Few events are as exciting in life as the addition of a new furry friend. With a new pet comes great responsibility. Preparation is the key to a successful transition — having some of the items you know you will need ready to go before your pet arrives will make the process go much more easily!
No matter how much you think you’re prepared, a new puppy comes at you with constant potties (not always outdoors), super sharp baby teeth, and a whole slew of unpredictable things.
But fear not! Here is the ULTIMATE list of things that you will need when you bring home your new fuzzbutt. And when you do, remember to enjoy each and every second of it, because we all know they grow up way too fast!
1. FOOD:
She may be small, but your pup will have a big appetite and big calorie demands to give her body the energy to develop healthy bones, organs, skin, and coat. As a result, for the first 12 months of your pup’s life, you will feed her a diet created just for her demanding energy and nutritional needs.
These special diets are referred to as diets that are formulated for puppies or for “growth and development.” Food makers understand that puppies have specific needs, so they incorporate those nutritional requirements — the right blend of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals — into their special puppy blends. Veterinary nutritionists note that puppies must have these specific ingredients in their diets to develop into healthy adults.
Follow this LINK to see all the quality brands we have instore and online
2. FOOD & WATER BOWLS:
Well you’ve got to have something to put their food and water in, don’t you? You can choose ceramic or stainless steel dishes, plastic crocks, and even glass bowls — but all these place settings for your pooch have their benefits and drawbacks.
The least expensive options are plastic bowls and crocks. While most can be cleaned and sanitized in the dishwasher, plastic can harbor bacteria and residue, especially in dented or scratched areas on the surface. If you go with plastic, select a harder, dishwasher-safe bowl and replace it when it starts to show signs of wear.
Ceramic dishware and glass bowls can be heavy so they likely won’t become toys, but they can be expensive — not to mention breakable — and some ceramic pieces can contain lead, which is harmful to your dog. If you buy ceramic, make sure it’s dishwasher safe and lead-free.
Stainless steel bowls, though generally the most expensive, are the best choice. They’re strong, easy to clean and sanitize, and usually too cumbersome for a puppy to carry in his mouth. Many raised feeders and custom-carved bowl holders come with stainless steel bowls.
We like the puppy saucer because they have an anti skid base and balanced and don’t get knocked over by those clumsy puppy paws. We also has a ton of other designs you can check out in >LINK.
3. ID TAG:
How else are you going to remember your dog’s name? But seriously, slap your contact information on there so if someone finds your pup wandering around they can return the little bugger to you! Pick a tag that fits your pup’s pawsonality – we kinda like ’em sassy though, like this cutie from Rosewood Pet Products.
4. DOG TREATS:
Dog treats are the highlight of a puppy’s day. They can make dog training a snap and improve the human-puppy bond through a positive reinforcement program. Because it’s easy to overdo, make sure dog treats are small enough to be a tiny bite of flavor, not a meal replacement. Follow this “LINK” for the treats we have in stock
5. COLLAR
Because you’ll need to hook you dog’s id tag onto something just as awesome. We have a great selection of goofy, stylish, simple depending on what your looking for. “LINK TO COLLARS”
Collars should be snug enough that a dog can’t back out of them, but large enough for 2-3 fingers to slip comfortably underneath. Remember, a growing dog will need a new collar several times during the puppy stage as he or she gets bigger.
6. LEASH
Another essential for keeping your dogs safe, especially on walks. Who knows what would happen if you walked your unleashed pup on our busy roads?! (Bet you didn’t know that heavy sounds can scare your little poochy, did you?)
Dogs aren’t born knowing how to walk on a “LEASH”. Training them to get used to a leash and collar early is an essential socialization skill. For young dogs still learning manners, make sure your leash is short enough that they will be in your control and save the long leashes for when they are a bit older. If you have a small dog — under 20 pounds — you may also want a “TRAVEL CARRIER”.
7. Bedding
Dogs should have a safe, comfortable, clean spot to sleep in. Many owners find crate training an indispensable tool in the house training process, and this solves the problem of both house training and a designated slumber spot. A large crate with a soft cozy crate pad is just what puppy needs for a secure place to lay his busy head. > link to our site
8. Crates and containment:
A must for any puppy owner, crates and containment devices keep your new pal in a confined area where you can monitor and housetrain him. You will need a dog crate or carrier, and an exercise pen, playpen, or gate when you bring your pup home. Follow this “LINK”
Hard-sided crates and travel carriers are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and fiberglass. Though the stainless steel crates will last a lifetime, the lightweight plastic and fiberglass varieties provide a measure of safety and security for your puppy while driving or flying. They also replicate a cozy, warm den — especially when you outfit it with a soft bed or blanket.
When choosing a crate or carrier, make sure that your pup can stand up, lie down, turn around, and stretch inside. Though dogs prefer to have a close-in den-like space, they also need room — but not too much — to feel comfortable.
If you are unable to keep a watchful eye on your puppy, you may also wish to purchase a pen or some baby gates to keep him corralled. Exercise pens are a set of portable wire panels that confine your pup to a specific area. You can adjust them to fit just about any space. Baby gates, which are used to cordon off restricted areas, prevent him from roaming where he shouldn’t.
9. Play pen or baby gates
Exercise pens or play pens are great for potty training your pups or keeping them in a small, designated area while they’re learning the rules of the house. Link to PLAY PEN & GATES
10. Cleaning Supplies
If there is one thing you want on hand BEFORE it becomes a necessity, it’s cleaning supplies. Puppies are messy, no two ways about it. They rip things up. They have accidents. They sometimes vomit on the rug. A good supply of cleaning supplies is indispensable.
There are plenty of cleaning supplies on the market depending on your flooring and your preferences. Cleansers designated “pet safe” are a good way to ensure that even if Fido sneaks a lick, it won’t be a problem for him or for you. Enzymatic cleaners, which specifically break down proteins such as the ones found in urine, are very helpful for those house training incidences. LINK 1 and LINK 2
11. Grooming supplies
Even though he’s still young, your puppy will need to be groomed and learn how to behave during the process. His coat will need regular washing, combing and brushing. He’ll also need his toenails trimmed, his ears cleaned, and his teeth brushed. To be prepared for the grooming routine as soon as he comes home, have these grooming supplies ready and understand how to properly use them:
Blow dryer
Bristle brush
Comb
Conditioning spray
Cotton balls
Ear cleaning solution
Grooming table or grooming area
Nail clippers
Scissors
Shampoo and conditioner
Slicker brush
Styptic powder
Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
Towels
shampoo
Dental cleaning products
Store the above items in a plastic tote or container for easy access.
12.Toys
Whether a stuffed lion, a squeaky octopus, or a treat-dispensing toy, puppies adore their playthings. Toys can be categorized into chew toys that satisfy the need to gnaw, like hard-rubber toys; plush toys, like stuffed animals, that provide comfort to dogs; fetching toys, like balls and flying discs; rope and tug toys, which help to floss teeth while the pup plays; and critical thinking toys, like treat-dispensing devices, that release goodies when the pup performs a certain task.
Despite all the toy choices at your local pet store, you should only offer your puppy strong, durable, well-made toys that are sized appropriately for him. If your puppy does destroy a toy (and he probably will!), remove the damaged toy immediately. Exposed squeakers can be dangerous, as are stuffing, frayed rope toy strands, and small torn-off pieces that can be ingested.
Purchase these products before your puppy comes home and set them up in advance — mostly because you’ll be too busy playing with him! With these items in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome your puppy to his new forever home.
13. Calming products
Some pups may be more anxious and nervous than others, and calming products are great for helping out if you need them. You can buy calming treats, as well as pheromone sprays, to keep your puppy calm and feeling safe. Try to find all natural ones that your veterinarian advises are safe for use.
14. Vitamins & supplements
Depending on the health and wellness of your pup, these may be helpful. The first few months are extremely important for their development! Speak with your vet to see if supplements would benefit your puppy. “LINK”
15. Food storage bin
An airtight storage container makes it easier to keep your pup’s food fresh and easily accessible. These ceramic treat jars from BarkShop are a chic way to keep your pup’s noms fresh. LINK
16. Flea & tick preventative
Puppy season tends to fall in the summer, when many first-time dog owners have more time, and the weather makes potty training a little easier. This also happens to be prime bug-time, so be sure to arm your pup with parasite and insect preventatives! Additionally, heartworm prevention is a must. All it takes is a mosquito bite, and treatment is costly and miserable for the dog.
17. Travel harness
Keeping your pup safe in the car is a must! Travel harnesses attach to your seat belts to keep the little guys secure.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a doggie seat belt. The leading cause of death in pets during car accidents happens not during the accident itself, but afterwards, when a panicked dog runs into the road. Seat belts can slip onto an existing harness or carrier.
18. Treat pouch
A definite must for training so you can keep treats within arm’s reach–anytime, anywhere. You can find these in any store, but we have some really stylish, pup durable ones.
19. First-aid supplies
Always be prepared for an emergency so you’re not left scrambling for supplies! You’ll need things like bandages, peroxide, etc… You never know when your dog is going to get an owie and you always want to be prepared with a stylish bright pink bandage, amirite?
20. Finally, and most importantly, before you bring that new puppy home, make sure you have established a relationship with a veterinarian. Your new four-legged bundle of fur will require ongoing care and advice from a veterinarian. Your pet needs to be examined at least yearly by a vet even if it appears healthy, as many diseases are hidden and not apparent. Remember it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it!
Have fun shopping! And remember, puppies shouldn’t go to public places like pet stores until they have several sets of vaccinations under their belts, so let them enjoy the fruits of your labors from home.