If you’re a new dog owner, you’re probably wondering what you might need to give your pup the best life possible. Odds are, you probably have a few things already in preparation for your new furry friend, but I’m here to ensure you don’t miss out on any essentials.
Do you have suitable toys for your dog? Are you stocked up on all of the walking essentials? How is your pet going to sleep at night? With all these things in mind, let me break down everything you’ll need to welcome your new loved one home.
Dog Poop Bags
Whether you’re rescuing a young puppy or an older dog, you’ll want to be sure you have some dog poop bags on hand. This is essential for making sure you’re a considerate neighbor whenever you walk your pup outside, as well as making sure you don’t wind up in any sticky situations during clean-up.
Even if you’re not planning on walking your dog much yet because the vet says they’re still too young, you’ll want some dog poop bags. Dog poop bags will help you clean up inside the house in a pinch, as well. And when it’s time to start leash training your furry friend, dog poop bags are necessary.
Leash and Collar
Speaking of walking, you’ll also want to make sure you have a leash and collar suitable for your dog. This is essential for ensuring your pet stays safe while getting the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. Some dogs, like greyhounds, have differently shaped heads and require different collars, so keep this in mind.
Microchip and Tags
If your puppy ever gets lost, it’s essential to make sure you take every precaution to find them again. This means you may want to consider getting your pet microchipped the next time you go to the vet, so your information will always be with your pup. It’s also a good idea to get tags on your dog’s collar so you can be easily contacted when your dog is found.
Booties
If you live in a particularly hot or dirty area, it may be a good idea to get booties for your dog to wear whenever you go outside. While they may be uncomfortable initially, your pet will likely get used to the footwear pretty quickly. These are essential if you want your furry friend’s paws to stay protected from the outside elements and if you want to keep your floors at home clean.
Food and Water Bowls
You’re definitely going to need food and water bowls for your pup at home unless you’re feeding them on the floor. But if you’d like to keep your floors mess-free and designate a space for your dog to eat, getting bowls will likely be a good idea.
Food and Treats
This one might be obvious to some, but it’s essential you feed your dog the appropriate diet in order to keep them happy and healthy. Many veterinarians will recommend specific brands if you find yourself getting stuck.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to get your hands on a variety of treats. Depending on your pup’s preferences, they may like some more than others. It’s also a good idea to reward them if you’re planning on teaching them tricks, as this will make them more likely to feel accomplished and prevent them from getting too frustrated.
Pet Bed and Kennel
Depending on your dog’s size, you will want to select an appropriately sized pet bed. This might serve as their home base, especially if you combine their bed with a kennel, where they can go to feel safe. This may be especially necessary if you don’t want your pup to sleep in your bed or get onto any furniture. Kennels inside your home may only be necessary if you’re getting a rescue you know will feel especially skittish.
Carrier
Again, depending on the size of your furry friend, you may want to get a carrier. This may make transporting them from your home to the car a lot easier, and it may even streamline the process of going to the vet. However, many will find that dogs who are medium-sized are larger will not likely need a carrier.
Plenty of Toys
It’s essential to keep your dog feeling entertained at home, as boredom may be bad for their overall mental health and well-being. If they like to be especially rough with toys, consider finding ones that are especially tough and will take a little longer to come out of commission. It might also be fun to get a few toys where you and your pup will be able to play together.
Grooming Tools
You probably already knew many dog breeds are likely to shed in various parts of the year, but did you know there are other grooming tools you may need? In addition to getting a brush appropriate for your dog’s fur, you’ll also likely need a pair of dog-friendly nail clippers, a toothbrush, and pet-safe toothpaste.
Time and Space
Especially for larger dogs, you will need to make sure your home has plenty of space. This is necessary so your pup has room to run and play, as well as to keep them from feeling too cooped up. One of the best things you can do for your dog is provide them the freedom of a dog door so they can come and go as they please. You can find custom dog doors to fit any situation; backdoor, porch, garage, etc.
You’ll also need to make sure you have some time set aside for your new furry friend. This is the case because rescues will likely require a long period to feel comfortable in their new home, and puppies may need to be trained early on to learn their place.
Being a new dog owner may feel intimidating at times, but it doesn’t have to be. This short list of essential pet items will likely get you started on the right foot with your new furry friend.
