Essential Supplies for Welcoming a New Puppy Into Your Home
You’re expecting a new arrival in your family, congratulations! You finally feel mature enough and financially stable to get yourself a puppy. But before you can welcome the little guy or girl into your home, you’ve got to get everything ready. Puppies require a lot of love, care, attention and stimulation, so being prepared before the arrival can help you provide all of this at ease. And the fact that your new fur kid has all his/her needs properly met can make him/her feel safer and more relaxed. This, in turn, can help the dog get used to the new environment faster and build trust in you which is crucial for long term happiness. So, without further ado, I give you the essential supplies needed for welcoming a new puppy.
A Comfortable Bed
Investing in a comfy bed for your new dog can not only make him happier, but it may also be beneficial for his/her health in the long run. Lying on a cold floor for prolonged periods of time is known to cause sore joints, ear problems as well as exacerbate rheumatism and similar health issues. But a bed can provide insulation for your dog so that it doesn’t have to sleep on the cold, hard floor. However, not just any bed can do. You need to make sure it’s appropriate for your dog’s breed, or more specifically its size.
Dogs prefer to be able to stretch out freely when relaxing. But they also want to feel safe, especially young dogs. For that reason, you need to pick a bed that is not too small but not too big either. Most stores selling pet supplies separate their range of beds into different sizes-small, medium and large. Small dog beds are suitable for breeds such as Maltese, Pomeranian or Chihuahua. On the other hand, a medium dog bed will be suitable for breeds such as Bulldog, Pointer, Labrador, or Australian Cattle dog. Then there are large dog beds which can comfortably big boys such as St. Bernards, Great Danes or English Mastiffs. If you’re welcoming a mixed breed dog, a medium dog bed is likely to be the most suitable option.
Collar/s
A collar doesn’t only make it more convenient to walk your dog, but it also helps identify him/her if he/she gets lost. It’s recommended to get equipped with several collars. You’ll need to get one collar for everyday wear with a basic design and made of comfortable materials such as nylon, fabric, or leather and fastened with a buckle or a quick-release fastener for putting it and taking it off easily. The everyday collar should have the identification and license tags attached to it. You will also want to check how the collar fits regularly, especially during the growing stage. If it no longer fits, readjust it or replace it. A collar that fits properly will allow you to insert two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. A collar that’s too tight can cause discomfort or injure your dog, and a collar that’s too loose can get caught into something and strangle your dog.
Food and Water Bowls
Every dog needs two bowls next to each other – one for food and one for water. When choosing bowls make sure to pick a durable and safe material, such as sturdy plastic or stainless steel. However, keep in mind that your dog might be likely to chew on the plastic bowl, and thus can damage it. If you notice your dog doing this, you may want to replace it with a stainless steel one.
Grooming Supplies
Dogs need maintenance. To keep him/her looking good, smelling good and being hygienic, regular grooming is important. What grooming supplies you need depend on what kind of dog you have. For instance, Poodles are a lot more complicated to groom as opposed to a Labrador Retriever. Also, if you want your dog to take part in competitions, you will need to invest in an extensive collection of grooming supplies. But in general, all dogs can benefit from the following grooming tools:
- A brush for short-hair breeds or comb for long-hair breeds
- Coat clippers and scissors
- Dog-friendly shampoo and optional conditioner
- Nail trimmer
- Doggy toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste
Fun Toys
All dogs love to play. Especially puppies. So, the best way to make your puppy feel happy is to give him plenty of ways to play. And toys can be of great help when you’re too busy to join your dog for some playtime. Make sure you pick toys that are safe and won’t present a choking hazard. Any toys that come with ribbons, bells, plastic eyes and similar attachments can be easily ripped off and swallowed. Also, make sure that the toys do not have any sharp edges that can poke an eye out or cut your dog. Durable rubber toys are recommended for most puppies. The most popular toy models are those with empty insides and openings allowing you to tuck in some treats. Many dogs are curious and love to solve puzzles, so trying to get those snacks out can be lots of fun for them.
