Shopping list of items that you need before puppy arrives

[emaillocker]Here is an excuse, if you’ve ever needed one, to hit the shops and spend some money: you have to buy all the items that your new puppy needs. But arm yourself with a shopping list, and stick to it. There are loads of cute items in the shops that are designed to play with your emotions. Before you know it, you’ve bought a bunch of unnecessary things and spent way more money than you intended.

 

Bedding – because every dog needs somewhere to sleep

  • A soft, comfortable bed for his main sleeping area.
  • A second bed for somewhere else in the home.
  • A few blankets to put in his bed 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 your puppy 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 prescribes.
  • Puppy treats.

 

Bowls – stainless steel is best

  • A non-slip bowl for his food.
  • Two or three water bowls to be placed in different locations around the house, as well as for outside.

 

Toys – to stimulate his mind

  • Safe chew toys to help with teething.
  • Educational and interactive toys, and toys made to stuff treats in, like the Kong range.
  • Soft toys with squeaky parts. (Supervise your puppy to ensure he doesn’t ‘destroy’ the toys and choke on the squeaky bits.)
  • A range of other toys for him to play with. Regularly alternate the toys he has access to, to keep him interested and entertained.

 

Training pads and cleaning products – for all the oopsies

  • Training pads to absorb and seal in 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.)
  • An identification tag on his collar with your details, even if he is microchipped.
  • A strong and sturdy lead. (Don’t use retractable leads – they can be dangerous, and it can be difficult to 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 or ticks, please

  • Preventative products for ticks and fleas.
  • Deworming products.

 

Areas to play – for his own safety

  • A 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, like the vegetable garden or main gate.

 

First aid – in case of emergency

  • Emergency numbers.
  • Medical records.
  • Gauze.
  • A digital thermometer.
  • Non-latex disposable gloves.
  • Absorbent gauze pads.
  • Tweezers
  • Sterile saline eye wash.
  • Non-stick bandages.
  • Scissors
  • Petroleum jelly.
  • An eyedropper or syringe without a needle.
  • Emergency foil blankets.
  • Antibiotic ointment.
  • An additional leash.

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