Courtesy of Wellness WHIMZEESWe interviewed Amanda Batula because we think you’ll like her picks. Amanda is a paid spokesperson for Wellness WHIMZEES. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Some brands featured in this article are partners of Amazon’s Creator Connections program, which means E! may make an increased commission on your purchase if you buy something through our links. Learn more.
Amanda Batula always makes her two beloved dogs, Reese and Ryder, a top priority in her life. Summer House fans know just how much she loves her pets, often bringing them to the Hamptons house while filming.
Whether she’s sharing moments with them on social media or simply enjoying their company, it’s clear that they hold a special place in her heart. Amanda has been open about how they help her navigate life’s challenges, providing unwavering support and comfort, especially during tough times.
In an exclusive E! interview, the Bravo star shares how Reese and Ryder’s positive impact on her mental health continues to be a constant source of strength. She also reveals her must-have pet essentials for other dog parents, from grooming tools to travel-friendly items.
Additionally, Amanda talks about her partnership with Wellness WHIMZEES, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent dental routine for dogs.
Amanda’s love for her dogs goes beyond their companionship—it’s about making sure they’re happy and healthy every step of the way.
Wellness WHIMZEES Brushzees Dog Dental Treats
“Wellness WHIMZEES are my go-to as a pet parent. I love how convenient and portable they are, so I can take them with me wherever the pups and I are. If you think about it, you wouldn’t skip a night brushing your own teeth, so why should your pups skip their dental routine?”
Customer Ratings: 3,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews
E!: Tell me about your partnership with Wellness WHIMZEES and why it’s so important to prioritize your dogs’ dental health.
AB: I’ve been giving Wellness WHIMZEES dental treat products to Ryder and Reese since they could have them. I’m glad we had the opportunity to partner together and help teach other pet parents about the importance of developing a healthy dental routine.
Dental health plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. If your pet has poor dental health, it can affect their ability to chew and digestion. Maintaining regular dental care, including visits to the veterinarian, is crucial to keeping your pets healthy and happy while also preventing any long-term complications.
Wellness WHIMZEES Freshzees Dog Dental Treats
“The Wellness WHIMZEES Brushzees are our personal favorite, plus we’re loving the new Wellness WHIMZEES Freshzees.”
More from Amanda: “Many people don’t know it, but 80% of dogs, particularly small breeds and senior pups, have dental disease, yet less than 2% of pet parents are brushing their dogs’ teeth every day.”
More Dog Parent Essentials
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
“This odor and stain eliminator from Rocco & Roxie was a life saver during potty training. It really does kill the odor.”
Customer Ratings: 84,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Gonzo Pet Hair Remover- 2 Pack
“I like this rubber pet hair remover from Gonzo. I find that it works better than a lint roller, especially on my couch.”
E!: Are there any necessities that you recommend for dog grooming?
AB: An electric nail filer for dogs. The clippers scare me, I’m always afraid to cut too close to the wick.
Casfuy 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Pet Nail Trimmer
“The nail file allows me to slowly file down their nails. You just have to try to get them used to the sound at a young age, but lots of treats and positive reinforcement worked for us!”
Customer Ratings: 68,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Color Options: 6
E!: Do you have any tips for pet care when you are not home?
AB: Our dogs are crate trained. People feel bad locking their dogs up in their crates but it’s truly for their own safety. Letting them roam free gives them the opportunity to get into something that could be harmful to them.
Fortunately, we are home often enough that we don’t need to crate them often, but they love going into their crates at night—it’s their safe space.
E!: What are some tips to make car travel easier with your dogs?
AB: It’s more about safety for me than it is convenience, so we have these little car seats for the dogs and special seatbelts.
Cooyoo Dog Seat Belt, 3 Piece Set
“Those dogs are my life, and I must protect them at all costs.”
Customer Ratings: 24,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Color Options: 16
Wuglo Extra Stable Dog Car Seat
“The car seats are great because they can easily be flattened and stored when not in use.”
Customer Ratings: 5,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Color Options: 4
E!: What are some helpful products that you recommend for first-time dog parents?
AB: In addition to Wellness WHIMZEES, I’d recommend a pee pad holder and potty training attractant spray.
Ganchun Pet Indoor Dog Training Toilet
“My dogs loved to tear up their pee pad or carry it around the room, which left a mess I’d rather not have to clean up, so I found a pee pad holder that covered their pee pad and kept it in place.”
Poochpad Dog Potty Tray
“The next thing was getting them to go on the pee pad, so I bought this potty training attractant spray from PoochPad.”
More from Amanda: “I tried a few, and some of them smell so bad. This one is not terrible at all and helped train my dogs to pee on the pee pad instead of anywhere they felt like in the apartment.”
E!: Summer House fans love the time you, Paige DeSorbo, and Ciara Miller spend hanging out and chatting in bed. Is there a dog bed that Ryder and Reese love just as much for their own hangout sessions?
AB: We have dog beds all over the apartment, but their favorite is their donut beds.
Lesure Calming Small Dog Bed
“My favorite of all the ones I have purchased is this sherpa one from Amazon. It just fits the vibe of the apartment, and I always see my dogs favoring them.”
Size Options: 4
Color Options: 5
E!: You shared a cute video getting ready with Reese. What tips do you have for dog parents who struggle to balance their routines with their pets’ desire for attention
AB: There are a ton of great toys out there to help mentally stimulate your dog, you just need to figure out which one works best for you and your dog.
I am no expert, it really depends on your dog, but Reese just wanted in on the action. To this day, when I get my makeup done, she sits in my lap and watches Taylor [Fitzgerald] do my makeup. It’s the sweetest thing.
Lukito Lick Mat for Dogs & Cats 2 Pack With Suction Cups
“Lick pads are also a great way to keep your dog occupied. I like to use peanut butter yogurt and pumpkin and stick it in the freezer.”
Customer Ratings: 6,900+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Color Options: 5
E!: Are there any dog toys that Reese and Ryder love?
AB: We did BarkBox for over a year, and I had to stop because we have an insane amount of toys. My dogs don’t shred fluffy toys so all of ours stayed intact.
Holysteed Latex Dog Squeaky Toys- 6 Pack
“Anything small that squeaks is their favorite and I’ve donated all the toys they weren’t loving as much.”
Customer Ratings: 4,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews
E!: Is there a leash or harness you recommend for dogs?
AB: My favorite collars are from Furei. They also have leashes and harnesses that you can add the charms to.
Furei Collar
“They are so cute and customizable, and I get compliments on them all the time.”
E!: You’ve been so open about the importance of self-care and mental health. How has being a pet parent influenced your approach to those areas of your life?
AB: Having dogs of my own changed my life. In my darkest moments these two were right by my side giving me all the love and affection I need. Reese would literally dry my tears when I’d cry and then continue to lick every square inch of my face.
They are the only thing that got me up and out of bed in the morning and outside every day. They depended on me and no matter how low I was feeling. I knew I couldn’t let them down. They truly kept me going.
E!: What are your go-to tips for making a dental care routine easier with dogs?
AB: Instead of seeing my dogs’ dental care routine as a separate step, I like to incorporate it into my own “getting unready” routine before bed. It’s a special moment for our whole family to be together, and we look forward to it every day as we brush our teeth together and get ready to settle in at night.
I’m pretty low maintenance, so I love having a routine that isn’t too many steps or too hard to implement. That’s why I love reaching for a dental treat for my dogs, which are easy to implement into our daily routine while washing up at the end of the day. Plus, they have a huge impact on their dental health.
For example, Wellness WHIMZEES target the four areas that vets check the most: breath, plaque, tartar, and gums. My pups love how they taste – and I love how happy and healthy they make them!
E!: What’s your advice for juggling life with two dogs?
AB: Like most things in life, it has its pros and cons. They’re certainly never bored and love to play with one another, but it’s double the cost of one dog. That was the biggest shocker.
Not everywhere gives you a two for one special. But there’s not a day that goes by that I wish I had just one dog. In fact, sometimes I’m like, what’s one more, you know?
E!: How do you manage to keep your dogs’ routine consistent?
AB: We have an amazing couple that dog sits for us and takes the best care of our girls and loves them as if they were their own. They stick to their walking and feeding schedule and give them all their supplements and Wellness WHIMZEES and text us constant photo updates.
I think the key is finding the right sitter and sticking with that person so they aren’t going to some strange new place with someone they don’t know all the time.
E!: What are your tips to make it easier to work from home with dogs around?
AB: I lucked out with my dogs because they are so lazy. They will sleep on the couch through all of my meetings and Zoom calls. They love to nap, and even when they aren’t napping, they just like to lay with me. They take after their mama…very low energy, ha!
E!: Fill in the blanks: People may not think ______ is a dog parent essential, but it is because________.
AB: People may not think a regular dental care routine is a dog parent essential, but it is because 80% of dogs have dental disease, which can be detrimental to their overall wellbeing if not addressed.
For more information about dog dental health, check out these tips from Amanda and Wellness WHIMZEES.
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