Puppies bring a lot of joy and fun into the home, but they also require a substantial time investment and careful preparation. Having the right supplies on hand will help you create a loving, happy, and healthy environment for your new puppy.
Stainless steel bowls keep water and food fresh. A nail grinder helps avoid overgrown nails and promotes dental health, as does an enzymatic toothpaste. Plush toys are comforting to Cockapoos For Sale In Ohio especially when paired with a squeaker.
Grooming Supplies
Grooming supplies help you keep your pet clean and looking great. The right grooming tools can reduce unwanted shedding around the home, detangle knots in their fur, and keep their nails trimmed to a comfortable length that doesn’t snag on furniture or flooring. Choose brushes designed specifically for your pet’s coat texture and body size to make brushing easier. Find shampoos that are suitable for their skin and coat type and use nail clippers designed for pets to ensure they’re safe for them to hold.
Puppies can be prone to accidents while they’re getting trained for toileting so it’s good to have cleaning supplies like a pooper scooper and a stain remover on hand. Also invest in an anti-chew spray, which has a bitter taste to discourage them from chewing on personal items like your shoes, clothes, or furniture.
To complete your pet grooming kit, look for a high-quality grooming table. It will provide a comfortable platform for them to stand on while you’re cleaning or brushing them and make the process faster. Also, add a grooming brush and combs to help you keep their fur free from tangles. You might also want to have some styptic products on hand, which can stop the bleeding when they accidentally cut themselves while being groomed.
Many pet owners prefer to brush their pets’ teeth regularly to keep them healthy, free from plaque, and with fresh breath. You can buy dog toothbrushes and toothpaste for this purpose. It’s a good idea to get your puppy used to having their teeth brushed when they’re young so that when you start brushing them regularly, they won’t be nervous or resistant.
Toys
Puppies have a lot of energy, and toys are an essential way to channel their curiosity. They also help to reduce separation anxiety for new pet parents. Plus, playing with a puppy provides an opportunity to bond with them and reinforces positive behavior such as “sit,” “stay,” and even agility commands.
Toys include interactive toys like tug, rope, and ball toys, as well as chew toys and teething toys. For example, the Nylabone Power Play series includes chew toys that offer satisfying textures and a soft, durable design to prevent destructive chewing. Some of these toys also feature tassels and bouncy action to keep your puppy engaged. Puppies may also enjoy food puzzle toys, which are plastic or fabric items with pockets where you can hide treats. These toys encourage pups to solve a challenge and engage their brains while distracting them from unwanted behaviors such as barking.
Finally, a plush toy can be comforting for puppies, and some even come with the familiar scent of their mamas and littermates to help them transition to a new home. Other plush toys are more fun and provide enrichment, like a stuffed fish that flops around or a squeaky toy made in the country.
Other important items to have on hand for your new puppy include a dog bed, food and water bowls (two is better than one), a crate that fits in with the decor of your home, cleaning supplies, including a pooper scooper and enzyme cleaner, and training treats. If your pup is already wearing a collar, make sure it’s safe and comfortable. And, don’t forget to have a leash and harness ready so you can take them on walks and start their puppy socialization right away.
Food
Getting a puppy is an exciting time in your life but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. With a bit of preparation, you can ensure your new pup has the best start to their life with you.
Dog food — You’ll need to choose a commercial pet food that is specifically formulated for puppies (and not adults). A puppy-specific diet has a higher calcium level to support bone development, and it will contain higher levels of fat and protein, which are important for growing puppies.
Puppy food bowls — You’ll need two separate food and water bowls that are appropriate for your puppy’s breed, so they can be easily cleaned and sanitized between meals. Look for bowls that are durable and easy to clean, like stainless steel.
Potty pads — A potty pad will help you manage your pup’s bathroom habits until they are toilet trained. They can be used anywhere in the house, and are especially helpful during travel or when your dog needs to go outside but doesn’t have the opportunity to do so.
Anti-chew spray — Puppies are prone to chewing, so having some anti-chew spray on hand will keep your furniture, shoes, and anything else they are tempted to gnaw from being destroyed. This is a particularly useful tool when your puppy starts teething, and it can redirect their attention to a chewable object that will be beneficial for them instead.
Parasite prevention — This includes flea, tick, and worming treatments that are suitable for your puppy’s age and size. Our vets can recommend the most effective products and treatments for your puppy. You may also want to consider a wellness plan for your pup to save on routine exams, vaccines, and deworming.
Water
New puppies require a lot of care. They need to be fed three to four times a day and walked or taken outside for exercise. They will also wake you up during the night to relieve themselves and may even have occasional accidents indoors. They will need a sanitary place to do this and a crate or playpen to confine themselves to while you are away. You will also want to stock up on anti-chew spray so you can keep them from chewing on wires, furniture shoes, or plants that are toxic like daffodils. You will also need a flea, tick, and worming treatment that is safe for puppies.
Bed
Providing a cozy spot for your puppy to rest contributes to their happiness and relaxation. Make sure your new pet has a bed that fits their size and style of sleeping habits, as well as any health concerns they may have (like hip dysplasia).
Whether it’s a fluffy crate mattress or a simple dog bed, make it comfortable and inviting for your puppy so they can spend more time relaxing. Over time, you’ll learn their preferences and comfort levels so you can “upgrade” their bedding to better suit their sleep style.
Puppies have a natural tendency to chew everything, including their beds and blankets, so choose a material that is durable and can stand up to chewing. A mattress made from memory foam will provide extra support and alleviate pressure points while a bed with removable, machine-washable covers is ideal for keeping bedding clean.
You’ll also need a collar and leash for your puppy as they start their journey into your home, along with a name tag to help you keep track of them on walks and out in the world. Invest in a collar that will adjust as they grow and include an AirTag with your phone number to increase their chances of returning home safely if they ever get lost.
Lastly, you’ll need food and water bowls that can’t be chewed and a non-slip flat feeding board for their meals. If you want to go the extra mile, consider an elevated feeding set that elevates their food and water for easier eating and less mess on your floors. This is especially helpful for puppies as they explore their new environment and can also reduce unwanted behaviors like barking or chewing.