[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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