New Puppy Checklist: Top 10 Essentials For A New Puppy
Becoming a puppy parent is a big responsibility. You have to make sure your puppy is taken care of and has everything he or she needs to be happy and healthy. But what do you need to provide for your pup? What are the essentials? This guide will help answer those questions and more as you prepare to bring home your newest family member. Here is a list of everything you’ll need to make sure you’re ready to care for your puppy.
#1 Food and Water Bowls for Your Puppy
Having a good quality food and water bowl is essential for your puppy. You’ll want to consider the size, material, and other variations when comparing food and water bowls.
It’s important to get bowls that are just the right size for their mouth, so they can eat and drink comfortably. A high-quality stainless steel bowl will be easy to clean, durable, and won’t rust over time or break easily as plastic bowls can.
Other variations for food and water bowls could be features such as non-slip bowls if you have slippery flooring or slow-feed bowls if your puppy is eating too quickly. Food and water bowls can also come in different styles to cater to your lifestyle. For instance, if you love to travel and plan on taking your puppy along with you, you might want to consider purchasing additional compact travel bowls to take with you on your adventures.
#2 High-Quality Foods and Treats
Feeding your puppy the right kind of food is essential to keep them healthy and happy. Look for foods that are healthy, natural, and made with high-quality ingredients. Dog food brands that are higher in protein are the best for growing puppies.
It’s also important to research treats to make sure they don’t contain any unhealthy fillers or artificial flavors and colors. Just because it’s a treat, doesn’t mean it needs to be unhealthy to satisfy your pup.
Some puppies may have special dietary needs such as allergies or sensitive stomachs, so make sure you find a type that caters to their personal needs as well.
#3 Leash and Collar
Getting a collar and leash for your puppy is essential to ensure their safety. A leash and collar will simplify taking your dog on walks to use the bathroom and makes exercising your pup simple and fun. Here are some tips to help you find a collar and leash that are comfortable for your puppy.
The best kind for puppies would be one made with lightweight and breathable materials such as nylon. You’ll also want to consider the fit of the collar; it should be snug enough that it won’t slip off and tight enough that it won’t choke them.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Depending on when and where you’re walking your pup, you’ll want to know the options available to you. Here are a few of the unique styles you might want to try.
Reflective Collars and Leashes
A reflective collar is perfect for nighttime walks with your puppy. The reflective fabric will light up and make your pup visible to drivers and other pedestrians, keeping you both safe during the walk.
Training Collars
Some training collars have spikes on them that poke into your dog’s neck when they pull on the leash. This is called a prong collar. Other training collars have shocking devices that give your dog a small electric shock when they pull on the leash. This is called a shock collar. These collars are designed to be used only when training your puppy. However, more often than not these devices are used improperly and can create fear which leads to aggression in dogs.
Puppy Harnesses
A dog harness is a great option for walking your pup. It’s different than a collar in that it goes around the chest and back of your dog instead of around their neck. This distributes the force evenly across their body if they pull on the leash, preventing them from choking or getting injured. Harnesses come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit any breed of dog.
#4 A Dog ID Tag
Puppies love to go for adventures and wander off. They are excellent at finding an escape to most enclosed areas, making it easy for them to get lost. A dog identification tag is an easy way to ensure that if your pup ever gets lost they can quickly be reunited with you.
A Dog ID Tag should include your name and contact information so anyone who finds your puppy can get in touch with you right away.
#5 Teething Toys
Puppies are teething just like babies, so make sure you’re providing them with appropriate teething toys. Look for soft but durable chew toys that will help keep their gums and teeth healthy while satisfying their need to chew. Teething toys can also distract puppies from destructive chewing behaviors such as chewing furniture. There are many types of teething toys available for purchase. Here are a few different categories to help you decide what might be the best fit for your pup.
Plushy Toys
Soft and cuddly, these are perfect for puppies that love to snuggle. They sometimes come equipt with squeaky noises in the center of the toy to keep your puppy entertained. Plushy toys are a common favorite for rambunctious puppies.
Rope Toys
These are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Rope toys are perfect for vigorous chewing and playing tug-a-war with your pup.
Distraction Toys
These are great for puppies that have a tendency to get bored and destructive. Distraction toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes and most have treats inside. A kong toy is a classic distraction toy. Placing peanut butter or another type of treat inside will keep your puppy happily chewing for long periods of time. Other distraction toys include puzzles and slow-dispensing treat toys.
Fetch Toys
These are perfect for the active puppy! Fetch toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Balls, frisbees, water floats, and boomerangs are all great options to teach your dog how to play fetch and make sure they get lots of exercise.
With the right toys, you can make sure they are always engaged and entertained.
#6 A Crate
A crate is a great way to give your puppy its own safe place, as well as establish rules and boundaries in the home. Crate training helps with night-time potty training and provides your dog with safe means of travel.
Look for crates that are lightweight, easy to clean, and made with durable materials so they can last throughout your pup’s growing years. Make sure it’s big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down. And always make sure your pup has plenty of toys and treats in the crate so they can stay occupied while you are away.
#7 A Bed
Even if you are crate training your puppy, having a bed outside the crate will provide added comfort for them. A soft and comfortable bed will ensure they get proper rest, especially during those crucial early months.
Before buying a bed, measure your dog’s sleeping area and choose a bed that is the same size or a little bit bigger. Look for beds that are made with orthopedic foam or other materials that will provide the support they need while also being machine washable.
#8 A Puppy Gate
If you need to restrict your puppy from certain areas in the home, a puppy gate or exercise pen can be very helpful. These are great for keeping puppies away from dangerous objects such as electrical cords and preventing them from running out of open doors.
Make sure the puppy gate is tall enough so your pup can’t jump over the barricade and sturdy enough that they won’t be able to break through them. The perfect gate will fit in your door and will be easy to open when you need to walk through.
#9 Puppy Training Pads
Puppy training pads can be very helpful for housebreaking your pup. These will help them learn where it’s appropriate to go to the bathroom and discourage them from relieving themselves in the wrong places. They will also reduce the mess in your home.
You’ll want to look for puppy training pads that are absorbent and have an odor-control layer. Additionally, they should have a non-slip bottom to keep them in place for easy cleanup.
#10 Grooming Supplies
Grooming your puppy is important for their overall health and well-being. It’s also important to introduce them to grooming tools early on so they don’t become scared or uncomfortable when it comes time for regular grooming. Here is a list of basic grooming supplies you’ll need for your pup.
Shampoo
Puppy shampoo is important to have on hand when your puppy needs a bath. Puppy shampoo is specially formulated to be gentle on your pup’s delicate skin. It is also designed to help remove dirt and odors. Look for a shampoo that is pH-balanced and contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera and oatmeal.
Brushes
Depending on the length of your puppy’s fur, different brushes may work better than others. For shorter-haired puppies, look for a soft bristle brush while longer-haired pups will need wire slicker brushes and comb attachments. Brushes are important to keep your pup’s coat free of tangles and mats.
Nail Clippers
It’s important to keep your puppy’s nails trimmed to prevent them from breaking and causing injury to your pup. Nail clippers come in a variety of sizes so make sure you get one that fits your dog’s paws snugly. If you don’t feel comfortable clipping your dog’s nails, you can always take them to the groomer or vet but having a set at home might come in handy in an emergency.
These are just a few of the items your puppy will need in order to stay happy and healthy. Make sure you have all these supplies on hand before bringing your puppy home so they feel comfortable and secure in their new environment. With lots of love, proper nutrition, exercise, and the right supplies, you can give your pup a happy and healthy life.