Here is an excuse, if you ever needed one, to hit the shops and spend some money – you can buy items that your puppy really needs. Arm yourself with a shopping list and stick to it. All the cute items in the shops are designed to play with your emotions, and before you know it, you’ve bought a bunch of unnecessary items and spent way more money than intended.
Bedding – because every dog needs to sleep somewhere
- A soft bed for his main sleeping area.
- A second bed for somewhere else in the home.
- A few blankets to put in his beds for warmth, and some extra for when the others are in the wash.
- A special blanket that you’ll drop off at the breeder when he is born.
Food – buy the best you can afford
- Start with the food the breeder is feeding. You can always change later.
- Any specific food that the vet prescribed.
- Puppy treats.
Bowls – stainless steel is best
- A non-slip bowl for his food.
- Two or three water bowls to be placed in different places.
Toys – to stimulate his mind
- Safe chew toys to help with teething.
- Educational and interactive toys, and toys made to stuff treats in it, such as the Kong range.
- Soft toys with squeaky parts. (Supervise your puppy to ensure that he doesn’t ‘destroy’ the toy and choke on the squeaky bits.)
- A range of other toys for him to play with. Alternate the toys he has access to regularly to keep him entertained.
Training pads and cleaning products – for all the oopsies
- Training pads to absorb and seal liquid to protect the floor.
- Disposable bags to clean up after your dog in public places.
- Ammonia-free cleaning products to clean up any accidents.
Collar and lead – to go walking
- An adjustable collar or harness. (Make sure it is the correct size for your puppy.)
- Identification tag with your details, even if he is microchipped.
- A strong and sturdy lead. (Don’t buy a retractable lead – you won’t have full control of your dog.)
Travelling gear – for safe travels
- A travel crate is essential. It is like a baby seat for your puppy, keeping him safe and contained.
- A seat belt harness is another option.
Grooming equipment – to keep him clean
- Puppy shampoo and conditioner.
- A soft bristle brush.
- Doggy nail clippers.
- Doggy toothbrush.
- Doggy toothpaste.
- Dental treats for him to chew on when you can’t brush his teeth.
Parasite control – no fleas and ticks please
- Preventative products for ticks and fleas.
- Deworming products.
Area to play – for his own safety
- Playpen or baby gates to keep him safe from dangerous settings, or to temporarily contain him in a certain area, if needed.
- Fencing materials to close off any areas in the garden you don’t want pup to have access to, for example the vegetable garden or main gate.
First aid – in case of emergency
- Emergency numbers.
- Medical records.
- A digital thermometer.
- Non-latex disposable gloves.
- Absorbent gauze pads.
- Sterile saline eye wash.
- Non-stick bandages.
- Petroleum jelly.
- An eyedropper or syringe without a needle.
- Emergency foil blankets.
- Antibiotic ointment.
- An additional leash.
Some advice
When your budget is a bit tight, it might be worth your while to shop around to find the best deals. Also, ask your vet’s advice if you’re not sure about a specific item.
