Whole Dog Journal’s 2023 Dog Gear of the Year

The most exciting, useful products we’ve used and enjoyed over the past year.

Have you ever bought a cute but pricey item in a pet supply store, only to have it fail within days – or hours? It’s estimated that Americans spent $109.6 billion on their pets in 2021 – but how much of that was a total waste? “Super tough” toys that don’t make it through a day of play, beds with zippers that permanently separate the first time you wash the cover, coats that cost an arm and a leg but fray or fade within a short time – I think we’ve all been there. Well, this stuff ain’t that! Here are 10 top-quality dog-care goods that you and your dog will truly appreciate.

  1. Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
  2. Gorilla Chew
  3. Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball
  4. Help ‘Em Up Harness
  5. Trailblazing Tails Long Line
  6. RexSpecs V2 Goggles
  7. Dig Defence
  8. PupPod Rocker
  9. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
  10. Rumbl Treat Toy

1. Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag

dog in highlands dog sleeping bag
Make sure your dog is just as warm and comfortable as you are when camping with a dog sleeping bag. © Nancy Kerns

2. Gorilla Chew

gorilla chew long lasting dog chew
These chew toys are wood from a coffee tree. They don’t splinter like most wooden items; the tiny bits that can be chewed off are easily digested by dogs. © Nancy Kerns

3. Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball

chuckit air fetch ball product image
A great ball for any fetch or ball-obsessed dog. © Chuckit!

4. Help ‘Em Up Harness

dog supported by help em up harness
The Help ‘Em Up Harness is an assistive device that your dog can comfortably wear 24/7. © Nancy Kerns

5. Trailblazing Tails Long Line

trailblazing tails long line dog leash product
It’s simple enough to make your own long line, but this one is waterproof and long-lasting. © Trailblazing Tails

6. Rex Specs V2 Goggles

dog wearing goggles on kayak
Rex Specs have adjustable straps, replaceable lenses, impact resistant, and UV 400 rated. © Jennifer Bailey, DVM

7. Dig Defence

dig defence fence panel
©Nancy Kerns

8. PupPod Rocker

puppod feeder and rocker
The PupPod Feeder and Rocker. © Nancy Kerns

9. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

small dog in sleepypod mobile pet bed
The mesh dome top zips completely off if you prefer that when using it as a pet bed. Sleepypod recommends that you accustom your dog to using it this way until the dog is completely comfortable in the bed before you try to put the top on. ©Nancy Kerns

10. Rumbl

rumbl treat dispensing dog toy
© West Paw

4 COMMENTS

  1. My veterinary dentist does not recommend any chew that you would not willingly hit against your shin. After two problems with two different dogs, I (a vet) finally have learned my lesson. I bet my dogs would love these, though there is no way I would risk another trip to the dentist!

  2. I did not care for the Help ‘Em Up Harness. Too many buckles and clasps, and it’s designed to leave on your dog for the owner’s convenience, not the dog’s comfort. How would you like to try to walk around or sleep with straps chafing under your arms, between your legs, plus have hard buckles and clasps poking into you while lying down? When my senior Great Dane mix became increasingly weak in his hind legs, he also had nerve issues along his spine. He could not tolerate anything touching his back. This would have been a torture device for him. I returned it immediately and replaced it with a GingerLead Support & Rehabilitation Harness. It’s soft and padded, and easy to slip under your dog to help him up, then easily remove it. My Great Dane mix weighed more than me, and I could never have made it through his last years without the GingerLead sling. My sister used one for her senior dog as well. I highly recommend the GingerLead harness instead: https://gingerlead.com/index.htm