Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience. But it can also be overwhelming when you need help determining what supplies to prepare.
Essential puppy supplies include bedding, a crate, and puppy pads or newspapers for housetraining. You’ll also want cleaning supplies like enzymatic cleaners, which help to eliminate pet accidents and odors.
Food and Water Bowls
Your pup will need something to eat and drink from. Pet food bowls are available in various materials and sizes, with some designs to prevent spilling or overflowing. You’ll want to get stainless steel bowls, which are hygienic, dishwasher safe, and resistant to scratches. They are durable enough for indoor and outdoor use. Higher-quality pet bowls have a ceramic or stoneware finish and are designed to fit any interior décor.
Dogs like Cavapoo puppies for sale may be reluctant to eat from plastic dishes, which can leach chemicals into the food. Additionally, heavy chewers could damage these bowls and ingest pieces, which could choke them. Stainless steel bowls are safer, more durable, and more attractive than plastic ones, but they require regular washing to keep them free of biofilm.
If your new puppy will spend much time in the house, consider buying some potty pads to help with house training. These reusable, absorbent pads have a built-in scent that attracts dogs to where they need to go. They’re an excellent option for owners without yards or working long hours.
Collar or Harness
A collar or harness is the first piece of equipment every dog owner needs to have. A simple flat collar is straightforward to slip on and off and provides an excellent place to attach your dog’s ID and rabies tags. It also makes a great place to train your puppy to “heel.”
A breakaway collar has a fastener that breaks open when it’s pulled hard, providing a measure of safety for dogs or puppies who might otherwise choke. These are a good option for dog parks or off-leash walks where your pup may interact with other dogs or for use in homes where other pets might play too rough.
Harnesses are more complex to put on and take off, but they offer more control over larger or stronger dogs that pull or lunge at other animals and people. There are many styles, including a step-in harness that goes over the head, a front clip chest harness, and a martingale-style collar. Choose the best fit for your dog, and watch for signs of wear and tear, such as chafing around pressure points or loosened or broken buckles.
Leash
Often called “a dog’s lifeline,” leashes keep dogs safe during walks and allow people to control their pet’s behavior. This prevents a rambunctious dog from running into traffic, startling children, or pestering other dogs.
Moreover, most places have leash laws to protect both people and animals from uncontrolled canines that may be dangerous. It also helps ensure you can quickly reunite your pet if it gets lost during a walk.
There are many types of leashes to choose from. Some are more durable than others, and some are better suited for specific situations. For example, leather leashes are more durable and less prone to chewing than nylon ones, but they aren’t as pliable, so they might cause chafing for some dogs. Retractable leashes work like a tape measure, with a cord that extends to a length of up to 30 feet and automatically retracts back into a plastic handle when it’s not in use. These are good for training purposes but can be problematic for casual walking. They can also teach a dog to pull if they need to be prepared correctly.
Toys
Puppies have a lot of energy that needs to be expelled through play. Toys help puppies burn off that energy and bond with their human family. Plus, they’re great for soothing teething gums.
Look for toys that are safe to chew and those meant for enrichment and learning. For example, you can use a Kong toy filled with treats or a plush toy with squeakers to teach fetching. Avoid giving your puppy toys with dangling parts that could become choking hazards.
Also, consider getting an exercise pen or “ex-pen,” like this one from PetSafe, when you need to confine your dog and want them to have their own space instead of being in a crate. These are also useful for trips to the vet and when your puppy spends time alone while you’re at work or doing other things around the house.
Consider buying calming products like a plug-in diffuser that releases calming pheromones for when your puppy feels stressed or anxious. Finally, remember puppy shampoo and wipes to keep your pup clean and smelling fresh.
Dental Care
Dental care is vital to your pet’s overall health. Just like in people, if dental problems go untreated, they can cause serious harm to the gums, bones, and other structures around the mouth. They can also result in bad breath, an infection from the mouth to the rest of the body (bacteremia), and even severe organ damage.
To help keep teeth clean and healthy, we recommend getting your puppy on a brushing routine early. Our Puppy Toothbrush Kit includes:
- Two enzymatic beef-flavored toothpastes.
- A dual-sided toothbrush.
- A finger brush for easy brushing.
We also have all-natural dog shampoo to keep your pup’s coat and skin clean, plus a nail grinder for easy trimming.
Dental chews and toys are another way to encourage good oral hygiene, but a routine checkup with our veterinarian is critical to keeping your pet’s mouth healthy. During a professional cleaning, we’ll assess your pet’s teeth tooth-by-tooth, just as a dentist would for humans. This allows us to catch and address any issues before they become severe.
