Weird, clever things for dog owners that are actually life-changing

Designed by groomers, the original Happy Hoodie covers your dog’s head with gentle compression to reduce noise and relieve anxiety. It’s great for grooming, especially when using loud tools, but you can also use it to soothe your dog during thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, and vet visits. It’s stretchy and machine-washable, too.

• Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
• Available styles: 5

Dogs have a tendency of tracking in all kinds of mud and moisture, but with this doormat, it’s easy to keep your floors clean. It’s made from ultra-absorbent microfiber chenille with a high pile that traps all kinds of debris. It has a nonslip backing and comes in a range of colors and sizes, so you can get a perfect fit for your space.

• Available sizes: 11
• Available colors: 15

Instead of keeping kibble in a big, bulky bag (where it’s liable to be bait for ants and other pests), keep it in these pet food containers. The containers are airtight, with pour spouts and contoured bodies that make dispensing easy. The included measuring cups help you get the right amount every time.

• Available colors: 3

Give your pup a soothing activity — and a delicious treat — with this freezable dog toy shaped like a penguin. It has a snowflake-shaped cutout that can be filled with yogurt, wet food, peanut butter, or any other tasty reward that can be frozen, so your dog can lick it. This toy is made from rubber with a rounded, wobbly base that adds even more interest for your pet.

“We have an old lab and a young mini dixie; both LOVE this busy mat!” one reviewer said about this snuffle stimulation mat, which has several different treat-finding activities to engage your dog’s instincts and keep them entertained. It’s made from tear-resistant felt, which you can wash in the machine, and some owners hide kibble in it to slow their dog’s eating.

This waterproof pet blanket is a best-seller with a 4.6-star overall rating. While it’s plenty cozy for pets thanks to its reversible fleece and sherpa design, it’s also practical for owners: It has a waterproof lining to prevent spills and accidents, reinforced stitching for durability, and a machine-washable design to minimize fur and odors.

• Available sizes: Small — King
• Available styles: 13

This device is basically an ultrasonic dog whistle that snaps your dog out of their bad behavior, including barking, chewing, and fence fighting. Since it uses sound instead of a physical sensation, it’s a more humane alternative to shock collars, and mine has worked like a charm. It operates on three modes: a beeping mode for training, an ultrasonic whistle to help discourage your pup from unwanted behaviors, and a combination ultrasonic whistle and flashing mode to help deter any aggressive animals. The best part? It’s silent to human ears.

Tired of staring at those disposable pee pads all over your house? These reusable training pads are leak-proof, non-slip, and last for up to 500 washes. Best of all, they come in multiple sizes and designs that look like stylish rugs, so your decor doesn’t have to suffer while you housebreak your dog.

• Available sizes: 1.5FT x 2FT — 6FT x 6FT
• Available styles: 10

Both of my dogs have fast-growing fur, so when they’re due for a haircut, potty time can get messy. This no-rinse Fanny Foam helps me loosen up stuck messes without water or causing them pain. The foam formula is non-irritating on my dogs’ sensitive skin, and you can use it to clean their paws, too.

These rear-end wipes are a must-have in your anti-doody-booty arsenal. They’re made with plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and chamomila, which help to deodorize, cleanse, and soothe your pet’s sensitive areas. Not only are the gentle on bums, they’re also gentle on your plumbing and totally flushable.

A treat and a tooth-care solution in one, these one-a-day dental chews have ridges to remove plaque, herbs to freshen breath, and gut-friendly probiotics to boost your dog’s microbiome. Instead of allergens, grains, and artificial flavors, the ingredients include pumpkin, sweet potato, turkey, and coconut oil.

• Available sizes: Tiny — Large
• Available styles: 0.28 Ounce — 2.25 Pound

Rawhide-free and made from high-protein pork skin, this Pork Chomps dog chew has an average 4.4-star rating from over 3,100 Amazon reviewers. Buyers have called it “an inexpensive treat that dogs love” and “ actually durable” for “aggressive chewers.” Most importantly, since the chew softens when wet, owners feel safe giving it to their pets.

• Available styles: 2

Reviewers have called this door prop a “life saver” for multi-pet households. It installs in place of a strike plate and holds the door open a few inches, so cats can get to their litter boxes and food bowls — but dogs and toddlers can’t. It’s a no-cut, no-damage alternative to cat doors, and you can adjust the width between 3 and 5.5 inches.

“They're nice and thick, didn't fall off my finger, and made the whole process of brushing very easy,” one reviewer said. Others commented that their pets tolerated these dental wipes much better than toothbrushes. The jar contains 50 wipes, each textured and infused with vet-approved ingredients to freshen breath and remove tartar.

My dog Oscar loves curling up in a safe spot, and he’s obsessed with this donut-shaped bed. It’s designed to calm anxious pets with its fur-like texture and raised edges that hug them from all sides. While I’ve bought multiple variations, this brand is the only one that’s lasted more than a few months — even with machine-washing.

• Available sizes: 18.0"L x 18.0"W — 18.0"L x 18.0"W
• Available styles: 17

While I wash my dogs’ beds and blankets often, this Angry Orange odor eliminator spray is my go-to for the things I can’t wash, like crates, rugs, and furniture upholstery. Powered by orange oil, it neutralizes lingering smells from bacteria and accidents — without toxic chemicals and while leaving behind a fresh citrus scent.

• Available sizes: 24 fl oz — 128 fl oz

If your dog eats too fast, this slow-feeder insert fits virtually any bowl to slow down their eating, which improves digestion and prevents vomiting. It’s made from washable silicone with trimmable wings and a suction-cup base. Use it with wet or dry food and in any bowl larger than 4.8 inches in diameter.

• Available styles: 3

Pop in an AirTag and slide this AirTag holder onto your dog’s collar so you can track your escape artist’s location on Apple Maps and get pinged if your dog goes out of bounds. It comes in several colors, and they’re all made from durable, water-resistant silicone that’s easy to clean and protects the AirTag from damage.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
• Available styles: 13

Press the button to dispense the antibacterial foaming formula and use the built-in brush head to scrub away dirt and germs. This Wet Ones paw cleansing foam is an easy way to keep your pup’s paws clean and odor-free. “It smells great, it works well, and I can see that the rubber part doesn’t bother my doggy,” one reviewer said.

• Available sizes: Pack of 1 — Pack of 6

“Perfect water bottle for hiking with my dog,” one reviewer said about this portable water dispenser. “Easy to carry and far easier for my dog to get a good drink.” The bottle comes in three sizes to hold up to 24 ounces, but hold it horizontally and press the button, and the attached bowl fills with water for easy drinking. No wonder it has a 4.7-star overall rating from more than 39,000 reviewers.

• Available sizes: 12oz — 24oz
• Available styles: 6

For hands-free walks, jogs, and hikes, this dog leash has an adjustable band that fits around your waist, a 36-inch bungee that absorbs shock, a metal clasp that attaches to your dog’s collar, and an easy-grab handle for more control. It’s also durable and weather-resistant with reflective stitching so cars can see you in the dark.

Adhere this dispenser to the side of your house, your mailbox, or wherever you might need it. It can hold up to eight rolls of waste bags, at the ready whenever you need them. And because this dispenser is waterproof and super durable, it can stand up to any weather that comes your way.

• Available styles: 4

“I ran a vet clinic, and these wipes are really good!” one reviewer said about these ear-cleansing wipes. They’re designed to remove dirt and wax buildup to prevent infections while tackling unwanted odors with their gentle cucumber melon scent. Each wipe is compact and alcohol-free to prevent irritation, and you can use them on dogs or cats.

Dozens of reviewers have said that their dogs are “obsessed” with this cactus chew toy. Its silicone bristles are designed to clean their teeth as they play and the built-in squeaker keeps them engaged for longer. Even those with aggressive chewers said that their dog has been at this toy “for MONTHS” and it’s still “in great shape.”

• Available sizes: Small — Large
• Available styles: 2

These silicone covers are perfect for covering half-opened cans of pet food. They have a flexible design that can be used to cover three different-sized pet food cans. And this is a pack of two, so you’ll always have an extra on hand.

This bath brush comes with an 8-foot hose to attach to your shower or garden hose for indoor or outdoor baths. The brush easily slips over your hand, so you can scrub, brush, and wash your pup simply by petting them. It also has an adjustable back so you can find the perfect fit for your hand.

This doggy doorbell is designed to help your dog communicate when they need to go out or come in. It’s really easy to set up — just loop around the door and clip it on. The length of the rope is adjustable, so it’s suitable for all breeds. Then, you just train your dog to ring the bell when he wants out — it couldn’t be easier to use.

If you ever wished your dog could talk, this Hunger for Words set is a great starting point. It includes four customizable buttons, which play recordings of your voice while you say words like “outside,” “play,” “treat,” and “pet.” They’re developed by and include step-by-step directions from speech therapist Christina Hunger, who created the talking dog movement.

Inevitably on any walk you’ll be stuck holding a poop bag waiting for the next trash can to appear. This silicone holder attaches to your leash and makes it simple to slide your closed poop bag into the center hole. It’ll hold onto the bag for you until you’re ready to get rid of it. Genius.

I have two of these safety belts for when I take my dogs in the car. One side clips into the seatbelt buckle and the other attaches to their harnesses with a convenient carabiner. The belt itself is made from durable nylon with an adjustable slider, so I can choose a comfortable yet secure length that gives me peace of mind while I drive.

• Available styles: 3

Almost 9,000 reviewers have given this seat cover a 4.6-star overall rating because it’s versatile, convenient, and easy to install. It secures onto the front seat with adjustable straps and has a quilted cover that’s comfy for poochie and waterproof for your peace of mind.

In case of emergencies, these pet alert stickers let cops, firefighters, and other responders know that your dog is inside. They attach to windows without damage using static cling, and they’re UV-resistant to prevent fading. The set of six also includes a key tag and three wallet cards.

With a seven-day design and a separate toggle for AM and PM, this reminder chart is so great. Adhere it to the side of your wall near where the pet feeders are. After feeding each pet in the morning, toggle the knob under AM. Then do the same for PM at the end of the day. No more having to question, “Did I feed the dog?”

A lick mat like this one is a great way to keep your pet busy or entertained, inside or outside their crate. Spread peanut butter or their snack of choice onto the lick mat, and leave it close by your pet. This can lay flat or even attach to the side of their crate. It’ll take them forever to lick it clean, and you can make it even more challenging by popping it into the freezer.

Getting the last bit of wet food out of the can is always a challenge, but less so with a tool like this silicone spoon. It has an angled end and a long handle, perfect for getting the final food out of the can. Wet food is pricey, and you shouldn’t waste a bit.

Strap this pouch around your waist and you’ll have a place for everything. There are pockets for treats, a side pouch for extra poop bags, and a water bottle holder (a water bottle is not included though) should your pup need to rehydrate mid walk. The included travel bowl makes it extra easy.

As your dog nudges this windmill strategy game, its four fans spin and drop treats to keep your pup engaged. “This toy is fantastic! Didn't take but a few seconds for her to get the concept,” wrote one reviewer with a high-energy golden retriever, “After engaging with this toy she is much calmer.” It also comes with two sets of lids to increase the difficulty level.

These pet steps make it so easy for senior dogs or pup’s with mobility issues to get up on higher surfaces. Whether they’re headed to your couch or your bed, these steps give them a head start to get up there without straining their legs or joints, and come in five different sizes to match your pup and your space.

• Available sizes: 5

A best-seller with over 22,000 reviews, the Chuckit! Paraflight disc is made from lightweight yet durable nylon with rubber edges that are gentle on your dog’s teeth. As a result, it soars through the air for long-distance games of fetch, but it stays in one piece despite regular use — plus it floats in water. “Best dog frisbee on the market,” one reviewer said.

• Available sizes: Small — Large
• Available styles: 2

These two-in-one dog toys have an average 4.4-star rating from over 9,000 Amazon reviewers. Instead of filling (a potential choking hazard for your dog), these have a hollow interior that you can stuff with an empty water bottle. They also crinkle and squeak, plus they’re made from multiple layers of durable fabric, so they last longer than most toys, according to reviewers.

• Available styles: 7

I gifted one of these breed identification kits to my best friend who adopted a mutt, and the results were both fun and unexpected. Swab your dog’s cheek and send the sample back. Within a few weeks, you’ll have the results, which include identification of over 350 breeds, a family tree, a relative finder, and geographic ancestry.

This self-heating pet pad doesn’t require any batteries or electricity. Instead, it has temperature-reflective Mylar inside a plush sherpa cover to amplify the warmth from your dog’s body, so crates, beds, sofas, and chilly cars feel extra cozy. The cover is removable for washing and has a non-slip bottom to keep it in place.

• Available sizes: 19.7"L x 15.7"W — 45.3"L x 27.5"W
• Available styles: 2

Hide treats inside the small pockets of this ramen dog toy, stuff everything back inside the bag, and secure the Velcro clasp. “My girl is absolutely obsessed with this toy!” one reviewer said. “She’s exhausted after foraging through all the noodles.” Since the bag crinkles and the noodles look like shoelaces, it’s especially satisfying for puppies, according to reviewers.

Padded for comfort and reflective for safety, this vest harness is designed to evenly distribute pressure across your dog’s body to minimize pulling and prevent escape. It comes in three sizes and has multiple points of adjustment to help you find a secure fit.

• Available sizes: Small — XL

If your dog has a tendency to jerk on the leash, this bungee extension can help remedy the situation. The stretchy, flexible extension helps ease impact, so any jerking behavior is gentler on both your shoulder and on your pup. It comes in a range of sizes for pets under 10 pounds up to 110 pounds.

• Available sizes: 4