Imagine you’re strolling down the street when suddenly, a beautifully coiffed figure catches your eye. She looks stunning in her sleek, quilted jacket with fur trim, her sparkly jewelry, her jaunty hat, and her four shiny gold-colored booties. That’s right, this isn’t a celebrity you’ve run into on the streets of Schertz, it’s a dog. And a fancy one at that.

In the not-too-distant past, pet accessories consisted of little more than collar and leash. Today, more and more people are treating their pets as bona fide family members, and with that elevated status comes the inevitable accessories. From strollers to life jackets to jewel-encrusted collars, and much more, pet owners have an astounding assortment of products to choose from.

Getting Down To The Nitty Gritty

Wading through the sea of pet accessories on the market can be daunting. Your team at Schertz Animal Hospital has compiled a list of some of the top items available for your pet these days.

Collar/harness and leash – This one is a no-brainer. Even if you’ve had your pet microchipped (and we hope you have!) he or she still needs a properly fitting collar for those all-important ID tags to dangle from.  Available in almost every color, pattern, and material you can think of, there’s no reason why your pet can’t be safe and stylish.

Pet Bed – Every pet, from hamsters to Great Danes, needs a comfortable place to lay their heads at night. Today’s discerning pet parent can get a bed that is not only a luxurious place for pets to recline but also matches the living room. Specialty beds, such as a heated orthopedic bed, is ideal for senior pets or those suffering from arthritis.

Pet Stairs – If you have an older pet who has trouble getting around or a pipsqueak who can’t quite make it up to the sofa, consider purchasing a set of pet steps or a pet ramp.

Clothing – Pet clothes are all the rage these days, from t-shirts sporting your favorite team logo to animal-print vests. Some types of pet clothing can be practical as well, such as a jacket to keep very short-haired dogs warm during winter walks.

Dental Care Items – Good dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for people. Investing in a quality pet toothbrush and specially formulated pet toothpaste (and using them) is the first step in protecting your pet’s pearly whites.

Saddlebags – Saddlebags or “dog backpacks” are a great way for a healthy dog to transport his or her own water, food, and other supplies (and maybe a set of keys or a cellphone?) while walking or hiking. Harnesses should fit snugly without chafing, and the total load carried by your dog shouldn’t exceed 10-12% of his or her body weight.

Car Harness – If you’re a road-trippin’ family, you’ll need to properly restrain your dog while in the car. It may take some getting used to for both you and Fido, but a car harness is the best way to keep your dog safe while riding in the car.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect accessory for a pet in your life or just need to pick up a few staples, look no further than Berkley’s Boutique, Schertz Animal Hospital’s very own pet supply store.