Congratulations on deciding to get a new puppy! What an exciting time in your life. Whether you’re adopting a puppy from a shelter or you’ve found the ideal breed in californiapuppiesforsale, there are some supplies you’ll need to have on hand when your puppy arrives home.
Take the time to go shopping before your puppy’s “gotcha day” arrives to make sure you don’t forget anything on this checklist.
Puppy Food
Even if you have other dogs in your house, you should not feed your new puppy the same food they get. Your puppy needs specially formulated food that provides the right amount of nutrients in the correct proportions for proper puppy development through the first year.
There is a wide variety of puppy foods available on the market, ranging from wet and dry food to breed-specific formulas that are designed to accommodate breed-specific needs.
Each dog breed’s genes metabolize food differently and some have a predisposition to certain medical issues that can be addressed through food.
It’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before choosing a puppy food to make sure your puppy’s needs are going to be adequately met through their diet.
You should also discuss with your vet how much food to feed your puppy, as the amount of food you give them each will vary depending on the size and breed of your new pet.
You don’t want to over-or under-feed your puppy because that will affect their overall development.
Food and Water Bowls
Of course, you’ll need something to put your puppy’s food in, and bowls for people’s food aren’t designed for the unique needs of dogs. For instance, if your puppy is very small, you’ll want a shallow dish to make sure they can easily reach their food.
The water bowl should have a sturdy base so that it doesn’t spill easily if your puppy accidentally runs into it while playing (and they probably will).
You might even decide to have water in several areas of the house and outside so your puppy can drink fresh water anytime they get thirsty. If you choose to do this, you’ll want to buy a bowl for each area.
Collar and ID Tag
You’ll want to get your puppy used to wearing a collar right away because, in most jurisdictions, they are required to have a collar that carries their ID tag.
It will become second nature to your puppy to have a collar around their neck and they might even become uncomfortable when you remove it.
The puppy’s ID tag should have at least your name and phone number on it, but an address is also helpful. Many tags give you the option of adding multiple phone numbers, which is always a good idea in case the main contact can’t be reached in the event your puppy gets lost.
Choose a collar that comfortably fits your puppy’s neck, but isn’t so loose that they can pull it off over their head. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for when the collar starts getting tighter as your puppy grows.
You’ll either need to adjust it and make it bigger or buy a new one that fits. If your puppy is a breed that grows quickly and is predicted to be a large adult, you’ll probably have to replace its collar several times, so getting an adjustable one right at the start is a good idea.
Leash
You will also need a leash so that you can take your dog on walks, to and from the veterinarian, and to and from their grooming appointments, among other adventures.
In most cities, dogs must be on a leash any time they’re in public and not in a designated dog park.
There are several types of leashes, but the most popular include a standard non-retractable leash that’s about six feet in length and a retractable leash that comes in various lengths based on how much leeway you want to give your puppy when you’re walking them.
Crate and Bed
A crate can play an important role in training your puppy, but as your puppy grows and learns, they’ll discover they feel safe in their crate and may even use it as their bed.
You should get a crate that has just enough room for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. Any larger and they may not feel as safe as they do in smaller spaces.
You may also want to get a separate dog bed for your puppy, although this isn’t necessary if they’re using their crate as their bed.
A dog bed can also be used as a training tool, especially if you teach them to go to their crate when the doorbell rings so that they don’t get overly excited.
Toys
Puppies are natural chewers because they learn about their world through their mouths. Provide them with lots of chew toys and other fun things that they can chase or tug on.
Refrain from giving them old socks or shoes because they will get confused and begin chewing on your nice socks and shoes. While they probably don’t need an abundance of toys, you might have to try several before you find your dog’s favorite.
Treats
Puppies love treats, which makes them the ideal reward for training. Be sure to get treats that are age-appropriate and the right size for your puppy.
Training treats should be small enough to eat in a bite or two because you don’t want to fill them up on treats throughout the day as you train them. You still want them to eat a balanced diet and large treats can derail that plan.
Cleaning Supplies
Puppies make messes. It’s a fact of life. You’ll want to get cleaning supplies that are specially formulated for pet messes so they are safe and effective.
Look for these items in the pet aisle and not the cleaning products aisle to ensure you’re getting a product that will perform the way you expect it to.
Conclusion
Other items you may consider getting for your puppy in addition to these checklist items include dog shampoo and conditioner, a nail trimmer, a brush, puppy house training pads, dog poop bags, and clothing.
These items may not be necessary and are somewhat dependent upon breed. Check with your veterinarian to see if they recommend any other products for your specific pet and you’ll be ready to bring your new friend home.
