essential equipments to buy for your new dog
Before bringing home your new dog, there are some essential equipment you need to buy for your your. Below are the essential items you need to buy to ensure your newest family member feels comfortable.
Equipment that you need to buy:
Bedding: Firstly, you need to buy bedding as your puppy needs a comfortable bed that's big enough for your dog to grow into and then be able to stretch in. Most puppies like to sleep into a piece of “vet bed” or similar materials. This material is hygienic, machine washable, non allergenic, better than most materials in terms of resistance of chewing.
Bowls: You will need a separate bowl for food and water; it is recommended that the bowl is nonslip and should be off the floor for tall dogs.
Puppy crates, play pen, and child gates: You must buy your dog a crate, a play pen, or child gates in order for your dog to have their own personal space and a place where you can leave them alone when needed. You must make sure that the crate, play pen or child gate should be big enough that they can fit in comfortably when they are adults. Make sure the mesh is not big enough for the puppy’s body part such as its hand to get stuck in it. Additionally, add bedding and toys in the crate to make it comfortable for the puppy.
Collars: You must buy your dog a collar which is suitable for your dog’s breed, size, and age. Puppies grow quickly so you should check if the collar fits properly often. The collar should not be so loose that it can slip over your puppy’s head or too tight that you cannot place two fingers underneath the collar.
Car harness, travelling crate or dog guard: A dog should travel either behind a dog guard, secured with a car seat harness or ideally in a crate or a fixed car cage. A crate or cage gives your dog their space while ensuring their own comfort and safety. If your dog gets car sick, then fix the crate especially if it is at the back as the car tends to sways way more at the back.
Identity tag: You should have an identity tag for you which says your dog's name, your address, and your telephone number. This can help people return your dog to you if it runs away or gets lost.
Leads/leashes: Make sure to buy a lead/leash that is suitable for the size or breed of your puppy. A good rope is both strong and comfortable on your hands. Even though chain leads can be painful to hold on to but can be useful if your puppy likes to chew on their leash. Nylon leads are strong but can also hurt your hands.
Toys: You should buy a range of toys for your dog as your puppy will need a range of interesting and appropriate toys or your puppy might chew on your items. Chew toys provides mental stimulation while also helping to keep your dog’s teeth clean and allowing them to move their jaw. Make sure to carefully check the toys you buy for your dog before you buy it, some may be too small and might cause your puppy to choke while others may splinter which can be dangerous. Sticks, golf and squash balls can easily get stuck in your dog's throat which may lead to your dog’s death or cause your dog to become injured.
Poo bags: You should buy a poo bag as you will need them when you go out with your dog.
Grooming equipment: All dogs need to be groomed however what equipment you groom your dog with and how often can change dramatically depending on the type of the dog’s coat. Short-coated dogs need to be groomed regularly especially when they are shedding using a rubbed toothbrush or short-bristle brushes which massage the skin and work out the loose hair. Dogs with medium to long coats or with a thick undercoat need a gentle detangling every day with a focus on the area behind the ear, between the toes, under the feet, in the armpit, in the back of the legs and near the tail to keep them knot free. Some dogs will need to have their hair around their eyes or bread cleaned regularly.
Dog shampoo: Dogs only need to be showered every few months unless they are swimming or have rolled in something smelly. When showering, make sure to use dog shampoo and put a non-slip mat if showering your dog in the bath.
Dog toothpaste and toothbrush: It is essential to buy canine toothpaste with a special rubber thimble in order to prevent gum disease s which can lead to all types of health problems.
