Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but we must be prepared with essential items to make the transition as smooth as possible.
- Health and Safety Products
It is vital to buy health and safety products such as a collar, harness, leash, ID tag, poopie bags, and puppy training pads.
- A Comfy Cozy Bed
Look for beds suitable in size for your new fur baby. Also, keep in mind that puppies like to chew, so look for a doggie bed made of durable material.
- Food and Water Bowls
- Ceramic bowls are sturdy and can be put in the microwave if needed.
- Stainless steel is highly durable and easy to clean.
- Plastic bowls can hold germs, and some dogs are allergic, so avoid these.
- If you use self-feeding/water bowls, be sure to clean them regularly.
Purchase nutritious food, as there are some foods dogs should never eat. Talk to your
vet about the best food and treat options, and supply fresh, clean water daily.
- Safe and Durable Toys
There are many types of toys available for dogs, including plush, interactive, and throw toys, all of which will bring hours of fun for your new pooch.
Plush Toys – These are soft and fuzzy, but make sure not to get anything with beans, styrofoam, or noisemakers as your puppy may end up swallowing them.
Interactive Toys – A fantastic way to keep your puppy busy while you are away is with toys that you can put treats into, and these toys challenge your pooch and prevent boredom.
Throw Toys – No puppy will say no to a ball being thrown, and they are great for exercise and socialization.
Choose the best toys for your dog, and if teething is an issue, Kong toys are incredibly durable and can satisfy that “chewing” urge. However, some puppies take chewing to the next level and engage in biting, but there are ways to stop your puppy from biting.
Bringing a new fur baby home means saving a life, and it is also the beginning of your new life filled with unconditional love. So, knowing what you need to get is imperative. Shopping is fun, but shopping for a new puppy is a truly pawtastic experience!
Bio:
Aaron Smith is a writer and copy strategist for several companies and non-profits. He often covers topics important to pet owners, and is a dedicated dog dad to his three pups: Buddy, Roxy, and Kaya.