Stuff You’ll Need Before Bringing Home Your New Dog

Stuff You’ll Need Before Bringing Home Your New Dog

Stuff You’ll Need Before Bringing Home Your New Dog

It’s the most wonderful day of the year. No, it isn’t Christmas, or New Year, or even your birthday. It’s the day that you get to bring your new best friend home (yay!).  

First of all, congratulations!

If you are an experienced dog parent, you’ll know that having a canine companion is one of the best parts of being hooman. 

For new dog owners, we are a team of experienced, pet-crazy fanatics that are excited to help you make sure the transition goes smoothly.

Dogs are generally adaptable, carefree animals that will be happy where you are. However, there are a few things you’ll need to properly care for your new pooch and get him settled in his new forever home. 

Cleaning Supplies

Puppies are notorious for making us chase them around the house yelling “Nooooooooo!” 

They will have potty accidents. A LOT of them.

An 8-week old puppy will have trouble holding its pee for more than 3 hours at a time and will need a lot of attention to minimize accidents. 

An adult dog has a steeper learning curve but will still be prone to accidents before he gets the idea. 

 


  • Enzymatic Cleaners
  • Any pet parent knows that enzymatic cleaners will be your best friend (after the dog, of course!). 

    These cleaners work on a biological level and attack proteins, starches, carbohydrates, and oils. It uses the enzymes in its formulas to help break down stains and smells instead of simply masking them.

    They are highly effective at removing stains and odours from urine, poop, soil, and mud.

    Be sure to check that the cleaner is certified pet-safe! 


  • Vacuum 
  • While some short-haired dogs shed minimally, there will still be hair. Some double-coated breeds shed, a LOT! 

    Assuming you don’t already have one, a vacuum cleaner will help pick up dead hair and dander from your floor, couch, and rugs. 

     

  • Odour Removers 
  • Dogs are creatures of habit and will use the same spot for a potty break once they get their scent. A good odour eliminator can mask the “oopsies” and prevent him from marking onto it.

    As always, use a pet-safe remover to avoid the chemicals in some commercial products that can degrade air quality around your home. 

     

  • Knicks and Knacks
  • Other functional items are furniture covers, hypoallergenic grooming wipes, and air purifying bags containing activated charcoal for odour control around the crate or bedding. 

    Doggy Supplies

  • Crate
  • If you haven’t heard of crate training, check it out online at numerous resources such as the Humane Society

    When used right, a crate is a crucial potty training aid and will help get Fido all settled into his new home. 

    Bigger is not better when it comes to crates. The crate should just be enough for your pup to sleep, get up and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too big for a puppy, get one with a divider to limit the crate’s size and gradually increase it as he grows older. 


  • Bedding 
  • While spoiling your puppy with an expensive dog bed might be oh-so-tempting, remember that teething puppies will try to eat everything.

    Even adult dogs that are slightly stressed because of the change in surroundings might try to annihilate their bedding. 

    Maybe leave the pricey bed for later and chuck a bunch of old mats or blankets in first before any potential chewing stops. 


  • Leash, Collar, Tags 
  • Of course, you’ll want to take your new best friend out as soon as possible. 

    Depending on the size of your dog, pick a leash and collar to suit, and stick an ID tag with your phone number and other information on just to be safe. 

    Choose an adjustable collar if you have a puppy so that you can accommodate his rapidly growing neck. 

    For small breeds, consider getting a body harness instead. Collapsed tracheas are a common problem with tiny, fragile throats. 


  • Food and Water Bowls
  • Nothing fancy is needed, just some stainless steel bowls or BPA-free materials. 

    Dogs that are food gobblers will benefit from “slow feeder” bowls that keep the kibble in a maze or puzzle. It will slow your dog’s rate of eating and avoid problems like bloat or gastrointestinal upsets. 

     


  • Chews and Toys
  • While tempting to lavish your new dog with toys, he just needs a couple of high-quality toys to keep him physically and mentally stimulated.

    A Kong filled with peanut butter or an interactive dog ball filled with treats can provide hours of entertainment and keep him busy. 

    High-quality dental bones can also keep your dog’s teeth clean and will be durable to hold up to the attentions of the most voracious chewers. 

    By keeping a selection of toys and chews around, hopefully, your shoes will be mercifully left alone. 

     


  • Grooming Supplies
  • While some breeds require less maintenance than others, all dogs require a basic level of grooming to keep them in optimal condition.

    Dogs will need their nails clipped unless they run many kilometres on asphalt or concrete roads and manage to wear them down naturally. 

    You’ll need some dog shampoo to keep Fido’s coat in tip-top shape. Frequently brushing the coat with a soft-bristled brush to remove dead hair and dander will keep shedding to the minimum.

    Ear and eye cleaners are necessary to keep dirt and grime out and prevent infection. Breeds with floppy ears like Spaniels will need more frequent ear cleaning sessions than breeds with upright ears. 

     


  • Poop bags! 
  • It won’t be your favourite part of being a dog parent, but picking up after your dog is mandatory. 

    Keep in mind these bags find their way eventually into landfills, so use only biodegradable poop bags and try to avoid using plastic. 


  • Food and Treats

  • Most dogs are little gluttons, and even worse beggars, but don’t cave in to those heart-melting eyes and feed only the recommended amount. 

    Puppies grow at a different rate than adult dogs and have different nutritional needs. Buy only puppy food for pups and adult food for dogs depending on breed size. 

    Cheap pet food is often laden with preservatives, growth hormones, and chemicals you might want to avoid. Go for high-quality premium dog food with minimal fillers like corn, soy, or wheat. 

    Store some treats on hand for training sessions and rewards, but in a pinch, kibble works fine for treating too. 


    Conclusion

    While bringing home a new dog can be stressful for the both of you, with some preparation, it can also go smoothly without a hitch. Good luck, and may you have many long, joyful years with your new furry friend! 



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