Congratulations on your new puppy! After many meetups with potential and legitimate dog breeders, you are finally just days away from bringing home your new four-legged friend. But while this is an exciting time for you, it probably is also an overwhelming one. After all, you need to make sure you are well prepared for the arrival of your pooch. To help lighten your load a bit, below is a checklist of the supplies you will have to purchase for your furry pal.
#1 Food and Treats
It is advised that you continue to feed your new puppy the same food it has been used to eating when you bring it home. This is to avoid giving it an upset stomach. Once your pooch has settled in, you can start introducing it to your preferred diet. The best food to feed it is a high-quality commercial kibble, as it contains all the nutrients your pup needs for growth and development. You may also ask your veterinarian what the best food option is for your puppy. They will be able to recommend age- and breed-specific formulas that are nutritionally complete and balanced.
Treats play an important role in training a puppy. However, they should not make up more than 10% of your new best friend’s overall diet. If the treat package does not indicate the number of calories per cup, ask your vet what your pooch’s total daily caloric intake should be. This way, you will be able to figure out how many treats you can give your pup each day.
#2 Feeding Bowls
Your puppy will need separate bowls for its food and water. These come in varying materials, sizes, shapes, colours, and price ranges, making choosing one very convenient. Two of the widely available options are those made of plastic and stainless steel.
What’s great about plastic food and water bowls is they are very affordable. However, they can easily be scratched and chewed, leaving room for bacteria to grow. Furthermore, some dog breeds tend to develop an allergy to plastic, resulting in mild skin irritation.
If you are looking for a bowl that can withstand the test of time, food and water bowls made of stainless steel are an excellent choice. Not only are they durable but also easy to clean.
#3 Collar, Harness, and Leash
No matter what breed your puppy is, it still needs to be walked and trained. A collar, harness, and leash will all help ensure that your pooch stays protected and under control when in a public place.
A good collar should have a name tag and be easy to slip on and off. Meanwhile, an ideal harness should be front-attaching to avoid pulling and should fasten securely around your pooch’s body. Finally, a suitable leash should be strong but still be able to provide your puppy with freedom of movement.
#4 Bedding
Many pet parents love to snuggle with their furball in their beds. However, doing so may result in their puppy’s poor night’s rest. This is why it is recommended that you give your pooch its own sleeping spot. Providing it with a bedding will make it feel comfortable and generally better.
When choosing a bedding, make sure it is the right size for your four-legged friend to lay flat and be completely stretched out. Bear in mind, as well, that your pooch will eventually grow, so you should also consider an adult-size bed.
#5 Puppy Shampoo
While some puppies require less washing than others, they will still need to be bathed every once in a while or when they get dirty or stinky. This is why you need to pick a shampoo that is specifically designed for them. Never let your furball use a human shampoo, as it contains harsh ingredients and has a different skin pH to canines. Also, choose a dog shampoo that is gentle so as to add moisture back to your puppy’s coat.
#6 Brush and Nail Clippers
Regardless of the length of your puppy’s coat, it will still need to be brushed or combed regularly. There are many types of dog brushes designed for different purposes. Rubber brushes, for instance, are suitable for breeds that have short hair or shed a lot. Slicker brushes, on the other hand, are recommended for pooches that have longer hair that tend to get knotted or tangled.
You will find multiple styles of nail clippers in pet stores and vet clinics. Scissor clippers are suitable for large breeds with thick nails, while grinding tools are advised for puppies that cannot tolerate nail clippers.
