Items Needed for a New Puppy

Planning for a new puppy is an exciting time. The entire family greets the anticipation of the pup's arrival with great fanfare. Most puppies are planned purchases or adoptions, which gives everyone time to prepare the home and purchase the necessary items the puppy will require to thrive. Shopping for the new puppy and preparing the house is a fun activity for the whole family.

  1. Food and Bowls

    • Purchase a high-quality puppy food. Consult with your veterinarian or local pet store for recommendations. If you are purchasing the new puppy from a breeder, find out what the breeder is currently feeding your pup so you can duplicate it. A sudden change in food can often cause a puppy's system to become upset. Choose food and water bowls that are large enough for the puppy to easily eat from and are stable so that the puppy cannot easily overturn them. Remember to add a few fun puppy treats to the food list. Puppies adore treats as an added bonus, and they are wonderful training aids.

    Collar and Leash

    • Choose an adjustable puppy collar to easily fit the puppy's neck and last for a limited time as the puppy grows. Purchase a leash with the collar so that you can take the puppy outside or for walks. A leash and collar are also important for the first day that you bring your puppy home since many puppies become afraid and might try to run away. Try to have an ID tag made to place on the collar in case the puppy should become lost.

    Dog Crate

    • Purchase a dog crate to fit the breed of puppy you will be bringing home. The crate should allow the puppy to stand up, turn around and lay down in comfort. A crate that is too large will allow the puppy to eliminate in one corner and lay in the other corner. Crates are ideal for housebreaking a puppy when the crate is the correct size because a puppy will not eliminate in its crate. Many large crates have dividers that allow the crate to be enlarged as the puppy grows to accommodate its size.

    Toys

    • Choose puppy-safe toys for the pup to chew and play with. Puppies adore chewing, so be sure to purchase numerous toys that will allow the puppy to do just that. Puppies appreciate stuffed toys, which can even offer comfort after the separation from the puppy's mother and litter mates.

    Grooming Items

    • Grooming a puppy is a bonding experience. Many dogs love it when their owners brush and comb them. A puppy brush, comb, nail clippers and shampoo will be necessary household items.

    Flea Preventatives

    • Consult with your veterinarian concerning the safest flea preventatives to use on a puppy. Many commercially available topical flea medications are suitable for only adult dogs. If you live in an area where heartworm is prevalent, you will need to purchase a heartworm preventative. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the safest product for a puppy.

    Dog Bed

    • Dog beds offer safety and security for a puppy. Choose one to fit your puppy's size. Many offer a blanket that you can drape over the sleeping puppy for added comfort. A few dog beds will also fit nicely into a crate.