Pet Care Essentials: A Buying Guide for Dog and Cat Owners
How to shop for flea, tick and everyday pet care, clean up accidents, and keep an eye on pets while you're out.
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Owning a dog or cat is mostly joy, with a steady list of chores and supplies on the side. This guide walks through the basics most pet owners end up buying sooner or later: parasite protection, cleanup gear, and a way to check on your pets when you're not home. We'll also cover what to look at before you buy, because the right choice depends a lot on your animal.
Start with your vet
Before buying any flea, tick or worming product, talk to your veterinarian. They know your pet's age, weight, health history and the parasites that are common where you live, and they can tell you which type of product makes sense. That one conversation can save you money on products that aren't a good fit, and it helps avoid problems with pets that have health conditions or take other medicines.
Flea, tick and worming care
Parasite protection comes in several forms, such as spot-on treatments, chewables and collars. Each works differently, and each has its own label instructions. A few things are worth checking every time:
- Species. Buy products made for the animal you're treating. Some products made for dogs can be dangerous to cats, so never use a dog product on a cat unless the label or your vet says it's safe.
- Weight range. Many treatments are sold in weight bands. Weigh your pet and pick the matching size rather than guessing.
- Age. Puppies and kittens often need products labeled for young animals, or may need to wait until they're old enough.
- How often to apply. Note the schedule on the label and set a phone reminder so doses don't slip.
Online pet stores can make it easier to keep these supplies on hand. Here are the two pet care stores we partner with:
Best Vet Care
An online store for pet supplies, including flea and tick care and other everyday pet care products.
Worth a look if you want to browse flea and tick care and other everyday pet supplies in one place.
Canada Pet Care
An online pet care store for dog and cat products, including flea, tick and worming treatments.
Carries dog and cat products, including flea, tick and worming treatments.
Whichever store you use, compare the product name, species, weight range and pack size with what your vet recommended before you check out.
Cleaning up accidents
House-training a puppy, an older pet with a sensitive stomach, or a cat that has opinions about the litter box all mean the same thing: sooner or later you'll be cleaning a stain out of the carpet or couch. Acting fast helps. Blot up as much as you can first, then clean the spot rather than just covering the smell. If a pet keeps going in the same spot, a thorough clean can help discourage repeat visits.
A small portable spot cleaner is one of the most useful things a pet owner can own, because it lets you deal with stains on carpet, stairs, upholstery and car seats without hauling out a full-size machine.
BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner 1400B
A portable spot cleaner that sprays, scrubs and suctions stains from carpet, stairs, upholstery and car seats. Handy for pet messes.
Its description specifically calls out pet messes, which is why we include it here.
If accidents start happening suddenly in a pet that was already house-trained, mention it to your vet. Sometimes there's a health reason behind it.
Keeping an eye on pets while you're out
Many owners like being able to check in on a new puppy or a nervous cat during the workday. An indoor camera you can view from your phone makes that easy, and motion alerts can tell you when something is moving around the house.
Blink Mini Indoor Smart Security Camera
A compact plug-in 1080p camera with motion alerts and two-way audio. A simple, low-cost way to keep an eye on your home from your phone.
A simple plug-in option if you want to peek in from your phone.
Place the camera where your pet spends most of its time, out of reach of curious paws and chewing. Check the camera's privacy settings and turn it off or point it away when you're home if you'd rather not record yourself.
Handy helpers for pet owners
A few everyday items on our site also come in useful around pets:
- Smart plugs can put a lamp on a schedule so the house isn't dark when your pet is home alone in the evening.
- A kitchen scale can help you measure food portions consistently if your vet has asked you to watch your pet's weight.
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 (2-Pack)
Wi-Fi plugs that let you turn lamps and small appliances on or off from your phone, on a schedule, or by voice with Alexa or Google. No hub needed.
Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale
A slim stainless-steel food scale that weighs in grams and ounces with a tare button. Great for baking, meal prep and portion control.
A simple pet care checklist
- Ask your vet which parasite protection fits your pet, and how often to give it.
- Buy products labeled for the right species, weight and age.
- Set reminders for each dose and for yearly checkups.
- Keep a spot cleaner and paper towels ready for accidents.
- Consider a camera if your pet is new, young or anxious when alone.
- Store all pet medicines and treatments out of reach of pets and children.
The bottom line
Good pet care isn't about buying everything. It's about getting the right protection for your pet, being ready for messes, and staying in touch when you're away. Start with your vet's advice, read every label, and buy the basics you'll actually use. For more options, browse our Pets category.