Welcoming home a new dog can be a nerve-wracking experience, akin to having a child. It’s quite natural to have an overwhelming sense of excitement and nervousness that you might miss something or lack something in its care, leading to the discomfort of your new dog.
Bear in mind that it’s completely normal to feel anxious, nervous, and unprepared when bringing a dog home. This is especially true if you are bringing a puppy home for the first time. Fret not, you’re not alone, during the pandemic around 14% of respondents in a Statista survey revealed to have brought home a new puppy during the pandemic.
This also has led to an immense boom in the pet care industry. These days, you can purchase almost anything online from reputable websites like PetCareRx and have them delivered straight to your home. Therefore, even if you forget to get something crucial for your pet, you can simply order online and have it delivered on priority. You can order anything from grooming and bedding to food and supplements on petcare websites.
In case you are wondering what essentials to buy before getting a puppy, you’re in the right place. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-have essentials you must purchase before bringing your puppy home.
Adjustable Dog Collar
Any seasoned dog parent will tell you that a dog collar is a must-have for any dog parent. It’s a must to let others know that it’s a pet dog. Also, you can add an ID tag to the collar with the name of the puppy and your contact details engraved so that anyone can contact you if your dog goes missing and they find it.
Ensure that the collar is adjustable and is not too tight. Follow four-finger rules, which means with the collar on, you should be able to insert four fingers inside without much restriction.
Double Handled Leash
A leash is the next most essential thing on your list of things to buy for the new puppy. You should invest in a normal leash with a length of four to six feet. However, try and get a leash with double handles with one at the lower end towards the dog and one towards you. This will help you restrict the reach of the dog while walking on a busy road.
Comfortable Dog Bed
You wouldn’t want your dog to be sleeping on your bed if you are not comfortable with it. It’s best to get a good dog bed with enough room for the puppy to grow into. Additionally, ensure that the bed you get has a waterproof lining inside. That’s because when your dog is in the puppy phase, accidents are bound to happen. Lined beds will ensure that the urine doesn’t seep onto the floor and will be easier to clean as well.
Dog Crate With Room To Grow
Crate training is an essential mechanism to help your puppy feel secure and safe in the new environment. It also helps prevent accidental urination around the house when you’re not around. Make sure that the dog crate you pick can be adjusted to increase in size as the puppy grows. At any point, it should be big enough for the dog to get up and turn around but not big enough for it to pee or poop in it.
Dog Food and Treats
Dog food and treats are one of the most overwhelming decisions you’ll have to make as a dog parent. As a rule of thumb, you must select a food that’s specially formulated for puppies.
Thereafter, you need to choose the dog food based on the breed, size, and type of the dog it is. Treats are a must for positive reinforcement training but pick the ones that are low on carbs and can be given guilt-free.
These are the most essential products that you must get before you get the puppy home. These products will ensure that your new dog feels safe and right at home when he or she arrives at your doorstep. Apart from these, there are several other accessories like a food bowl, water bowl, house training pee pad, grooming comb, grooming shampoo, and preventive medications like tick and flea prevention.
Moreover, all puppies go through a teething phase and if you don’t want to end up with damaged furniture, it would be a wise decision to invest in teething toys, treat toys, and the likes for your new dog.
