You wouldn’t bring a baby home from the hospital without having stocked up on the supplies you will need. The same rule applies for a new puppy. You shouldn’t bring a new puppy home without having made proper preparations for its well being.
There are some basic items that you will want to have on hand when the puppy arrives. Make sure you are well stocked with the following items:
1. Food and Water Bowl
Food and water bowls are a must. Choose a size that is compatible with your puppy. Your puppy will have trouble eating or drinking from bowls that are too large. Dog dishes are made from many materials. Stainless steel and crock dishes are two of the most common and both will last a long time. Plastic dishes are a good alternative for traveling.
2. Puppy Food
Make sure you have puppy food. Buy the kind of food that you plan to feed him throughout the puppy’s early stages of development. It is important to keep a puppy on a consistent diet to avoid stomach upsets. There are many kinds of foods available. Your veterinarian can make a recommendation. Reputable pet store staff persons can also help you make the best choice for your puppy. Many brands of dog food have been developed to address the needs of specific breeds. For example, foods for large breed dogs will vary from those suited to small dogs.
3. Collar
You will need a collar. Be prepared to purchase a few collars as your puppy grows. It is important to choose the appropriate sized collar. A rule of thumb is that the collar should be about two inches longer than the circumference of the puppy’s neck. Collars that are too long should be avoided because the puppy can chew them. Collars that are too short can choke the puppy.
4. Identification Tags
Identification tags are a must. Puppies can and do get lost, causing a lot of grief for the pet owner. Basic information that should be included on the identification tag is the puppy’s name and the owner’s name, address and telephone number. You may also want to speak to your veterinarian about microchips, which are implanted in the puppy’s body. Microchips allow for easy identification should the puppy get lost.
5. A Leash
A leash is vital to your puppy’s safety. Remember, the puppy will not know to come to you when called. Puppies can run faster than one might think. One that is leashed cannot go far.
6. Bedding
Bedding is an immediate need when you first bring the puppy home. A cardboard box fitted with fluffy towels or blankets works well during the first few weeks of a puppy’s life and especially during the chewing stage. There are also many commercial beds available to choose from. Some are heated. Some make a fashion statement. Others are orthopedic.
7. Toys
It’s a good idea to have toys with which to entertain your puppy. Many toys are designed to provide hours of chewing time. As your puppy begins to lose his or her baby teeth, they will appreciate toys or rawhide bones on which to chew.
Having the right items on hand for the arrival of a puppy will help you get off to a good start with your puppy. Be prepared!
Related posts:
- Important Questions to Ask Your Vet on the First Visit
- Important Information to Put on a Puppy’s ID Tag
