23 Apr New puppy checklist

New Puppy Checklist

Are you about to become a puppy paw-rent for the first time? Have you been anticipating the arrival of your new four-legged furry family member, and now it’s finally here? Don’t forget to prepare your house for your new puppy’s impending arrival among all the excitement and anxieties! Here is a list of the top 5 items to acquire for your new puppy, as well as some advice on how to choose which products to buy.

Food & Water Bowls

Because your new puppy will be full of activity and enthusiasm, you’ll want to acquire non-slip separate food and water dishes. There are other alternatives available, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. We recommend a stainless steel dish for your dog since it is easy to clean, does not serve as a toy, and will endure for years. Ceramic dishes are breakable around your new bundle of energy, whilst plastic bowls are less expensive but readily nibbled. Because your puppy’s nutritional requirements will be unique, make sure you select a complete diet that is appropriate for their size and breed.

Collars, harnesses, and leashes

Every puppy should wear a collar because it provides for rapid visual identification with a name tag. A regular flat collar with a buckle or clip is the most common type of collar. They’re simple to put on and take off, and they’re made to keep their form. The collar should be long enough to fit snugly around your puppy’s neck while yet allowing two fingers to pass through. Remember to adjust your puppy’s collar on a frequent basis because they will grow rapidly!

We recommend getting a harness if you have a squishy-faced (brachycephalic) puppy, a smaller breed dog, or one that pulls. Find a harness with a front-attaching leash so the leash may latch on the front. Harnesses with a rear hook may encourage your puppy to pull you along like a cart or sled instead of heeling beside you.

A leash is necessary for keeping your dog under control and stopping him from roaming or chasing. There are many various types of leashes available, all with varied lengths and materials. Enroll your puppy in puppy preschool to teach them how to walk on a loose leash, and talk to your trainer about the ideal sort of leash for your dog’s level of training and disposition. If you opt to use a retractable leash, be aware that it may encourage your dog to pull and may not provide adequate control (particularly if you don’t retract quickly enough in dangerous situations). If the cord is utilized incorrectly, it might cause choking, tangling, or trip hazards.

Containment and Bedding

Crate

it will be your dog’s secure refuge for nighttime resting or when they simply want some peace and quiet. When selecting a crate, make sure it has enough space for your dog to stand up, turn around, and stretch while sleeping. However, don’t give your dog too much area; most dogs won’t go to the toilet where they sleep, so more space might lead to an in-crate accident.

Crate pad

Because your dog’s crate is their nocturnal refuge, you’ll want to make it as comfortable as possible. The inside of the crate is lined with a crate pad for added support and comfort. It also acts as a layer of protection in the event that your dog has an accident.

Travel kennel

A travel kennel allows you to safely transport your dog for those first and essential doctor visits, introducing your dog to new friends and family, or simply travelling on the road with your pet. Your travel kennel, like a crate, should fit your dog comfortably without providing too much space for them to go pee.

Toys

The majority of pups will have an endless supply of energy.

Make sure your puppy’s toys are the proper size. They should be large enough to carry but not so little that they can be swallowed or caught in the mouth of your dog.
Provide your puppy with a selection of toys that may be used for chasing, gnawing, tugging, and other activities.
Choose toys that can be readily cleaned on a regular basis, such as those that are dishwasher or washing machine friendly.
If you have a really active puppy that likes to chew and play rough, you should avoid soft plush toys or squeaker toys since the filling or squeaker can be ingested. All toys should be played with under adult supervision in general.

Preventatives for fleas, ticks, and worms

Make sure your puppy is protected against the four most common parasites, especially if they will be going outside:

• Intestinal worms
• Heartworm
• Fleas
• Ticks

Because certain parasite preventatives only cover a limited number of parasites (for example, Comfortis Plus protects fleas, intestinal worms, and heartworm but not ticks or tapeworm), you may need to take a mix of medicines to be fully protected. Don’t forget to read the label because the frequency of therapy may change. Nexgard Spectra monthly chews, which cover all four primary parasites in one handy delectable chew, are recommended by My Vet Animal Hospital for pups from 8 weeks of age and >2kg body weight. Always double-check that you’re giving your puppy the right preventive for their weight and at the right time.