10 Things You Need to Get for Your New Dog

Adding a new furry friend to your household can bring so much joy to you and your family. Providing a loving home for a dog is not only a good and charitable thing to do for an animal in need, but it will bring lots of positive benefits to you and your family.

However, taking care of a new pet isn’t all fun and games. There are many things that these animals need to live a safe, happy, and comfortable life. It can be a little overwhelming to keep track of all the essentials if you’re new to this!

Luckily, we’re here to help. Here are ten things that you will probably need to get before welcoming your new pet into your home.

Special Reminder for New Service Animals 

If your new pet is a service dog, you’re going to need more than what you would get for an average house pet. 

Useful supplies for a service dog are things like identity cards, certification documents, and leashes and harnesses that identify your pet to others as a service animal.

Luckily, you don’t have to look for all of these items individually. There are plenty of options available for kits, containing all the service dog supplies your pet will need.

However, all new pets will need the following ten essentials.

1. Healthy Yet Delicious Kibble

This one should be obvious! Your dog needs to eat, so be sure to stock up on dog food before you bring them home. 

Each breed has unique dietary needs, so it’s good to do some research first to see what kind of foods your dog will need and what portion sizes are most appropriate for them.

Make sure to choose reputable kibble brands that are made from high-quality ingredients. That way, you know that they are getting the nutrients that they need.

2. Brand New Toys

While not as crucial as keeping them well-fed, it’s also essential to make sure your dog has plenty of things to keep them entertained! You wouldn’t want your dog to be sitting around bored while you were busy or away, would you?

It’s a good idea to get sturdy toys that your dog won’t destroy them immediately. Not only will it save you the trouble of replacing them, but if your dog tears their toys apart and eats the stuffing, this could be hazardous to their health.

3. Vaccinations 

Some vaccines, such as those that protect against rabies, distemper, canine hepatitis, and canine parvovirus, are necessary for all pets. When adopting a new dog, be sure to determine if it has already been vaccinated and what specific vaccinations it has received.

If your new dog has not been vaccinated, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible to make sure your pet is protected against common canine illnesses and has a clean bill of health. 

Your pet will also likely need regular medications for things like heartworm and tick prevention.

4. Yummy Treats

In addition to regular dog food, it’s a good idea to have dog treats on hand as well. This isn’t just for nourishment. Treats are commonly used as a means of positive reinforcement when training dogs.

These will come in handy, especially when training a new puppy who needs to be housebroken and learn basic behavioral etiquette. 

You’ll want to make sure to get small treats in the early stages of puppy training, so you don’t end up overfeeding your pup when you need to keep reinforcing their good behavior.

5. Dietary Supplements

It’s very common for pet owners to feed their dog supplements in addition to their regular food to make sure that they are getting all the nutrients they need in their diet. It’s a great way to make up for vital nutrients their kibble might be missing.

The most commonly used dietary supplements for dogs are glucosamine and fish oil. These help dogs develop healthy joint cartilage and improve the quality of their skin and coat, respectively.

6. Scented Doggy Shampoo

If you plan to bathe your dog at home rather than taking them to a groomer, you’re going to need to get some dog shampoo. Regular human shampoo can be used in a pinch, but it’s not recommended for long term use, as it can be damaging to your dog’s coat over time.

Check out your local pet store’s selection of dog shampoos. Be sure to read the label before you buy, and avoid ingredients like methylchloroisothiazolinone and propylene glycol, which can have negative health repercussions.

7. A Warm Bed

You wouldn’t want your dog to sleep on the cold, hard ground, would you? Of course, you wouldn’t! However, for hygienic reasons, it’s also not a good idea to let your dog sleep in your bed with you.

You’ll want to make sure your dog has a bed that’s all their own so that they can sleep comfortably. You can usually find suitable dog beds at your local pet store, or you can search online for more stylish and customizable options.

8. Comfortable Leash or Harness 

Getting your dog a proper leash or harness is essential if you want your dog to have an active lifestyle. Most dogs are not trained to walk alongside their owners without a leash, so you’ll need to get one to take your dog on walks or out in public.

Leashes and harnesses should be easy to find at your local pet store, but if your dog has unique dimensions, you may need to custom order one online.

9. A Cute ThunderShirt 

If your pet suffers from anxiety during thunderstorms or in other loud environments, a ThunderShirt is the perfect solution. This garment wraps securely around your dog’s torso and helps to calm them down by applying gentle, reassuring pressure. 

It’s like a warm hug to calm them down when they’re feeling scared!

Conclusion

Bringing a new pet into your household can require a lot of supplies. Luckily, most of them can be easily found at your local pet store or veterinarian’s office. Enjoy welcoming your new furry friend to the family!