Puppy Care Essentials-What Your Puppy Will Need

Welcoming a new puppy into your home can be a very exciting time, but you’re probably wondering what exactly it is you need to ensure he is safe and comfortable in this strange new environment. There are lots of supplies that you will need to buy to prepare for their arrival so they can settle into their new home straight away. As an experienced dog owner myself, I have put together the ultimate puppy essentials checklist to make sure you have everything for your new four legged friend that will give him the best start to life.

The Basics

1. Bed

Make sure the bedding is soft, comfortable, and gives plenty of room for your dog to stretch out. Consider what size your puppy will grow into and ensure the bed will be able to accomodate them a few months down the line. For tips on choosing a bed, see our blog post here.

2. Collar

Make sure to pick a out a good collar that will adjust as your puppy grows. Get him a name tag with your phone number on it, as this will help should he ever go missing.

3. Bowls and Food

Stainless steel bowls are a good option as they can’t be chewed. Make sure there is always a bowl of fresh water available for your pup too.

When choosing food for your puppy take into consideration his size and breed. We have a wide range of suitable puppy food for many different breeds and sizes.

4. Toys

Your pup will need some good, sturdy toys to help with any chewing urges he has. Toys also help with his training and keep him from getting bored, so make sure to stock up on lots of toys for him to play with.

Training

1. Puppy Pads

These help when training your puppy to go to the toilet outdoors. They are very useful for when accidents (which are inevitable) occur, so make sure to stack up.

2. Poop Bags

It is a legal requirement to pick up after your dog, so make sure you bring plenty of poop bags when out for walks. Failure to clean up your dog’s waste can lead to hefty fines. For more reasons you should pick up after your dog, check out our blog post.

3. Crate

Crate training your pup is important as it gives him somewhere to stay if you are busy or out of the house. They can’t get to any cables, furniture or anything else that may cause an accident. Make sure to pick a crate that won’t make your puppy feel cramped but also isn’t too big for them either.

4. Lead and Harness

Once it’s time for your puppy to venture out into the world, you will need to keep him on a lead and harness to prevent him running off. Pick a lead that is appropriate for the size and breed of your puppy – not too long, too short or too heavy.

To pick the right harness, measure around your dog’s ribcage. This will help you to decide which size is best for him. If the harness is too tight it can cause pain, but if it is too loose he can shake his way out.

Wellbeing

1. Shampoo

Your dog will only need to bathed every few months (depending on breed) unless they have been rolling around in the muck or something smelly. Be prepared for your puppy to get dirty quickly! Use some puppy safe shampoo such as M-Pets Puppy Shampoo

2. Dental Care

Like humans, dogs are affected by gum disease, so it’s important to brush your puppy’s teeth regularly. Only ever pick a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. For more on cleaning your dog’s teeth, you can check out our blog post here.

3. Grooming Equipment

Some breeds will need more grooming care than others, such as bichon frise and Yorkshire terrier. Make sure you have a brush, comb or grooming mitt. You’ll also need nail clippers designed for dogs too. You can book your puppy in for a grooming appointment at one of our studios, and we can assist you in making his first visit as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible.

Healthcare

1. Fleas and Ticks

The simplest way to protect your dog from getting fleas is to use a regular preventative treatment which can be applied to your his coat once a month.  There are range of options available and our team in-store are available to help you to find the one that is most suitable to your pet’s needs.

2. Worms

Worms are nasty creatures that can cause serious illness or even death in dogs. Make sure your puppy has his worm doses up to date and you continue his worm treatments every 3 months. For more information, click here.

3. Vaccinations

Vaccinating your puppy is incredibly important to ensure he doesn’t contract any fatal diseases. If an unvaccinated puppy comes into contact with diseases like parvovirus or leptospirosis, the consequences could be fatal. Contact your vet as soon as you bring your pup home to arrange his vaccine appointments. Check out our blog post by small pet vet Carol Doyle for more on vaccinations.

4. Neutering and Spaying

Neutering or spaying is critical if you want to prevent unwanted illness or pregnancy. There are so many benefits to neutering/spaying your dog, both for you and for them.