Adopting a dog is an incredibly exciting milestone in life. But before you bring your new furry friend home, you’ll need to take a few important steps to prepare for your new arrival. Stocking up on necessary pet supplies is near the top of that list.
If you’re a new dog owner, you might not know exactly which pet supplies to buy — which is why we’ve put together this list of five must-have pet supplies to purchase for your new pooch. Take a look to double-check that you’ve got all of the essentials ready to go before your pup officially joins your family.
Food and Treats
Buying food and treats for your dog seems like a no-brainer. However, it might not be as straightforward as you think. You’ll need to do some research to find out what kind of food is best for your dog based on their breed, age, and health conditions.
For example, senior dogs often require different food than younger dogs. Similarly, your vet might advise you to buy a certain kind of food if your dog has digestive issues or specific health problems, like arthritis.
Potty Pads
Whether you’re adopting an older dog or buying a puppy from a breeder, you will still need to train them on where to use the bathroom. Sometimes, dogs will have accidents while they’re getting used to a new place. Prepare for possible oops moments by buying potty pads.
But even with potty pads, it’s important to actively housebreak your pup. Otherwise, they might get accustomed to using the bathroom indoors and treat the potty pad as their full-time bathroom.
Dog-Friendly Toys
Toys are important for your dog’s wellbeing. As is the case with other pets, dogs use toys to entertain themselves and play with others. They also turn to toys for comfort when they feel stressed or anxious.
However, you can’t just give your furry friend any old chew bone. When choosing toys, check that they’re meant for dogs like yours. Your pup could choke if they’re playing with a toy that’s too small or has removable parts.
Leash and Collar
If you’re going to take your dog for walks or let them out in your yard, you need to get a leash and a collar (or harness). It’s the safest way to secure your dog while they adjust to your neighborhood and outdoor stimulation.
When sizing your dog for a collar, you should be able to fit two fingers snugly between your dog’s neck and the collar. Otherwise, it could be too loose (and might slip off) or too tight (and could choke your pup).
Pet Tag
Even if your animal has a microchip, you should still put a pet tag on their collar. It’s the easiest and fastest way for someone to get a hold of you if your dog should get lost. This is particularly true if you’re bringing a new pooch into your family. You want to have some sense of security in case your dog gets nervous and tries to escape.
For more resources on pet ownership and pet supplies, check out the PetPonder blog.
