List of Five Dog Supplies You Need for Your New Dog or Puppy

Before you bring a dog home there are some things you need to have on hand. Some of these things will be different for the size of your dog, so keep that in mind.

1. Dog Food and Treats

A good dog food and some treats are among the most important. That includes a metal dog bowl (easier to keep clean) and a water bowl.

The best dog food is available at pet shops, not at the local grocery store. Grocery store dog foods are inferior in quality and do not contain all the nutrition your dog needs. It is highly recommend that you buy the best dog food that you can afford from your local pet shop or online.

Don’t scrimp on the budget here no matter how compelling it might be. A healthy dog is reflected by the food he eats.

2. Dog Leash, Collar and Tag

The size and weight of the dog should be taken into account in choosing the right dog collar. The collar’s material needs attention too. Nylon is good for water-loving dogs since it is more durable and light. For a tougher look, leather collars are a lot better.

Dog leashes come in cloth, nylon, retractable, and leather styles. For training purposes it is best not to get a long leash. Letting the dog run ahead of you on a long leash tells him that he is the boss.

One of the first things you need to get your dog is a tag with your phone number. So many dogs get out and disappear, never to be seen again by their family. If these dogs had been wearing a collar with a tag many of them would have been returned to their home.

3. Dog Toys

The safety of your dog should be the top priority in looking for a dog toy. What fun could be derived from a toy if it will endanger your pet’s life, right?

A dog toy should be large enough so that it can’t be swallowed by your pet. However, it should be small enough for your dog to be able to grip it well.

The durability of the toys will need major consideration too, especially for dogs that are serious chewers. Light chewers can settle for vinyl and latex dog toys.

4. Training Items for Your Dog

Dog whistles, dog harnesses, a carrier and bitter-tasting sprays compose the wide array of dog-training aids. If your dog does not listen to you and insists on fighting with other pets or chasing the chickens, there are collars you can get that emit a little shock or a bad odor. These can be very effective. But be sure you use them in a humane way.

Having a crate for your dog is a big help in training him or her. To learn more about crate training, read this article: House Training

5. Dog Health Items

This includes shampoos, tick and flea medications, ear cleaning solutions, and so on. If your dog has fleas, using something like Advantix, Advantage or Frontline can get rid of the fleas and keep them off for several months. It’s a good idea to keep some on hand so you can put it on your dog at the first sign of any fleas.

Your dog’s dental health should never be taken for granted either. Dog toothbrushes and toothpastes, and even dog toys are now made available to support the dental health of your pet. The easiest thing to do is get some dental chew toys for your dog, such as Greenies.

Following these guidelines will definitely help you have a happy, healthy pet!