August is underway, which means we’re officially in the dog days of . And that’s not just figuratively speaking. According to , pet ownership has increased over the last three decades—at the start of 2024, 56% of households in America had already owned a dog.
In New York City alone, 22% of homes ! If you’re reading this, it may be because you’ve just got yourself—or you’re planning to acquire—a furry bundle of joy that will soon take up half of your camera roll. (The transition into a Kris-Jenner-You’re-Doing-Amazing-Sweetie type of dog mom happens quickly.) One caveat for novice owners: there are surely some parts of puppyhood that won't feel like joy in the beginning, but trust me—giving a dog its forever home is the best decision you’ll ever make, for everybody’s sake.
Someone to tell your secrets to without judgment? A Netflix-and-chill buddy on command? Unconditional loyalty and emotional support during the best and worst of times? . ’s Favorite Dog Essentials: Now, what are the dog mom necessities to be set up for success? Similar to a baby or a toddler, these pets require a home that’s, well, “baby-proofed” to a certain degree. If your four-legged friend is a young puppy, you’ll have to think about potty training aids and heavy-duty gates.
For those that are more senior, you may want to consider soft blankets and elevated feeders for mealtime comfort. (All of which can double as fabulous and pet parents, and come in handy even if you j.