New Dog Owner? Learn the Essential Dog Supplies to Buy

If you have been planning on taking in a new pup or dog, you will need some supplies to start off.

This article gives an overview of essential dog supplies for the new owner or can serve as a refresher for existing owners.

First!  Congratulations on taking the leap and scratching your doggie itch!

Research shows that dog owners tend to be happier and healthier compared to non-dog owners.

For first-time dog owners, it is important to have an idea of essential dog supplies that pets cannot do without.

There are some dog accessories that you need, while others are purely optional and up to your taste and lifestyle.

So, if you’re wondering whether you have remembered everything you need to, read this list:

1. Pet Gates and Dog Crates

Among the many must-have dog accessories, pet gates and dog crates have an essential role to play.

Gates and crates are one of the most indispensable dog management tools that can effectively be used for preventing and minimizing problems.

Gates and crates help in keeping your dog out of harm (and mischief).

2. Tagged Collar

Tagged collars are important dog accessories for ensuring the safety and the security of new dogs in their new surroundings.

Also tagged collars help strangers find you if your pet dog gets lost.

In the absence of a tagged collar, your dog might end up in the arms of some other owner. When choosing a dog collar, it is necessary for you to ensure that it is not too tight.

Make sure that the collar can easily be replaced and adjusted as the dog grows.

It is also important for you to ensure that your fingers slide between the neck and the collar of your dog at all times.

Remember to have your dog micro-chipped as well!

3. Exercise Pen

Exercise pens are portable enclosures that serve in the form of dog playpens.

These are probably one of the most essential dog supplies if your dog isn’t allowed to roam around your yard.

This is because they tend to be safer than locking puppies and dogs in bathrooms.

Dog exercise pens do not have that typical closed-in feeling of a small room.

Since dogs love to have space, these pens perfectly suit the space requirements of both small and big dogs.

Also, exercise pens can easily be set in the den or the kitchen or at any other place from where the owners can watch their dogs.

Exercise pens are also perfect for individuals who like traveling with their pets.

4. Dog Bed

There can be absolutely no doubt that dog beds are a must.

Dog beds are available in different shapes and sizes.

There are cardboard box beds packed with comfortable towels.

Then there are miniature bedroom suites matching the bedrooms of the dog owners.

However, if you are on a budget, leave the fancy ones behind and choose a bed that your dog feels comfortable on while sleeping. Make sure that the bed you choose for your new companion is comfortable and:

• Water resistant
• Machine washable
• Safe
• Strong

There are different options available in this category.

You have the flexibility of choosing one that best fits the sleep requirements of your dog and your lifestyle.

If you are the owner of a growing puppy, you will probably already know that they want to chew on everything as their teeth grow.

When you pick up that lovely new bed for your puppy, pick up a natural anti-chew spray as well.

That way, the bed will have a chance of surviving the next 24 hours.

5. First Aid Kit

Emergency situations for pet dogs need to be handled with great care.

Therefore, it is necessary for you to have a first aid kit in place for your new dog.

The first aid kit for your pet dog should contain an antibiotic ointment, oral medication syringe, hydrocortisone ointment or spray, rectal thermometer, diphenhydramine, saline solution, hydrogen peroxide, cotton swabs, tweezers and ear and nose cleaning solution.

6. Furniture Protectant

Before bringing your new pet dog home, it is essential for you to consider making use of a good quality furniture protectant.

Furniture protectant products need to be sprayed onto clean surfaces.

Therefore you must get your rugs and couch cleaned first. It is also essential for you to use a carpet cleaner for handling messes caused due to house-training accidents.

Speaking of house-training mishaps, there are pee pads available for pet dogs.

These are an absolute must-have accessory for dogs and puppies. These pads have a pet-detectable perfume that attracts pet dogs for bathroom breaks.

You want to place somewhere that is easily accessible to your puppy and keep them in the same location for training. These pee pads are also good for senior dogs.

7. Cleaning Essentials

Good quality and proper cleaning ensure that the environment around your home is perfect for your dog. It also helps prevent accidents.

If you are the owner of a puppy, then you must ensure proper cleaning of their surroundings.

This is because your puppy is still in its stage of developing bowel and urinary control.

Remember that scents such as orange are not pleasant to dogs so if you are cleaning with orange scented products, keep them away from areas you want your dog to feel comfortable.

On the flip side, if you would like to deter your dog from particular areas, get out the orange scented cleaners.

8. Dog Guard, Car Harness or Traveling Crate

When traveling, dogs should be placed behind dog guards, in fixed car cages or travel dog crates or secured with a car seat harness.

Car cages or crates give dogs their space and a haven for them to enjoy their travel.

After all, there is nothing worse than having your dog squashed in the car along with luggage piled up around them.

Try ensuring that your dog is accustomed to car travel by going for short trips initially and then moving up to longer ones.

9. Proper Clothing

Dog coats, jackets and pajamas are really important.

If you have a short-haired dog, seriously consider getting him or her something warm to wear during the colder months.

Dogs are just as susceptible of getting sick and picking up viruses in the winter as we are.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this list has given you a better idea of essential dog supplies for your new dog.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions or recommendations.