Deciding to have a pet dog is like planning to welcome a new member of the family. You have to open up your home and your heart to a fur baby that will look to you for love and care. They may not be as huge a deal as having a human child but they come with a lot of responsibility. Sadly, a lot of people get overly excited at the cuteness of puppies and forget to prepare themselves for the expenses that come with having a growing dog in their household.
What Do You Need To Prepare Before Getting A Dog?
Like with any new addition to your life, it is always best to be ready before you bring it into your home. Most times, with getting a dog, the dog comes first, especially when it comes as a gift. Nonetheless, we are here to help you with a checklist of the essentials you need to have to take care of your pooch. Prepare your wallet for a variety of supplies you’ll need to buy such as collars, dog bowls, leashes, and even pet beds. It may seem like a lot, but the love and companionship of a dog are well worth it. Here, we’ve compiled a simple list of some essential supplies you will need to get before having a dog, or, if you already have one, these will help you take better care of your fur baby.
8 Things You Need To Take Better Care Of Your Dog
1. Food Dish and Water Bowl
Pet food and water bowls come in a variety of materials and sizes. The size must be appropriate for the breed and size of dog you have or plan to have, keeping in mind that that tiny puppy you have now may grow into a 150-pound adult so you might need to upgrade it as your fur baby grows. Also, selecting the best material for your dog’s dish is important. It ranges from cheap plastic, which we do not recommend, to nice ceramics, which is nice, but fragile, to stainless steel, which is ideal for most, it’s easy to clean and practically unbreakable!
2. Dog Food
Just like you, your dog has specific nutrients that she or he needs to stay healthy and strong. You can’t just buy any dog food in the market, you have to consider your pup’s age, breed (if any), weight, and specific health requirements if any. Different types of dogs require different kinds of dog food, so choose wisely to get the best choice for your fur baby.
3. Collar and Tag
Your dog will need a collar and a tag, most especially if they can run out of the house. The collar needs to be of good quality, with thickness depending on the size of your dog. Aside from the dog’s name, it should also contain the owner’s name and vital contact information. How do you know if it’s the right size? When putting your dog’s collar, make sure you can insert two fingers in between the collar and your dog’s neck, this makes it a perfect fit. It can’t be too loose, it might slip off, but if it’s too tight, it could choke your dog.
4. Leash
And of course, one of the most important things a dog needs, a leash. Leashes come in a wide variety, we recommend getting retractable dog leashes, not only are they more convenient and handy, but they give you more control and your dog more freedom and range. One very crucial thing you need to add to your schedule is the time set to walk your dog. It’s a good exercise for you both, plus, this is usually when you train them to go “do their duty”. Especially needed if you live in a small apartment without a garden where your pup can run around in.
5. Poop Scooper and Bags
Make sure to be a responsible citizen and clean up after your dog. When out walking your dog, make sure you bring a poop scooper and a pack of biodegradable poop bags to make clean up a breeze. Be a responsible dog parent, nobody wants to accidentally step in dog poop.
6. Chew Toys
I know what you’re thinking at this point, so many things to buy for a little mutt! Look at it this way, either you spend on chew toys for your dog, or you end up losing a shoe or two, or even more. Your dog will inevitably want to chew on something so better get lots of toys unless you want to sacrifice your stuff.
7. Grooming Brush, Toiletries, and Tools
Whether your dog has short or long hair, you need to groom them. It doesn’t only keep their coats shiny and lustrous, it can also be a good bonding opportunity for you both. You’ll also need a good shampoo for your dog, the same thing as with all the other supplies, your choice will depend on your dog’s specific needs, long-haired breeds need extra special attention. Also, having your pet groomed at a professional shop may be a little pricey, so for basic grooming needs, best to do it yourself. Don’t forget to purchase dog toenail clippers as well, your wooden doors and furniture will thank you for it!
8. Pet Bed
This one is optional, it’s completely up to you whether you’d allow your dog to sleep with you on your bed or let alone allow them on the furniture. But giving your dog her bed is a nice way of allotting her own space and territory. It’ll give your dog a sense of ownership so that she may have a safe space to go to when she wants to be comfortable.
It’s always such a rewarding experience to have a pet. There will be an adjustment period at first, but it’ll be so fun getting to know your new companion that getting into a new routine will feel quite natural. Your dog will be a big part of your life and vice versa. Make the most out of it.
