Are you about to welcome a new family member into your home? If so, let’s see if you’re ready for their arrival! Below is a list of things a puppy needs during the first few months of life.
1. Bowls
Your the dog will need two bowls: one for food and one for water. The bowls must be sturdy and adapted to the size of your pet (it is more practical to buy bowls with some room for growth for a puppy). When choosing bowls, consider the specific characteristics of your dog’s breed.
There are several types of dog bowls:
Plastic bowls
Inexpensive, lightweight and easy to clean. Suitable for toys and small dog breeds, as well as for puppies. Plastic bowls are not suitable for active dogs because they are lightweight and your pet will drag them across the floor while eating.
Plastic bowls can be single or double. Double bowls are harder to clean, but they take up less space.
Ceramic bowls
The main advantage of ceramic dog bowls is their stability. Thanks to their weight, ceramic bowls do not tip or roll on the floor.
Stainless steel bowls
These bowls are made from stainless steel and will last you and your pet for many years. For active dogs, special rubber-based bowls have been designed, which have a non-slip rubber bottom. Those who have a small kitchen will appreciate ergonomic bowls with a stand: they take up little space, are easy to clean and have rubberized feet.
Some of the more modern bowls are made of stainless steel with adjustable supports. Like all metal bowls, they are very practical and durable. At the same time, they are very practical for the dog: the sturdy support prevents the bowls from sliding on the floor and the sturdy attachment prevents them from tipping over.
Additionally, many dog experts believe that bowls should be placed at the dog’s chest level, as this promotes the development of good posture and prevents air ingestion. Such bowls are particularly useful for puppies: adjustable bowls will “grow” as the dog grows, thus promoting proper spinal development.
Silicone bowls
Convenient and lightweight collapsible silicone bowls that easily fit into a jeans pocket, backpack or handbag. They are essential during long walks, while traveling or at a dog show.
2. Food
Consult the breeder or a veterinarian (or better yet, listen to the opinions of both!) about what to feed the puppy. Stock up on the necessary products or food so that the new member of the family always has fresh food available. We recommend feeding your dog premium food.
3. Toys
Asking yourself “What does a puppy need?” », you have surely imagined different toys. Puppy toys aren’t just entertainment; it is also a way for them to explore the world. Well-chosen toys will save your shoes and furniture and help the puppy cope with loneliness while you are away.
4. Sleeping and rest area
The puppy needs a place in the apartment to sleep and rest. The location of this space depends not only on your choice, but also on the preferences of the puppy: the new member of the family may like to be the center of attention, or vice versa – he may want to rest where there is no has no close supervision. The main thing is to make sure your puppy’s corner is soft, warm and comfortable!
Dog mat
Dog beds are practical foam-based beds for dogs. They are easy to roll up and can be taken on the road. The bed can be placed in a cage or carrier.
Dog cushions
Dog beds are a softer alternative to rugs. The cushions can be used alone or as a soft base for a plastic bed or support.
Dog baskets
Beds are perfect for dogs who like to rest their head on something while they sleep. Baskets are available in soft and hard varieties. In the second case, it is better to use them with a cushion or a soft blanket. When choosing a bed, consider size (it’s best for a puppy to have a bed “to grow into”). Beds with removable or machine washable covers are more practical.
5. Equipment
Before purchasing a leash or collar for your puppy, consult your breeder or a specialist: find out what type of equipment is best suited to a particular breed. Straps, for example, are not suitable for all breeds; in fact, some are strongly discouraged. Likewise, not all dogs are comfortable with a retractable leash, etc.
When choosing a collar or straps for a puppy, pay attention to the material from which they are made. For younger puppies, nylon or soft leather is ideal, while older puppies might benefit from canvas or rougher leather. If you have a larger breed, you will likely need to change the collar (or straps) or purchase one with a wide adjustment range so you can lengthen it as the puppy grows.
When choosing a retractable leash, consider its weight limit: it must cover not only the weight of your dog but also the force of its pull. For active and energetic people growing dogs and puppies, it is best to buy a retractable leash with some spare parts. For example, for pugs, we recommend using a 20 to 25 kilogram leash, even though the average adult pug weighs between 8 and 12 kilograms.
When you go for a walk with your puppy, don’t forget to attach an identification tag to his collar or harness. This tag must contain information about the dog and its owner (name, address, telephone number, etc.). This will help anyone who finds your pet contact you.
On late evening walks, you may need accessories that glow in the dark (collars, leashes, or tags). These will help you track your pet in the dark and make its movement through city streets safer.
6. Toilets
While your puppy is not allowed to go outside or is just learning to go to the toilet, give him a special place in the house where he can do his business. This could be an absorbent pee mat or a special dog toilet. Owners of toy or decorative breeds may find it more economical to invest in reusable pads, which can be machine washed.
You can buy reusable pee pads suitable for dogs. Potty Buddy’s unique design features multiple layers that work together to eliminate leaks and trap odors. Being soft, comfortable and with distinct designs, your dog will naturally be attracted to using it.
7. Grooming Essentials
To ensure that your puppy grows up healthy and beautiful, it is essential to maintain his hygiene, take care of his fur, trim his nails regularly and clean his teeth, eyes and ears. Specialized care products will help you in this process.
Shampoos
You should never wash a dog with human shampoo: the specific characteristics of a dog’s coat and skin are not taken into account in human shampoos! Only buy specialized shampoos for your pet. There is a huge selection of puppy shampoos.
As your pet grows, choose a shampoo tailored to the specific needs of their coat. For example, there are shampoos intended for dogs with black fur, wire-haired or short-haired breeds.
For long-haired dogs, in addition to shampoo, it is essential to use a specific conditioner or detangling spray.
Nail clipper
A nail clipper is a tool specially designed for cutting nails. For smaller dog breeds, you can use scissors, while for larger dogs, guillotines or pruners are more suitable. If you are hesitant or afraid to trim your dog’s nails yourself, take him to a grooming salon or veterinary clinic.
Combs, brushes and undercoat rakes
The tools needed for coat care depend on the breed of your dog.
Short-haired dogs usually only need weekly combing using an undercoat brush or rake. Choosing an undercoat rake (or brush) should be based on your dog’s skin and coat type. Stiff-haired dogs might benefit from stiff-bristled grooming tools, such as metal undercoat rakes.
For dogs with delicate skin, rubber brushes or soft brushes with nylon bristles are best. Caring for a long-haired dog will require the use of specialized combs and mat separators. Dog combs vary in size (standard or mini) and tooth spacing (sparse or dense).
Furminator for dogs
If your puppy has an undercoat, a Furminator is essential: it is an American tool designed to remove the undercoat which can reduce shedding by up to 90%. You can learn more about this tool and its benefits in an article about Furminators.
8. First aid kit
In addition to the phone number of the breeder or a familiar specialist, you should always have at hand the numbers of nearby veterinary clinics, veterinarians who make house calls, and 24-hour veterinary hospitals. Be sure to prepare a dog first aid kit containing essential medications and remedies that may be needed to treat or provide first aid to your puppy.
- Thermometer, dropper, enema;
- Wadding, bandages, plasters, wraps;
- Several syringes of different volumes;
- Disinfectants
- Medicinal chamomile, activated charcoal (for digestive disorders);
- Antiseptics for wounds
We recommend expanding the list with drugs specifically needed for your dog breed. For example, for “anxious” breeds, it is suggested to keep Nutracalm on hand.
Adopting a dog is a very responsible act! The new member of the family will require a lot of attention and patience from you. So that training your dog brings you joy, and so that his mood is always good and his health is in perfect condition, prepare in advance for everything that a puppy may need at the beginning of his life! Without a doubt, your puppy will thank you with his love and loyalty!