Pet gear, chosen by the job it does

A padded harness with a metal ring at the chest and a second ring on the back.

Best for

Dogs who lean into a flat collar on daily walks, and owners who walk the same route twice a day.

Watch out for

A chest strap that sits too low can rub behind the front legs; measure the girth rather than the neck.

A lead with a padded second handle close to the clip.

Best for

Pavements, crossings and anywhere the dog has to be brought in close for a moment.

Watch out for

The second handle adds weight and bulk; on a small dog it can feel clumsy in the hand.

A bowl with a pattern of ridges that spreads one meal over a longer stretch.

Best for

Dogs who empty a plain bowl in seconds and then look around for something else to do.

Watch out for

Deep patterns take longer to rinse; check the bowl against your sink and your dishwasher.

A pump-driven fountain that keeps a shallow pool of water moving.

Best for

Cats who ignore a still bowl, and homes where the water bowl is refilled once a day at most.

Watch out for

The pump is the part that ages first, and filters are a running consumable.

A raised stand holding two stainless bowls at a fixed height.

Best for

Tall dogs, older dogs who would rather not fold down to the floor, and kitchens where bowls get pushed around.

Watch out for

The height is fixed, so a stand chosen for a puppy is at the wrong height a year later.

A pad of fine wire pins that lifts loose coat and opens small tangles.

Best for

Medium and long coats that are brushed a few times a week.

Watch out for

Pins bend under heavy pressure, and the retract button is the weak point on budget copies.