First-time dog owners need to have this new puppy checklist to keep their baby safe and healthy at home! Aside from puppy-proofing your home, make sure that all your new pooch’s needs are met with these items.
If you’re a new dog parent, preparing for a new pup can be quite overwhelming. Don’t get carried away with all the tips and pieces of advice you get from your friends (and the Internet). You don’t have to buy and prepare everything right away. You just need to prepare certain things to make your new furry best friend comfortable and safe in your home.
Let this new puppy supply checklist guide you into becoming the best dog parent in the world!
Getting A New Puppy Checklist | Pet Symptoms Guide
1. Wire Pens
Puppies are very energetic and inquisitive. They’ll jump onto things and run around. While you house train them, it would be helpful to set up wire pens to keep them from entering off-limits areas. You can also include wee-wee pads to keep your carpet safe from unwanted fluids.
2. Toys
Like little kids, new puppies will need toys. You can use stuffed toys or things that they can chew and gnaw like plush toys, rubber balls, and rope toys. These will also help floss their teeth and give them comfort while they’re teething. That is, if you don’t want your shoes or slippers to get all the attention!
3. Food and Water Bowl
Aside from food, your new pet will require a proper bowl to eat from. Make sure your dog’s water and food bowls are clean to avoid sickness. It’s important to keep dogs hydrated, so water bowls should be refilled when needed.
4. Enzyme Cleaners
Of course, accidents will happen when you have an untrained dog running around the house. That’s why a good enzyme cleaner will come in handy. Sure, you can use regular household sprays but these cleaners won’t be able to eliminate smells left behind by your puppies. By eliminating these enzymes, your puppy won’t be going back to the scene of the crime anymore.
5. Grooming Kit
Your puppy might still be young to get groomed but you will still need to keep it clean, especially hairy breeds. You will need to wash and comb your new pet regularly as well as brush his teeth.
Basic grooming supplies include towels, shampoo and conditioner, bristle brush, cotton balls, ear cleaning solution, toothbrush and toothpaste, scissors, nail clippers, and styptic powder. You can also set up a small area in your house or apartment as the grooming area.
6. Leashes, Collars and ID Tag
No doubt you’ll end up buying several collars during your time with your dog. However, nothing beats the excitement you feel when getting that first collar and leash before bringing your new dog home.
Pick out a collar that has a snug fit but won’t be too tight around the neck. Make sure to get an ID tag with your dog’s name, your identification, as well as your contact number.
The leash will help you guide your pup when you go for walks. This will also be a great tool in obedience training when you want to train your pet in the future.
7. Food and Treats
Another important item on the new puppy checklist is food and treats. Whether you opt to give your pup affordable dog food or a more expensive kind for better health, your dog still needs proper nutrition.
Puppies might be small, but they tend to be very active with huge appetites! Make sure you have enough to feed your dog properly.
8. Dog Beds
You also need to prepare for your little monster with a dog bed! Some dogs might get cautious when they enter a new home. Make sure your pup is comfortable upon arrival.
9. Vaccines
Vaccines help keep puppies disease-free. Going to dog parks and interacting with other animals would be risky for new puppies that have not been immunized yet. Befriend your local veterinarian and keep track of the all the vaccination needs for your pooch.
Check out this video!
Still a bit nervous about getting a new puppy? Get more information from WebMD here.
What items have you checked off your new puppy checklist? Share your experience in the comments section below!
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