Sometimes the best roommates are your pets! But living with a dog (or two, or three) can be trickier when you’re living in an apartment. For anyone who hasn’t owned a dog while living in an apartment, these are some must-haves.

1. A Sliding Dog Door Insert

If your dog is anything like mine, their favorite spot in your apartment may be outside on the patio.  If you want them to have access to the patio, but not have to keep your door open all day, a dog door insert for the sliding door is perfect. It fits right into any sliding glass door seamlessly and is very easily removed. Instant dog door for your one and only to come and go as they please! Find one here: https://bit.ly/dogdoorinsert 

2. A Pet Camera

A camera allows you to check in on your dog while you’re out and about. Whether you’re away at work, or just running out to grab some groceries, it’s always comforting to check in and see how your pet is doing.

It’s not uncommon for some dogs to suffer from separation anxiety, so this is a great way to make sure they’re not barking or whining all day long and driving your neighbors crazy. Some even allow you to speak to your furry friend through the camera and just hearing your voice may be enough to calm them down. Plus, who doesn’t love to pull up their phone and show their coworker a live shot of their adorable pup sleeping the day away? You can find one here: https://bit.ly/pethomecam.

3. A Comfortable Pet Bed

Your apartment should be your comfortable oasis and it’s important for your dog to have their own little oasis as well - a bed! Some beds are specifically designed to help dogs with anxiety, like this one: https://bit.ly/anxietybed.

 Photo by Ellen Samples

Why not use any tool available to keep barking and whining to a minimum? This will also keep them cozy if you decide to crate train or train them to stay off of the furniture.

4. A Bark Deterrent

Having your dog bark from morning to night is the last thing you or your neighbors want. Your Camden apartment is likely to come with a view, and while your dog is going to love looking out the window at the awesome scenery outside, they may bark at those passing by throughout the day.

There are a variety of bark deterrents that will sense a dog barking and send out a high pitched noise that only your pup can hear. It doesn’t hurt their ears, but they will want it to stop, and soon they’ll learn to keep their barking to a minimum. It’s a great way to make sure you and your pet are respectful neighbors. Find one option here: https://bit.ly/barkdeterrent. ​

Photo courtesy of Ellen Samples

5. A Thundershirt

Thunderstorms and fireworks are often not a dog’s best friend. In fact, many dogs get anxious from the noise, and may bark or become destructive. A thundershirt is a great solution to ease your dog during their more anxious moments.

All you do is wrap it around your dog and its snug qualities are proven to give your pet a sense of relief and safety. Not to mention, they’ll look so cute in it! Find one here: https://bit.ly/thundershirtdog

6. Customized Dog Art

 Don’t forget to showcase your furry best friend in your apartment with customizable wall art! Send a photo of your dog in to a variety of pet art sites, and they’ll come back with a cute design of your dog to add some charm to your new apartment. Also, check out these tips on apartment decor for some additional inspiration.