Bringing home a new puppy is an exhilarating experience filled with boundless joy and adorable moments. However, in the middle of this overwhelming excitement, many new pet parents often find themselves wondering about the future challenges that will come with your furry bundle.
Early days with your puppy can be overwhelmingly challenging. And the intensity of these challenges can even increase if you are not equipped with the right tools and supplies. Thankfully, a well-crafted new puppy checklist can save face in this situation.
A puppy checklist can become a roadmap for success, ensuring you have all the stuff for puppies and helping you navigate the initial stages of puppyhood with confidence and ease.
Now that we understand the importance of being prepared, let’s delve into the essential elements of a New Puppy Checklist.
What Do You Need for a New Puppy Checklist?
When it comes to welcoming a new puppy home, getting prepared is the key. You can split your shopping list for a new puppy into three to four decided intervals. As in, some puppy must-haves can be bought while you are planning to bring your furry home. Others can be shopped once you have your little friend home.
Let’s give you ideas on what puppy essentials are a must-buy and at what stage you should consider getting them:
Basic Puppy Essentials Checklist Before You Bring Your Pup Home
Shopping the required stuff for puppies starts two to three (or ideally, a week before) you intend to bring your puppy home.
Below we shall discuss some of the basic supplies you need to prepare beforehand.
Baby Gates:
Your pup’s safety comes first. So before you bring your furry home, it’s important to a puppy–proof your place. Installation of baby gates will help in this regard. You can confine your puppy’s access to different areas of your home, such as stairs and certain rooms.
Puppy Crate:
The next important thing is to get a crate for your puppy, which will be their ultimate place to relax and unwind. And, more importantly, a place they can call their own. A crate provides your puppy a cozy and den-like environment and becomes a great tool for house training.
Puppy Bed:
Give your pup’s paws a soft and snuggly resting place with a puppy bed. The bed must be comfortable and support quality sleep.
ID Tags:
Keep your puppy’s ID tags prepared with your contact information on them. Once brought home, your puppy will be new to the surroundings and have a high chance of going astray, so it can be easily identified and returned to you.
Microchips:
Microchips are the most authentic and permanent form of identification and increase the chances of getting your puppy back if an unlucky chance happens and your puppy gets lost. The information in the microchips must be up-to-date with the contact number that is currently in use.
Collar and Leash:
Collar and leash are the must-haves for taking your pet outside. Make sure the collar or leash are the perfect fit for your puppy. A properly fitting collar will keep your furry secure while they explore the surroundings.
Puppy Pads:
Puppy pads are very valuable tools and help you house-train your puppy. They can be placed in a designated area. Keep them In an accessible place so your puppy can go whenever they feel the urge to pee and poop.
Poop Bags:
Disposing of puppy poop and maintaining hygiene also come under the umbrella of responsible pet ownership. You can keep a steady supply of poop bags on hand to quickly and hygienically clean up during walks and outdoor excursions.
New Puppy Checklist for Food-Related Supplies:
Won’t you give a treat to your new furry guests that you have just brought home?
Food and related supplies also are must-have items in a new puppy’s checklist. Below are some things that you can consider in this checklist:
Food and Water Bowls:
After you welcome your puppy home and spend time together, your pup might want to fill its tiny stomach. So having appropriate food and water bowls is essential. Go for the bowls that are sturdy and don’t slip. This will reduce their chance of spilling their water or food. Also, put the bowels in the easy-to-access premises so that your puppy can stay hydrated and nourished.
Food Storage:
You’ll need to keep your puppy’s food fresh as well. For this reason, food storage becomes essential. Invest in airtight containers that are meant for storing Puppy food. This way, you can keep your puppy’s food fresh for a long time.
Healthy and Nutritious Food:
Once done with the bowl and storage stuff, now comes the main thing – your puppy’s food. Make sure the puppy food you are opting for aligns with your pup’s requirements. Your veterinarian can give you the best advice in this regard. So, consult him before anything else so that there’s no confusion between whether I should go for raw food or packaged one.
Packaged food these days have full-fledged details over their box and come with the age and breed guidelines. Go with whatever feels right and your vet recommends.
Puppy Treats:
Since your new puppy will fill your life with a lot of fur and joy, they deserve some special treatment, right? That’s where you can take the treats. And, reward your puppy with treats anytime you’re in the mood to spoil them.
Treats are also effective to keep your puppy’s pearly teeth healthy and give their taste buds a chance to enjoy. You’ll find multiple treats options from soft chews to GMO and gluten-free options.
Training Treats:
Dogs need plenty of praise and rewards while they are on their training — no matter if it’s potty training or any sort of behavioral training. Hence, you must also keep some training treats handy so that every time your dog learns something new or obeys a command, you can appreciate them with a treat.
You must be wondering what is the difference between normal treats and training treats. Training treats are actually high-value treat options that your puppy is going to love, for sure.
Treats Pouch:
Just like you’ll need a food storage to keep the puppy food at one place and fresh. You’ll also need a treat pouch to keep your pup’s treat all in one place. Go for a pouch that has a durable build and a strong enclosure.
Toy Supplies for New Puppy’s
Dog’s are playful creatures and need plenty of stimulation and exercise to stay happy and healthy. Toys can be of great help in this regard. They are also essential to prevent boredom and manage their behaviors.
Here are some pup toys that you should have in place before you bring your puppy home:
Plush Toys:
Plush toys are a great option to comfort your puppy from the sense of loneliness, provide warmth, and be their cuddly companion. A squeaky plush toy can be a wonderful option as it can keep your dog entertained with its squeaks.
Interactive Toys:
Interactive toys are helpful for keeping your puppy mentally stimulated. Since they require active interaction. These toys include toys that make noise and toys that dispense treats. Puppy owners have found them to be great at promoting learning and engagement in their puppies.
Puzzle Toys:
Puzzle toys often feature hidden compartments or sections that require proper problem-solving capability in the dog to access the treats. You can use these toys to challenge your puppy’s problem-solving skills and keep them busy for hours.
Calming Toys:
Puppies can be anxious, especially, when they have just arrived in a new household. Calming toys can play a great role in comforting them. These toys normally have soft and soothing texture, sounds, and warm pads to help your pup relax.
Chase Toys:
Dogs have this natural instinct to chase stuff. You and your puppy can spend a quality time together using chase toys and even use this activity to teach your pup some commands. Chase toys include a ball, a plush toy, or a squeaky toy that can help you encourage your pet’s natural prey drive.
Chew Toys:
Those cute pearly whites are super prone to destroying stuff around them with their sharpness. So, why not channelize their nibbling tendency with a chew toy? Appropriate chew toys can promote a sound dental health in your puppy. However, you should look for chew toys that are sturdy enough to handle a puppy’s sharp teeth.
Puppy Essential for Grooming
Just like any other pet, puppies will need grooming sessions often to look their best. Below we’ll share some stuff that helps with puppy’s grooming. Make sure to introduce each grooming supply one-by-one and gradually. Make using them a positive experience and they are all you need to make your puppy clean and presentable.
Puppy-Friendly Toothpaste and Toothbrush
A sound dental health means that your puppy is enjoying a healthy lifestyle. So, you must invest in toothpaste and toothbrushes that are designed for puppies specifically and create a regular routine for puppy teeth brushing. A proper brushing routine will keep their breath fresh and make their teeth sparkle.
Dog Wipes:
Dogs can need frequent clean-ups (since you should not bathe them very often). Dog wipes come handy for that purpose. You can use them to remove any sort of dirt or debris that your pet might have caught and remove any bad odor from them.
Choosing wipes that are hypoallergenic and gentle on your puppy’s skin is the key here.
Dog Shampoo:
Yes, your puppy won’t need to be bathed often but anytime you decide to give them a bath, you’ll need a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs. It has to be mild and suitable for your puppy’s coat. You should also schedule regular bathing for your puppy (at suitable intervals). This will help keep the irritants from your puppy’s skin away.
Grooming Brush:
All puppies tend to shed their coats. The only exception is some might shed excessively and some are minimal shedders. To cope up with this shedding problem, you’ll need a grooming brush that will keep their coats in a top-notch shape, detangle the hair knots under the coat, and keep the skin dander-free.
Nail-Grinder
Puppy nails, if not groomed properly, can cause them potential injuries. In fact, they are also uncomfortable for the pet owner. They can get scratches while holding the puppy or cuddling with them. Moreover, the area and furniture your pup comes in contact with can also get scratches.
A nail grinder is the safest and easy to handle option to shape up the puppy nails.
Cleaning Supplies Shopping List for a New Puppy
With the arrival of your new puppy have come a lot of responsibilities as well. And, maintaining a healthy and clean environment for your four-legged friend and human family members comes at the top of everything.
After all, you can’t bear your home smelling like puppy poop 24/7. Right?
Here we have a checklist of some of the cleaning supplies that, if readily available, can take a lot of hassle away.
Enzyme Spray:
Accidents happen. And, that’s a 100% sure thing when your pup is in their early stages of life and still learning and exploring. In the accidental scenarios, an Enzyme spray is something that you must have for effectively cleaning up pet messes. It helps break down organic stains and odors, preventing your puppy from revisiting the same spot.
Vacuum:
Keep your home clean and free from pet hair and dander with a reliable vacuum cleaner. Look for one specifically designed for pet owners, with powerful suction and attachments to tackle pet hair on furniture and upholstery.
No Chew Spray:
Puppies are notorious chewers, and sometimes they target items they shouldn’t. A no chew spray can help deter your puppy from gnawing on furniture, wires, or other household items. It has a taste that puppies find unpleasant, discouraging destructive chewing behaviors.
Pooper Scooper:
Responsible pet ownership includes proper waste management. A pooper scooper with long handles and a durable design makes cleaning up after your puppy quick and hygienic, whether in the yard or during walks.
Bonus Checklist of Important Contacts for Puppy Problem
Problems can intervene anytime. And, the only wise attitude to stay ahead of them is to be prepared. Below is the list of some important contacts that you can keep by your side for managing emergency situations.
By keeping these important contacts readily available, you’ll have the necessary support and resources to address any concerns or challenges that may arise during your puppy’s journey.
Veterinarian:
Your primary point of contact for any health-related concerns, vaccinations, regular check-ups, and emergency situations. Make sure to have their contact information readily available.
Emergency Veterinary Clinic:
In case of after-hours emergencies or when your regular veterinarian is unavailable, having the contact information of an emergency veterinary clinic can be a lifesaver.
Pet Poison Helpline:
Accidental ingestion of toxic substances can happen, especially with curious puppies. Keep the number of a pet poison helpline handy for immediate guidance in case of a poisoning incident.
Professional Dog Trainer:
If you encounter behavioral issues or need guidance in training your puppy, consulting a professional dog trainer can be immensely helpful. They can provide expert advice and assistance tailored to your specific needs.
Local Animal Shelter or Rescue Organization:
They can provide resources, advice, and support for pet owners, including information on adoption, low-cost spay/neuter services, and behavioral consultations.
Pet Insurance Provider:
If you have pet insurance, keep the contact information of your provider easily accessible. They can assist you with any policy-related questions, claims, or coverage inquiries.
Checklist of Luxury Pet Supplies
Below is a checklist of some luxury pet supplies that are not essential for maintaining or promoting a healthy lifestyle but they are more intended to provide them and you (as a puppy owner) a luxe feeling.
They can enhance the experience of pampering and indulging your furry friend, but always prioritize their basic needs and safety above all.
Designer Dog Bed:
Treat your new puppy to a plush and stylish designer dog bed that not only provides comfort but also adds a touch of luxury to your home decor.
Personalized Leather Collar and Leash:
Give your puppy a touch of exclusivity with a personalized leather collar and matching leash, customized with their name or initials.
Premium Dog Clothing:
Dress your puppy in high-end, fashionable dog clothing, such as coats, sweaters, or even formal wear for special occasions.
Luxury Dog Carrier:
For travel or outings, invest in a luxurious dog carrier that provides comfort, security, and style, ensuring your puppy can accompany you in ultimate luxury.
FAQs:
Q1. What do I need for my new puppy?
Some things that you need for your new puppy are: crate, bedding, puppy food, leash and collar, and a lot of toys. These are only a few products though.
Q2. What to do after getting a new puppy?
The first thing you might want to do after getting a new puppy is attach their ID tags with a collar so that if your puppy somehow gets away, you can easily find them.
Q3. What is an 8-week puppy checklist?
Ans. By 8-weeks of age you might have already gathered the basic supplies. So, now the checklist for your 8-week puppy can be won’t be about collecting some essentials, but about performing some essentials, like:
- Take them to the vet.
- Get them vaccinated.
- Get them dewormed.
What is a checklist of Not-to-do things while getting a new puppy?
Ans. Here’s your checklist of not-to-do things when you bring a new puppy:
- Don’t shout over them as it will scare them away.
- Don’t allow them to chase bikes, cars, or other animals like cats or dogs.
- Don’t keep them confined for an extended time.
What are the things that are of utmost importance on a new puppy checklist?
Puppy’s food and their crate or bedding. These are the things that will make a new puppy comfortable in their surroundings and support their well-being. Hence, they are of the utmost importance.
Final Thoughts:
There you have it — your complete checklists for supplies you might need while bringing your new puppy home. Hopefully, with this detailed checklist, you’ll be able to gather supplies that are needed for your new puppy and can help them have a comfortable stay at your home.
From essential supplies like food bowls, comfortable bedding, and grooming supplies to even gathering a list of important contacts that can be used in case of any urgency, this is the complete list that covers all the necessary aspects. So, this checklist is an all-rounder to help you create a stimulating and nurturing environment for your pup.
By following the lists and gathering all the required essentials, you’ll be set out with the perfect tools to establish healthy routines and promote the overall well-being of your pet.
So, by now you have prepared your lists and almost gathered the supplies (we hope that you have!), you are free to embrace the challenges puppy-parenting might throw your way and enjoy quality time with your pet.
