Top 10 Puppy Essentials – Prepping Your Home and Life for the Big Arrival!

There is nothing quite so exciting as bringing home a new puppy! But it’s incredibly important that you make sure to get your home ready for the new arrival.

If you’ve never had a puppy before, or it’s been a while, the following essential puppy supplies will ensure your new furry bundle of joy will be happy, healthy and safe!

There is nothing quite so exciting as bringing home a new puppy! But it’s incredibly important that you make sure to get your home ready for the new arrival.

If you’ve never had a puppy before, or it’s been a while, the following essential puppy supplies will ensure your new furry bundle of joy will be happy, healthy and safe!

New Puppy Essentials Checklist

This is a general puppy checklist. Keep in mind certain breeds may have specialized needs. Puppy owners should always check with the breeder or your veterinarian for advice on what you may need.

Dog Toys

Puppies are a bit like human babies in that, when they are teething, they need to chew on things. Since you don’t want puppy teeth chewing on your arm or your sofa, you’ll want to get a variety of textured toys for teething puppies.

There are other toys that can help your new pup feel calm and relaxed. Remember, they will have just been taken from their mother and litter mates, and they may feel nervous and unsure. Look for a plush toy that includes a heat pad and the sound of a heartbeat to help your puppy sleep at night.

Dog Crate

No puppy checklist would be complete without a dog crate. But not everyone understands the benefits of crate training. 1 Some people feel guilty for putting their puppy in a crate at certain hours of the day. But puppies feel safe and secure when they are in an enclosed space. In fact, dogs instinctively look for small spaces, or dens, to hunker down in.

Crating your dog at night is also a great way to keep them from wandering around your house and getting into things they shouldn’t!

Of course, you should absolutely make their crate cozy and comfortable with blankets and toys.

Dog Bed

What’s even better than blankets is getting your puppy a new dog bed of his or her very own. Dogs love to nest and feel cozy, especially at this very young age. Go for a bed that has a zipper cover that comes off and can be tossed in the washer and dryer.

Leash and Harness

You’ll want to begin leash training your puppy right away. 2 You’ll also want to be certain that the harness is nice and snug without being too tight and painful. As for leashes, you may want to start off with a short one. As your puppy matures and you want to teach him or her “loose-leash” walking, you can get a longer one.

Collar

There certainly are a plethora of dog collars on the market today. Some are plain and some are very fancy. We suggest opting for a collar that is lightweight for your pup. And don’t forget, unless they are a very small breed, your dog will outgrow this collar in no time, so you may want to get a simple nylon buckle collar to start out.

Nametag

You’ll absolutely want to be sure that there is a nametag attached to the new collar. This tag should include your puppy’s name and your telephone number. You can either get your tag at your local pet store. Many have those pet tag machines that will inscribe tags within seconds. There are also many companies online that offer nicer-looking and sturdier tags.

We also recommend getting your puppy microchipped in case he or she ever gets off leash and their collar slips off. 3 If you are adopting your new puppy from a shelter, check and see if they include microchipping in with the adoption fee.

Puppy Food

You should always speak with your veterinarian about the right kind of puppy food to give your dog when they first come home. Puppies have different caloric and protein needs than older dogs4, and it’s important to meet these needs with a premium puppy food. Dog foods come in dry, wet canned foods, and also fresh foods. Look for dog foods that don’t have unnecessary fillers (corn, soy, etc.) and see what their history is as far as food recalls. You want a company with a good track record of safety.

Dog Bowls

A couple of stainless steel bowls (one for water – one for food) are all that you really need. Depending on how tall your puppy is, and how tall they are expected to get, you may want to get a set of raised bowls.

Stain & Odor Remover

Puppies are adorable. But you can also expect that this adorable fluff ball will have plenty of accidents inside, even if you are sticking to a strict potty training schedule. It’s not their fault, just as it’s not a baby’s fault for not being able to control their pee or poop. You’ll definitely want to stock up on some enzymatic cleaners that will really help get the stains and odors out of your rugs and furniture. You may also want to speak with a local dog trainer to get some potty training ideas.

Pet Health Insurance

You will love your new puppy and do absolutely everything possible to make sure they stay safe and healthy. But accidents happen and dogs, even young ones, can get sick. This can sometimes require a sudden trip to the animal emergency clinic or multiple trips to the vet – or both! And that can cost a lot of money.

It’s a really good idea to get a pet health insurance plan as soon as you bring your new pup home. This plan will ensure that you give your new fur baby the absolute best care that they need without having to tap into your savings. If you do your homework and shop around, you might even be able to find an insurance provider that will reimburse you for up to 90% of your vet bills!

Bringing a new puppy home is incredibly exciting. Just be sure that you go out and get the puppy essentials we’ve listed so you can enjoy your new fur baby!

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References:

1. 1. Arford, K. (2019), Crate Training Benefits: Why A Crate Is Great for You and Your Dog. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-crate-training-is-great-for-your-dog/
2. 2. Donovan, L. (2019), How to Teach a Puppy to Walk on a Leash. Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-puppy-walk-leash/
3. 3. Wooten, S. DVM (2019), 3 Reasons to Microchip Your Dog Today. Retrieved from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/3-reasons-microchip-your-dog-today
4. 4. Basic Calorie Calculator for Dogs and Cats, Ohio State University, Retrieved from: https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/nutrition-support-service/basic-calorie-calculator

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.