A bed that goes flat after just a few weeks, a brush that pulls at the coat or a toy that quickly falls apart: choosing the wrong pet supplies costs more than money – it also causes daily frustration. When searching online for a dog bed, cat bed, dog food or grooming products for dogs and cats, you will often see appealing claims without the most important details being immediately clear.
Pay particular attention to these three pitfalls:
Measure your pet in the position in which it usually rests. For a dog bed, add a few extra centimetres to allow for turning and stretching out. With a cat bed, also check whether your cat prefers to lie in the open or retreat behind a higher, enclosed edge.
With a crate or carrier, check the height as well as the length and width. A transport product must be suitable for your pet’s actual size and the way you intend to use it, for example in the car, during a visit to the vet or on holiday.
For everyday use, removable, washable covers are a practical advantage. Check whether only the cover can be washed or the filling as well. With water-resistant fabrics, this does not always mean that the entire product is waterproof.
When choosing a dog brush, pay attention to the type of bristles and the coat it is designed for. A compact self-cleaning brush can be useful for loose hair, but according to the product information it may be less suitable for extremely long, curly or delicate coats.
For dog clippers, relevant factors include the adjustable cutting length, accessories, battery life and cleaning instructions. Clippers are not a substitute for professional grooming when the coat is badly matted.
Check toys regularly for loose parts, cracks and exposed electronic components. An automatic or moving dog toy, such as a bouncing ball, is not suitable for every dog. According to the product description, the Petgravity models mentioned are intended for smaller or medium-sized dogs and not for dogs that chew particularly forcefully.
For dog food and dog treats, read the ingredients, feeding guidelines and allergen information. Treats are supplementary food. The packaging of G’woon Dog Chew Bones, for example, states that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake. Always give chew products under supervision and provide fresh drinking water.
Why it suits this profile: The round shape and soft raised edge are suitable for small to medium-sized dogs and cats that like to curl up. With a diameter of 70 cm, it is easy to assess the size in advance.
The product information mentions a removable cover for the central cushion and machine washing. Check the washing instructions and allow the bed 24 to 48 hours to regain its shape after unpacking.
70 cm diameter; soft plush fabric; removable and washable cover; suitable for indoor use.
Why it suits this profile: This dog or cat bed combines plush and sherpa fabric with egg-crate foam, a raised headrest and a non-slip base. It is well suited to pets that like to rest in a fixed spot in the living room.
According to the product description, the cover is removable and machine washable. Place the bed on a level surface and regularly check the seams and fabric for signs of wear.
Egg-crate foam; raised edge; machine-washable cover; non-slip base.
Why it suits this profile: This spacious pet carrier is designed for travelling, camping, hotel stays and use on the back seat. The foldable design saves storage space when the carrier is not needed.
The dimensions are clearly stated: 102 × 69 × 69 cm, and approximately 102 × 69 × 8 cm when folded. Check beforehand that it fits in your car, and do not use the carrier as a restraint without suitable car safety equipment.
Metal frame; 600D Oxford fabric; mesh windows; washable mat; foldable design with storage pockets.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Measure your dog from the nose to the base of the tail, then add enough space for turning and stretching out. Compare this with the bed’s internal dimensions, not just its external measurements. For cats, also consider their sleeping habits: an open bed suits a cat that likes to keep an eye on its surroundings, while an igloo-shaped bed provides more shelter.
Their service life depends on the material, how they are used and the animal’s behaviour. Check a dog bed, dog crate, brush and dog toy regularly. Replace a product if it has loose seams, torn fabric, sharp edges or small parts that could be swallowed. With intensive use, maintenance is more important than the purchase price alone.
This varies depending on the animal and product category. In addition to the one-off purchase of a bed, crate or clippers, you should allow for recurring costs such as dog food, dog treats, replacement covers, grooming products and toys. So do not compare the price alone – also consider washability, accessories, quantity used and whether replacement parts are available.