When it is time to bring home a new dog, it can be challenging to know exactly what pet supplies should be bought right away, and which ones can wait. That is why we have compiled this list of 11 essential pet supplies that your new dog must have right away.
1. The Right Dog Food
Picking out a kibble that is right for your dog can be quite challenging. All dogs are different, so knowing which brand to pick to suit your individual canine may be a bit of a guess.
Look for a high-protein, quality brand that fits your dog’s life stage. If you have a puppy, buy puppy food, and so on.
If you adopted your new dog, see if you can find out what food he or she has been eating at the shelter. Continue to feed them the same food for a little while, and help ease their transition.
2. Bowls for Food and Water
Logically, you are going to need a bowl to pour all of that yummy food into. Their water bowl is also a critically important supply not to forget.
A good water bowl will have rubber on the bottom to stop it from sliding on tile floors. Having stainless steel food and water bowls is a good idea. They won’t break or rust, so their durability is on point.
3. Collars and Leashes
Choose from a myriad of different types of collars and leashes at your local pet store. There are a variety of different lengths, colors, and designs. They can even be personalized with your pup’s name.
Some leashes are retractable, while others aren’t. Some leashes have padded handles. Some dog collars are reflective and even have LED lights.
4. Microchip and Pet ID Tag
This may seem like double-duty to some, but having both a microchip and a pet tag are essential. Should your new dog wander away from home, there will be no doubt about who to contact when someone finds him or he ends up in the shelter.
5. Doggie Bed
Your dog deserves his own place to stretch out, relax, and claim for himself. Buying your dog his own bed and placing it in a special place will make your new dog feel right at home.
6. Toys and Treats
Your new dog will need a few toys to occupy his time. You will need to pick up a few toys that you can enjoy with him, such as a tennis ball to play fetch with him. Next, you can pick out toys that he can enjoy by himself such as food puzzles.
You will also need to pick out some treats to use for training. With that being said, keep in mind that treats add extra calories to your dog’s diet. Avoid overdoing it in the treats department.
7. Grooming Brush
Brushing your dog every day is more than just a grooming session. It can be a bonding experience between you and your pet.
You will need a grooming brush to get the job done. It will stop your dog’s fur from getting matted or tangled. As a bonus, it will help cut down on the amount of hair and dander that collects around your home.
8. Toothbrush and Dog Toothpaste
Your dog’s teeth should be brushed regularly. If you are new to the process, ease into it and do the best that you can.
Be sure to use a toothbrush with a special toothpaste that is meant just for dogs. You can purchase this at your local pet store.
9. Flea Preventative
Don’t let fleas take control of your pet and your home. Being proactive against fleas will save you from a headache later. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations for a flea preventative specifically for your dog.
10. Stain and Odor Remover
Be prepared for the times when life’s accidents happen. You will be thankful that you were ready for it by having your stain and odor remover on hand. An enzyme-based cleanser may be the best choice in getting rid of unpleasant smells and unsightly stains.
11. Poop Bags
Speaking of unpleasant, you need to be ready to clean up when your dog does number two. Every dog owner needs to have a supply of poop bags at the ready.
Final Thought
You may find that there are other pet supplies that make it on your list of necessary items. Some people find that a dog crate is an absolute essential, for example. People who live in snowy weather might see a coat for a dog to be a necessity. Consider your lifestyle and your environment and add anything to the list that belongs there.
