If you’ve decided to get a dog, congratulations! Whether you’re getting a puppy or adopting an older dog, it’s sure to be an exciting time for everyone in your family. Before your new furry friend arrives home, here are a few essentials you’ll need as a dog owner.
Food and Treats
Regardless of whether you’re buying a puppy or adopting a dog, you should find out what food your dog currently eats and get a supply of this ready for when they come home. If you want to transition your dog onto a different type of food when they come home, you should do this slowly to avoid stomach upsets. Dogs can enjoy treats as part of a healthy balanced diet, but avoid rawhide products as these have been linked to cases of choking and digestive obstruction in dogs.
Food and Water Bowls
You will need separate bowls for your dog’s food and water. There are lots of different types of dog bowls available. Ceramic bowls look good and aren’t easily knocked over but can become chipped and may smash if dropped. Plastic bowls are easy to clean but as they’re lightweight they can easily be tipped up by excitable puppies. Many dog owners opt for stainless steel as these are durable and practical. If you have a larger breed or an older dog, then your dog’s bowls should be raised off the ground to reduce neck strain and help your dog digest their food easier.
A Dog Bed or Crate
A comfy dog best is a must. Be sure to measure your dog or use the guidelines to choose a bed that will be suitable for their breed. Remember that puppies grow fast so a cute little bed might be cosy for them now, but they’ll soon outgrow it! If you plan to crate train your dog, you’ll need a suitably sized crate and some soft, washable blankets to make it a comfortable space for them.
A Collar and Lead
In the UK, all dogs must wear a collar with an identity tag when out in public. You’ll need your dog’s neck measurement to choose the perfectly sized collar – it should fit snugly without being too tight. As a rough guide, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog’s neck. There are lots of different types of dog collars to choose from including leather dog collars and martingale collars designed for slim-necked breeds like greyhounds and whippets. Don’t forget to get an ID tag engraved with your details, including your name and address and ideally, your telephone number too.
You’ll need a lead to take your new dog on walks. This should be strong, with a sturdy clip that can be securely attached to your dog’s collar or harness. You should also make sure it’s comfortable to hold and won’t cause you discomfort if your new dog pulls.
Toys
All dogs need toys to play with and these should be safe and stimulating, like chew toys and balls. Without toys, you may find your new dog chews on other things instead, such as the furniture or your shoes, for example! Choose your toys carefully and make sure they match your dog’s size – if they’re too small, they could present a choking hazard. Some dogs can destroy soft toys very easily so always supervise your dog when giving it a new toy to play with and remove any toys that become damaged. As tempting as it is, you should never throw sticks for your dog.
Poop Bags
When your new dog arrives home, poop bags will quickly become a part of your everyday life, as you’ll go through plenty when picking up after your dog on walks or keeping your yard or garden clear of mess. There are lots of different types available with or without handles, scented or brightly coloured and there are biodegradable options too, which are better for the planet.
Grooming Equipment
Grooming is an important part of dog ownership. Even if you intend to have your dog professionally groomed, at a minimum, you’ll need some basic grooming equipment at home, including a dog brush, dog shampoo and towels. You should also make teeth brushing part of your dog’s regular grooming routine and your dog should have their own toothbrush and toothpaste as human versions aren’t suitable. If your dog isn’t keen on having its teeth brushed, then build up slowly to make the experience less stressful for both of you.