Excited about your new puppy? Who wouldn’t be? After all, owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences. This is why you should have everything your furball needs ready before you welcome it into your home. The only problem is picking out the right items and accessories, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. To help you out, below is a list of all the puppy essentials you need to buy for a new puppy:
1. Food
Your puppy’s first year is the most critical period in its growth and development. During this time, you should feed it with nutritionally complete and balanced foods that are suitable for its age, size, and breed. You should also bear in mind the average puppy requires twice the amount of food consumed by the average adult dog.
If you are uncertain about what to feed your pooch, ask your breeder or vet for advice. It is recommended that you continue giving your puppy the same foods it was already being fed before adoption and make sure that you do not change the amount of food it eats until after a few days upon bringing it home. The reason is to avoid tummy upsets. Should you want to change your puppy’s food later on, do it gradually.
2. Food and Water Bowls
When shopping for food and water bowls, don’t just consider the style and cost. Take into consideration the material used, as this can determine how durable and easy to clean a bowl is. Three of the most common dog feeding bowl materials are plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Of these, stainless steel bowls are the most preferred because they are inexpensive, dishwasher-safe, and can stand the test of time.
Aside from the material, you should also consider the different features of a food or water bowl. For instance, shallow bowls are best for pooches with short noses, while deep bowls are perfect for dogs with long noses. Elevated bowls are recommended for large dogs, while slow feed bowls are designed for pooches that tend to eat quickly.
3. Crate
There are several reasons why a crate is beneficial for puppies. First, it provides a pooch with a private haven to retreat to when it needs some downtime. Second, it keeps a canine out of trouble when you are not home. Third, it makes road trips much safer for everyone in the family. Lastly, a crate teaches a puppy bladder and bowel control.
When looking for a crate, consider the size of your pooch. Make sure it is big enough for your furball to stretch out and stand up even when it is fully grown. Also, make sure that your dog can walk inside without crouching down.
4. Bedding
Generally, puppies sleep from 18 to 20 hours a day. This is why it is important that you provide yours with a comfortable surface to lay on. Be sure that the bedding you buy is big enough for when your puppy becomes an adult. A bonus is if the bedding you choose fits your crate perfectly. When looking for a bed, ask for one that contains interlocking fill materials. This way, your pooch is comfortable and well-supported throughout the night. Also, find a bed that is machine washable and quick-drying because it will come in handy during potty training. Finally, choose a bed that has a removable cover, as pups can track a lot of dirt and pests.
5. Grooming Tools
Regardless of coat length or type, all dogs need to be groomed regularly. The only difference is the timing between different breeds. This is why you should add to your new puppy shopping list some good grooming tools. Consistent grooming will not only keep your pooch looking its best but also remove dead hair, protect the ears from infection, and prevent flea and tick infestations, among others.
One item your grooming kit can’t be without is a brush or comb. This tool is very helpful in detangling the hair, stimulating the surface of the skin, and distributing natural oils for a healthy coat.
Another item that should be on your list is a high quality dog shampoo. Dogs need to be bathed every few weeks, and you cannot use human shampoo to wash their fur. Otherwise, their coats can get damaged and natural oils are stripped away.
Other important items you should have in your dog grooming kit are a nail clipper and a toothbrush. Eventually, your pooch’s nails will get too long and will need to be trimmed before they cut into the flesh. Likewise, your pup can get gum disease if its teeth aren’t brushed regularly.
6. Name Tag
An identification tag is important if you want to ensure your puppy’s safety when outdoors. A name tag that is worn around the collar will allow other people to identify your dog should they become separated from you.
Aside from safety reasons, a dog ID tag makes it quick and easy for anyone to get in touch with you if your pooch gets lost. They will be able to call you right away because the tag will have your dog’s name, your contact number, and potentially even your home address to help someone return your dog to you should they ever get lost.
7. Collar/Harness and Leash
No matter how well-behaved your pup is, there is still a chance that they can get themselves into trouble when you take it out for a walk. They may suddenly wander off, chase away other animals, or accidentally run into heavy traffic without your knowing. With a dog collar/harness and leash, you will be able to control your pooch’s movement.
Besides protecting your furball from dangerous situations, a collar/harness and leash can come in handy when you are trying to teach your dog certain skills. For instance, training your pup to use a leash at an early age can help it learn proper walking etiquette in no time. It can also help make obedience and potty training much easier.
Some dog owners, however, find it difficult to train their pooches even with a collar/harness and leash. If you are struggling training yours, there is a team that can help transform your dog in just a short 35 days.
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