Anyone who has ever had a puppy knows that caring for one is a huge responsibility. It not only takes a ton of time and patience, but also plenty of specialized supplies. To help set yourself up for success, check out our list of items you’ll want to stock up on before you welcome your new fur baby home.
1. Puppy Food
Just like kids, puppies are still growing and need plenty of vitamins and nutrients to support their development. High-quality puppy food is essential for giving your new furry friend the best start in life, offering more fat and protein than adult formulas. If you plan on feeding him a raw diet, you can add some raw food to his bowl as well. Just make sure that the majority of his diet is specifically formulated for puppies.
2. Training Pads and Poop Bags
Your new puppy probably won’t be toilet trained when he arrives, so it’s up to you to train him to do his business outdoors. Put down training pads in your home while he’s learning to minimize messes and make clean-up easier. When you take him for walks, be sure to keep a roll of poop bags in your pocket and do your part to keep your neighborhood clean.
3. A Harness
Harnesses are perfect for keeping wriggly puppies secured while out on walks. Choose a harness that fits snugly around your puppy and can be adjusted to maintain that snug fit as he grows. Make sure it has quick-release clasps that you can easily open if your puppy gets caught on something.
4. A Leash
You’ll also need a leash to take your new fur kid out. Puppies can be unpredictable, so avoid retractable leashes for now. Instead, choose a sturdy medium-length leash that will keep your puppy close to you without restricting his freedom too much.
5. A Teething Stick
Just like a human baby, your puppy will lose his baby teeth and start growing his adult set as he ages. Giving him a hard plastic teething stick to chew on will help him soothe his sore gums and get those shiny new adult teeth to emerge.
6. A Puppy-Sized Nail Trimmer
Clipping the ends off tiny puppy nails can be a challenge with a regular-sized pet nail trimmer. Invest in a puppy-sized nail trimmer to help you keep your new fur kid safe and comfortable during this grooming task.
Get All Your Puppy Essentials in One Place
Now that you know what you need, it’s time to figure out where to get it. You can find all of the puppy supplies listed above and many more at For Your Fur Kids. Visit us today and bring your new addition in to pick out his new toys, grooming supplies, and other items. We’ll be happy to help you round up all of the things he’ll need to settle in as a member of your family.
