What you need to have today?
Today is the day, the day you get to bring your new fur baby home. You are beaming with excitement and can’t wait to go pick them up! But first, have you stopped to think about if you have all the necessities to make this process as seamless as possible? We get it, you can get overwhelmed by the excitement of bringing your puppy home but we have a few recommendations on items you should have to prepare for your puppy’s first day home!
First, where will your new puppy sleep? Just like babies, puppies sleep… A LOT! You may want to consider grabbing a crate and a comfy bed for them. The crate is really helpful in potty training and offers a safe space for them when they need a nap. When shopping for the right crate size there are a few tips to follow -- you don’t want to grab a crate that is going to be way too big for them because oftentimes this leads to them having accidents, but you also don’t want your puppy to feel squished. While your puppy is sleeping you can always toss a blanket over it to create a dark and cozy spot for your new pup! This can help them settle in and keep from distractions waking them up. We also recommend giving your puppy toys in their crate so if they wake up they have something appropriate to play with and chew on.
Your puppy will also eat and drink a lot! Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are wonderful because they are very easy to clean and don’t harbor bacteria like plastic. Puppies can be messy eaters so you may want to consider buying a mat. This will also keep them from chasing the bowl around the house! If your pup is going to grow up to be a larger dog, you may want to consider getting elevated bowls as this takes away stress on their neck and back. When it comes to buying the best food for your pup, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They will be able to help you come up with a plan on what is the proper nutrition for your breed, how much to feed, etc.
After your puppy is done eating and lapping up their water, it won’t be long before you will be taking them outside! This brings us to a few more items you will need: a leash, collar, and name tag! Keep in mind your puppy will be growing so getting an expandable collar/harness is never a bad idea. When it comes to a leash we recommend buying one that is comfortable for you! We never want to think about our puppy running away, but just in case, you will want to make sure they have an I.D. tag attached to their collar that includes their name and your phone number!
Puppies are known for their curious natures. When you take your puppy outside, they’re bound to get dirty, dusty, muddy and who knows what else! You should have a gentle puppy shampoo for bathing them. Check out our Matico Pet Shampoo and Dragon's Blood or Matico Healing Spray for any cuts and nicks!
Last but not least you will want to grab a few toys that your puppy will be able to play with! Toys keep them from chewing your favorite pair of shoes as well as help to create a strong bond between you two! Just like humans, puppies get bored especially if they have downtime in their crate alone while you’re out.
The list goes on with what you can buy for your new addition but these items should help you get through the first few days with your pup! This is a very happy time and you should be enjoying every minute of it. We hope our new puppy tips will help you to prepare for your new family member!
