Getting A Dog? – What To Add To Your Shopping List

When you decide to get a puppy or a rescue dog there are so many things to think about. Not only do you need to make sure that your home and garden are prepared for your new arrival, but you also need to make sure you have bought all of the essential items you will need to care for the new addition to your family. Here we will provide a rundown of the basic items you will need to add to your shopping list when getting a dog.

With so many different types of dog food available, it can be difficult knowing which to buy!

Dog food and treats

The obvious thing that you will need to add to your shopping list when you get a dog is dog food. With so many different brands available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. This is why it is a good idea to ask the previous owner, breeder or carer (if the dog is from a rescue home) what your puppy or dog is used to eating and how frequently they require feeding. You may find that some rescue dogs have dietary requirements (due to illness) and therefore need to eat specially made food.

In terms of treats, again this is something you may want to ask the previous owner about. There are all sorts of treats available to suit all types of dogs. Before giving treats to your dog make sure you read the guidelines on the packet which will tell you how many they can have a day. Treats should be used to reward puppies going through training. Some treats also have dual purposes and will do things like clean your dog’s teeth or improve the suppleness of their joints.

Dog toys

It doesn’t matter if you are getting a puppy or rescuing an older dog, they will still love playing with toys. There are all sorts of different toys available, from soft animal toys with squeakers to rubber bones and mini footballs. You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on dog toys, after all your dog isn’t going to know how much you spend. All they care about is that the toys are interesting and fun to play with. When choosing toys, make sure they are a suitable size for your puppy or dog.

Dogs of all ages loved to play with toys.

Dog lead and collar

Dogs don’t half love their ‘walkies’ so make sure that you have a dog collar and lead ready when you go to pick them up. The collar you choose must be the right size. Whilst you don’t want it to be too tight around their neck, at the same time you don’t want it to be too loose as there is a risk of them slipping it. When browsing pet stores, whether in person or online, you will see that there are many different types of dog leads to choose from. Rope leads are usually shorter and excellent for using during puppy training as they allow you to keep your little puppy close to your side. You can also buy extendable leads which have a click function that allows you to extend or shorten the lead at your own will.

Dog bed

Just like humans, dogs like to have somewhere warm and snuggly to sleep when they are tired. It is highly recommended that you treat your puppy or dog to a bed. They come in all shapes, sizes and even colours, so you can choose one that matches your homes décor! When choosing a dog bed, double check that it is machine washable as this will mean it is easy to clean if your dog has an accident or gets into their bed after a stroll in the mud.

Dog grooming accessories

Whilst you may not be intending on entering your new little friend into a pet pageant, you still need to make sure you keep them well groomed. Grooming your pet can help to reduce bad odours and keep them feeling fresh and healthy. Today you can buy all sorts of different pet shampoos including those that you wash out like normal shampoo and pet versions of dry shampoos which are water-free. You may also want to invest in a good dog brush which you can use to gently groom your dog. If they have long hair, brushing them will help to remove any knots that form.

Puppy pads

If you are getting a new puppy or a dog from a rescue home, you may want to consider purchasing a pack or two of puppy training pads. These are ideal for using when you are toilet training your puppy or dog as they help to prevent accidents on your floor or furnishings.

Conclusion

These are just the basic dog supplies you will need when bringing your dog home for the first time. There are plenty of other doggy items you can buy if your budget permits. Pet supplies and products can be purchased from pet stores as well as online.

 

Image credits: laffy4k & elisaself