What Must Be Bought Before You Bring Your Best Friend Home |

Pet Supplies

Pet Supplies- A Shopping Checklist For a New Dog

What Must Be Bought Before You Bring Your Best Friend Home

Before you rush out and purchase a new dog, you need to be prepared with appropriate dog supplies. New puppies need more than food and water, especially during the first night at the house. Here is a good

1. FOOD AND WATER BOWLS-Your new puppy will need to have his own food and a water bowl. The bowl should be stainless steel as they are hypoallergenic, clean easily, and long lasting. However, avoid plastic bowls as they have a tendency to be chewed on and can cause minor cuts and scrapes to your dog’s gums. Also, there is the danger of your dog biting off a piece of plastic and swallowing it. Additionally, they tend to harbor bacteria. Both bowls must be full and ready to go as soon as your puppy arrives. Also, you the bowl must be heavy so it cant be easily tipped over.

2. DOG FOOD-For dog food you should put together a nutrition plan ahead of time before bringing your new friend home. Dry dog food, although handy because may not the best source of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats for your best friend. It is best to consult with a vet who can recommend the best nutritional puppy food for your new friend.

3. BEDDING-Be sure to have a place for your puppy to sleep. Bedding is essential but does not have to be fancy or complicated. In fact, it is best at first to pile some of your old clothes that still have your scent on them for your new puppy to sleep in. This way he will fill a little more secure with your scent around. You can of course purchase a more elaborate setup but it is not necessary.

4. DOG TOYS-Many new dog owners go overboard and bring home lots of different toys, most of which are unnecessary. You only need a finite amount of puppy supplies. If you have too many dog toys lying around it can complicate training your dog to not nibble on everything in the house. It becomes confusing to your puppy to decipher what is his, to play with, and what is yours. The best puppy toys are old socks, shoes, or small balls that are big enough to play with and not too small for your puppy to swallow.

5. Toothbrush and Tooth Paste – It is very important to keep your pet’s gums and teeth clean. Brushes and paste can be purchased at your local pet supply store and vet’s office.

6. Crate – You must choose a crate that is large enough for your best friend to stand up an comfortably turn around. However, it should not be so large that he can avoid any mess that he or she makes. A crate is a comfortable spot for your dog to rest, but, it is also a good house training tool. You should also provide bedding for the floor of the crate.

7. Collar and Leash – Purchasing a adjustable nylon or flat leather collar that fits good. As a test, you should be able to fit two fingers under the collar tightly. The leash should be 4 to 6 feet in length.

8. First Aid Kit – A basic first aid kit for minor emergencies.

9. ID Tag – Id tag should include your name, dog’s name, address, and phone number.

10. Treats – You should provide soft treats for the positive reinforcement of your dog.

11. Baby Gates- Are needed for blocking areas that are off limits for your dog.

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