The stress of planning to bring home a puppy can be just as overwhelming as the feelings of joy and excitement. Especially for first-time dog parents, it can be nerve-wracking to determine the must-haves for bringing your baby home on gotcha day.
The upfront cost of adopting a puppy can be overwhelming, considering the adoption fees and supplies needed ahead of time. But there is a streamlined way to think about what you actually need right at the start of pet parenthood without breaking the bank too much.
The Paw Print spoke with pet care experts and pet care business owners to help you with a starter list on the most important things to buy ahead of welcoming your puppy to their forever home.
High-quality food and water bowls
“Invest in durable, easy-to-clean bowls to ensure your puppy stays hydrated and well-nourished from day one,” Craig Murphy, CEO of Trusted Pups, tells The Paw Print. Trusted Pups is an online platform that connects verified and reputable breeders to new dog parents.
Bricks Coggin, a dog breeder with ABCs Puppy Zs and pet trainer with more than 30 years of experience, also tells The Paw Print that “good, non-slip bowls are key to good feeding habits.”
Comfortable bed and crate
Crate training can seem like a hassle at first, but “a snug bed and a crate not only offer a safe haven for your puppy but also play a crucial role in housebreaking and establishing a sense of security,” Murphy says.
Coggin advises new dog parents to “start crate training early. A comfy crate and bedding is a safe space for your puppy.”
Grooming and cleaning supplies
Essential grooming tools like a good brush, nail clippers, and puppy-friendly shampoo, are good things to have on hand and to start “building a grooming routine,” Murphy says.
Puppy pads and cleaning supplies “will help big time during those early days,” Coggin adds.
Collar, leash, and ID tag
These three necessities are “important for puppies exploring new areas,” Coggin says.
Toys and chews
As you’re likely already aware, puppies have a lot of energy—and teethe just like toddlers do. “Puppies need fun to avoid boredom and bad habits,” Coggin says. “Safe toys and chews are a must for good play.”
Comments