Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time! However, they need many things- before you get them and after. But don’t worry. At Wild Bound, we’re here to help you make a checklist to get all the supplies you need to enjoy this new stage of fantastic puppy-filled time!
The most important thing you can get for your new puppy comes free of charge: your love. But before bringing home your bundle of joy, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000 on food, supplies, grooming, and healthcare expenditures within the first year.
First-year Essential Supplies:
From your Pet Store:
- Crate/Kennel
Crate training is handy, especially when your puppy is young and you can’t be around them 24/7. It provides them a safe space they can lay in and acts as their own bedroom. Additionally, when you pile into the car for that cross-country move, the crate will be the safest place for your dog to be.
- Collar
Collars are home to your dog’s tags, another list essential. They’re also a great product to get your dog quickly ready for a walk or potty break.
- Harness
Harnesses are a more comfortable product for your dog than collars, but they’re a bit more of a hassle to put on. They’re also a great product in case you need to take your dog somewhere in the car and wish to buckle them into a doggy seatbelt.
- Leash
Puppies squirm. A LOT. You’ll want a leash immediately to help wear them out so they can get a good night’s sleep upon getting home. It’ll also come in handy as you take them on potty breaks and on outings as well.
- Dog Tags
Your dog can easily escape. Your information provides a great way to ensure you can get them back. Luckily, dog tags provide their name and your information. (If you’re still struggling to pick the perfect name, click here to read some suggestions!)
- Food and Water Bowls
This one is kinda self-explanatory. Your dogs need something to eat and drink out of. If you have a medium or large breed dog, consider springing a few extra dollars to get a stand-up food and water dish set.
- Dog Food
Your pup needs nutrition. While you might want to give them some of your food, resist temptation as this could be potentially dangerous for their health. For puppies, you can find optimal nutrition by looking for dog food labeled puppy-specific dog food.
- Food Container
Owning a food container means you’ll have easy access to view how much food you have left. It also means you can more easily get the last few pieces of kibble as you start running low. It can also mean the difference between life and death. If your dog is a hungry food monster, the food container can prevent your pup from accidentally suffocating in a food bag.
- Dog Training Treats
Potty Training. Sit. Stay. Roll Over. If you want to teach your dog some tricks, you’ll need rewards to keep them motivated.
- No Chew Spray
Dogs can chew through quite a bit in their teething phase. Believe me. I lost $300 worth of stuff during my dogs’ teething phase. Buy the no chew spray and save your favorite chair.
- Chew Toys
Teething dogs might have stuff they’re not supposed to chew, but they’ll need something to sink their teeth into. Do yourself a favor and buy a few chew toys. (Click here to check out some of must-have dog toys.)
- Poop Bags
Everybody poops! (Your dog included.) Make sure you have plenty of poop bags on hand. You’ll likely need them sooner than you think.
- Urine Stain and Odor Removal
This one will be crucial at the beginning as you potty train your puppy. Of course, accidents will inevitably happen – that’s part of the process- but the good news is that there’s likely no permanent smell or stain when you use urine removal spray. Make sure yours comes with enzymes to help break down organic material in urine, feces, and food.
- Pee Pads
Sometimes going potty outside isn’t an option. Maybe the puppy has to be left at home alone for awhile while you’re at work, perhaps you fell asleep and missed the potty time signal, your doggy door hasn’t been installed yet, or some other myriad of reasons, whatever the reason, puppy pee pads are your best friend.
- Dog Brush/Comb
If you don’t want dog hair on everything you own, you’re going to need to brush your dog out regularly. This is especially important for dogs with a double coat. In the case of your dog having long hair, get a comb in addition to the brush to help detangle their fur and prevent matting.
- Shampoo
It’s amazing how bad dogs can smell when they decide to roll around in poop at the park. Shampoo is a staple in many pet homes for this very reason.
- Conditioner
Although many people often skimp out on conditioner, it’s a luxury we recommend. Not only will the hair be softer, but it’ll smell amazing too.
- Nail Trimmer/Grinder
Nail trimmers or grinders are important to keep your dog from accidentally hurting themselves or others. If you want to cut the nail quickly and are unafraid of cutting the dog’s kwik, nail trimmers are for you. If you’d rather go slow and safer and don’t mind getting your dog used to the sensation and noise, a dog nail grinder would be the better choice. (You can find the best nail trimmer for your dog’s needs here.)
- Dog Toothpaste
Dental hygiene is completely underrated. Although it might not seem like something you need, it should be used every day to extend the life of your dog.
- Dog Toothbrush
There’s no point getting toothpaste if you’re not going to brush your dog’s teeth. Whether you’re using an actual dog toothbrush or a dog toy toothbrush, brushing your dog’s teeth can remove plaque build-up and improve gum and teeth health.
- Dog Bed
Give your dog somewhere comfortable to sleep. This is especially helpful if you don’t want your dog to sleep in bed with you or get up on the furniture.
- Safety Gates/Play Pen
This mostly helps while your puppy is still learning the house rules. If you want to confine them to certain parts of the house or make sure they can have fun in a puppy-proofed area while you’re busy, splurge a little and get one (or both) of these.
From Other Stores:
- Towel
It’s nice to have a designated dog towel so after you’re done giving them their bath you don’t have to use one of your own towels to dry them off. If you already have an old towel, even better!
- Paper Towels
Accidents will happen often in the beginning. Go to Costco and buy yourself a bulk pack of paper towels and rest easy knowing that the next time an accident occurs, you’re prepared to clean it up.
- Pet Training Book
If you’ve never owned a dog before, this will be an essential part of pet ownership. Additionally, getting a book means that you’ll have way more how-tos for tricks you never would’ve thought of teaching otherwise.
From your Veterinarian:
- Flea and Tick Preventatives
You can prevent your dog (and yourself) from living in discomfort and/or developing Lyme disease. Although you might be tempted to just get a medicated collar or shampoo, consider buying oral preventatives to help preserve the health of our aquatic systems.
- Heartworm Preventatives
Heartworms are completely preventable. While it might seem expensive to buy, it is far cheaper than the medication needed to treat heartworms. Be a responsible pet owner. Buy the heartworm preventative.
- Microchip
If your dog ever gets out without his collar, an up-to-date microchip enables people to still contact you. They just have to take your pup to the vet who will scan your dog for a chip and contact the number on file to let you know about your dog.
- Vaccines
If you want to prevent unnecessary diseases and illnesses for your dog, get their vaccines. If you’re low on cash, check to see if there are local groups in your area. They often provide these vaccines for pennies on the dollar. (You can check out how often you can expect to take your dog here.)
Bonus List – People to Hire:
- Veterinarian
Vaccines, preventatives, illness, accidents. They’re all reasons you’ll need a veterinarian for your dog. Talk to your neighbors or view online reviews to find a trustworthy veterinarian who meets your needs.
- Dog Sitter/Boarder
If you go out of town, the last thing you want to do is scramble for a pet sitter. Check out websites like Rover or Care.com to find someone you feel comfortable leaving your pets with while you’re away.
- Dog Walker
Wag and Rover are excellent websites to find reliable dog walkers. With reviews, you can read and reports at the end of each walk, you know your dog is safe and in good hands.
- Dog Training
Hiring a dog trainer means you know you’re training your dog properly. They’ll work with your dog to get them started on different tricks and behaviors and will show you how you can best support your dog’s learning endeavors.
- Dog Groomer
If your dog requires frequent baths and brushing and still sheds like crazy or ends up covered in mattes, make your life easier by finding a dog groomer. The time you save and the sanity you keep will be well worth it.
Pet ownership requires a lot of work and a lot of initial supplies, but the unconditional love you get in return is well worth it. Here’s to getting a new puppy!
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