After selecting a breed and thoroughly researching a reputable breeder, a new owner is still not yet ready to bring home a new puppy. He or she must have several items on hand and prepared for new puppy's arrival. Such items include a medical kits, extra toy and treats, and the numbers to puppy care VIPs.
Dog Medical Supplies
It's a good idea to keep a doggy medical supply kit handy. Label a small plastic bin or tupperware container and include these items inside:
- Epicac (to induce vomiting if the dogs swallows something poisonous)
- Gauze rolls and pads of various sizes
- tweezers
- cotton balls
- eye dropper
- rectal thermometer
- plastic gloves and cleans hand towels
- cold and heating packs
- wound disinfectant
- rehydrating drink
It's also important to keep the number to the dog's veterinarian and the number to an emergency vet hospital.
Dog Grooming Supplies
Puppy's fur grows pretty fast and many breeds types can easily get matted if not properly cared for. In addition to coat care, dogs have hygiene needs much like a human; they need their teeth brushed and ears swabbed. Before bringing home a new puppy, have a grooming supplies that include:
- Hair brush and comb
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste (human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs)
- Dog nail clippers
- Cotton swabs and ear cleaning solution
- Puppy shampoo
Toys and Training Items for A New Dog or Puppy
Before bringing a new puppy home, make sure to have plenty of chew toys and stimulating objects for it to play with. Some toys are safe to leave a puppy unattended with and some are not. Consult a pet store for specifics, but generally, stuffed toys, rope toys, and any toy with fabric, stuffing or removal parts is not safe to leave a puppy with. This includes tennis balls. Never leave a puppy alone with a tennis ball. Hard plastic toys such as Kongs (c) are ok. For training, a puppy needs:
- Adjustable collar or harness
- Leash, 6-feet long
- Plenty of beef or chicken treats, the smaller the better
Dog Food and Feeding
There is a host of opinions regarding dog and puppy food. Get whatever is affordable and is recommended by the puppy's breeder or veterinarian. Just make sure to have non-plastic food and water bowls ready when the pup comes home. Also make sure to transition slowly if changing dog food types or brands. Put increasing ratios of new food to old food for a week or so before feeding the puppy only the new food.
Miscellaneous Puppy Preparations
Lastly, it's a good idea to have a few extra items to help get through the puppy stage successfully. Along with the above mentioned items, it's a good idea to have:
- Specialized Spot Remover for puppy urine accidents
- Plenty of extra blankets and towels for warmth and comfort
- A heating pad to put underneath the crate will help reduce separation anxiety for the pup's first few days along
- Vitamin treats
- The number to a professional groomer and a recommendation for a good obedience class
These supplies should help any puppy get off to a good start. Read up on training and make sure to introduce the new puppy to as many new things as possible in its first few months and it will grow into a calm, happy, healthy and loyal best friend.
