupy your dog for hours.
So ubiquitous that the The New York Timed deemed it America’s hottest dog toy, this is the pick even non-dog owners know. Based on Shari Lewis’ character, these cute toys are soft — perfect for cuddly dogs – and include a squeaker for added excitement.
Feeder mats, or snuffle mats, make a game out of mealtime. They’re an incredible option for engaging hyperactive dogs and slowing down fast eaters. This machine washable mat allows you to hide food or treats in its folds, challenging your dog and providing mental stimulation.
Expensive? Yes. But if you’re looking for a crate that blends seamlessly into your living space, the Fable Pets Crate provides a cozy retreat for your dog while doubling as a sleek end table. The clear acrylic (or metal) gate tucks away effortlessly, maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.
During the dog days of summer (excuse the pun), you’ll need to provide your dog with a cool place to rest. This elevated design gets your dog off of hot pavement, promotes airflow and keeps them cool. As such, it’s ideal for warm climates and outdoor lounging.
A Casper for a dog? That’s right. This memory foam bed featuring the same comfy tech as Casper’s legendary human mattresses offers superior joint support and a cozy bolster for headrest.
This highly engineered dog bed boasts features you’d expect — durable 900D nylon construction and plush cushioning — as well as some you might not, like a built-in three-season sleeping bag, hangable organizer, storage space and a medical ID card. If you frequently camp and travel with your dog, this is the ideal adventure base camp.
Lightweight and compact, this silicone bowl folds flat and clips onto your gear for easy travel. Durable and easy to clean, this is a must-have for hikes and road trips.
Engineered from Yeti’s virtually indestructible double-walled stainless steel, this dog bowl holds up to eight cups of kibble or water. Non-slip and machine washable, this is ideal for messy eaters and drinkers.
This ingenious travel bottle is a staple in my car. Sized to fit perfectly in a cup holder and completely spill-proof, it allows for effortless one-handed use — so you can quickly hydrate your dog while they relax in the back seat. Any unused water drains back into the bottle for next time.
Going on long adventures with your dog? Their paws get sore, just like human feet. Grip Tex boots provide a secure fit, enhanced traction, not to mention excellent protection against hot pavement, snow and rocky trails.
Hurtta’s newest rain jacket is its best yet. Designed for full coverage while allowing free movement, keep your dog dry in the wettest conditions with this waterproof, breathable raincoat.
Designed by our favorite adventure dog company, Ruffwear’s Vert Winter Dog Coat combines a weather-resistant shell with lofted insulation for extended winter adventures. It also features rear leg loops, which come in handy during windy conditions.