9 Essentials Every New Dog Owner Needs

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Having a new member in the family is truly a life-changing moment, but it also comes with a lot of pressure, especially for first-time fur parents. As a dog owner, providing for your new dog’s needs should be your top priority. One of the tasks you should always include in your to-do list is to stock and buy dog supplies.

Being a fur parent is a big responsibility. Everything that your dog might need must be prepared ahead of time and available in your home. A list of necessities such as food, grooming kit, vitamins, outdoor essentials, and health kits will be helpful. 

Here is a list and tips that may help you decide what to buy for your new dog:

1. Daily Necessities: Food, Water, and Storage Container

The basic and most important necessity for your dog is food. Choosing the right dog food will provide adequate energy and nutrients for your dog’s well-being. Depending on your new dog’s enjoyment, you may choose many flavors of dog food from the market, including beef, raw, wet dog foods, or dry dog foods. 

Water is essential for your dog’s daily living. Dehydration may cause vomiting, weakness, and other serious complications. Look for water containers for dogs and ensure their water is always clean. Give them water after every meal to improve the absorption and ingestion of food and nutrients.

You may also want to buy storage boxes for your dog’s food and other essentials. Proper storage will preserve the crispness of your dog food and prevent any spoilage. Organizing your dog’s daily necessities will safeguard the dog from sickness.

2. Comfy Bed and Crate

Dogs love to sleep and take afternoon naps. Consider buying a separate bed for your new dog to train them to sleep independently. Providing a soft blanket alongside the bed will increase the level of comfort. 

Crates are usually used to train puppies and provide safety measures and supervision whenever you are not at home or asleep. Disciplining your dogs early in their lives is always a great idea and will benefit both of you in the long run. 

3. Bathroom Essentials: Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap

To keep your dog’s fur healthy, bathing them at least once a week or even twice a month is good enough. Bathing them will prevent the formation of dirt and odor from your pet’s skin. Walking your dog out and not cleaning them after is unhygienic. Your dog can catch parasite infestation, such as ticks and fleas, that may lead to illnesses like fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and other illnesses. 

Choosing the best bath essentials for your dog will maintain their hygiene, shine their coat, and help remove parasites if they have any. There are shampoos and conditioners for dogs that are specifically for treating ticks and fleas. Tick and coat sprays are also available in the market. In addition, a toothbrush, comb, brush, and nail clippers are also a must-have when it comes to taking care of your dog’s hygiene. 

4. Leash and ID Tags

Your mind would be at ease knowing that your pet carries its identity tags wherever they go. ID tags will also be useful in case of an emergency. Walking your pet will enhance your bond but having a leash to take your dog out is vital. Leashes provide a better grip and control on your new dog for safety measures and in case of environmental triggers.

Collars may also help to identify your dog. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles. Find a collar, leash, or harness that has strong durability to ensure that it will last for a long time.

5. Vitamins and Other Health Supplements

Foods provide nutrients to your dog, but vitamins and supplements may enhance their wellness. Some vitamins may be good for their coat, teeth, eyes, and physical condition. You should also store a bottle of dextrose powder in your home and administer this when your dog feels lethargic. 

Dextrose powders are first-aid for dogs. This is helpful if your dog suddenly falls ill and the nearby veterinary clinic is closed. 

6. Doggy Toys

Spending time with your dog will relieve stress. Daily playtime will increase your dog’s alertness, mental well-being, and physical shape. Toys can increase the bond between you and your pet. Different types of interactive dog toys are used for teething, training, and discipline.

7. Litter Box, Poop Bag, and Pet Wipes

Dogs can be messy sometimes, but there are ways to respond to certain events. The litter box training has a big impact on keeping your household clean. Dogs should be instructed and trained to poop in their little comfort room and not create a mess inside the house. Additionally, poop bags and pet wipes are often used outdoors when you take your new dog out with you. 

8. Vaccination and Other Medications

Aside from vitamins, vaccines are vital in boosting your dog’s immune system and safeguarding them from health conditions. Medications like deworming and pills for ticks and fleas also increase immunity. Health is always a priority, together with food. Paw ointment or skin cream may help to reduce itchiness due to skin irritation. 

Most importantly, looking for a good veterinarian might be helpful for future check-ups of your furbaby.

9. Pet-Friendly House Cleaners

Some house cleaning materials are toxic to pets; they might get respiratory problems, gastrointestinal complications, and eye and nose irritation when they inhale the chemicals in those products. It’s advisable to buy pet-friendly disinfectants, cleaners, or deodorizers to reduce the risk of complications.

Dogs shed a lot and sometimes cause allergies in some people, so it is important to have cleaning materials such as odor removers, cleaning soaps, and fur removers. These products would help to keep your house clean and odor-free.

For a Healthy Furbaby

Taking care of a dog is a bit pricey, but they always bring happiness to the family. The transition from not having a dog to owning one is very nerve-wracking, but making a list of must-haves can positively impact and help you adjust to the responsibilities.

Preparing these essential things before bringing your dog home is advisable to provide immediate comfort, rest, and bond with your new pet. You can use this list and tips to help you gather ideas about what to buy as a new dog owner.

References

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/pet-adoption-checklist/

https://www.nylabone.com/dog101/checklist-of-dog-supplies-for-your-new-fur-kid

https://www.petsbest.com/blog/essential-dog-cat-supplies/