5 Pet Essentials for New Puppy Owners

Just like any uncharted journey, bringing home a puppy can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Hence, every moment with them is either spent in awe of their cuteness or in doubt of everything you’re doing. What if my new puppy doesn’t like me or my place? What if they get sick in my care?

Silence these what-ifs and relax. Every first-time fur parent has been through this. But, if you’re still unsure even with this reassurance or your months of preparation, here’s a list of 5 pet essentials you need to secure for the new puppy’s arrival!   

1. Feed Bowl

Securing food for puppies isn’t enough without a feed bowl. After all, it helps them reach their food or water without much strain. But you can’t just buy any bowl. It has to be appropriate for your puppy’s size, body features, and eating styles.

Here are some bowl types made to cater to your dog’s needs.

Elevated Bowl- Appropriate for tall or arthritic dogs. This bowl’s elevated height allows your dog to reach its provisions without stooping, therefore reducing joint strain.     

Slow Feeder Bowl- This is for fast-eating dogs. Although it’s fun seeing them gulping down their food in seconds, eating too fast can also cause problems like bloat, regurgitation, and indigestion. With this bowl’s maze-like design, you’re sure to moderate your puppy’s food intake.   

Shallow Bowl- This is generally recommended for puppies, small breeds, and dogs with short necks and noses (e.g. pugs and bulldogs).

Deep Bowl- This bowl’s steep sides allow dogs with long noses to eat comfortably.

2. Puppy Bed

Once your puppy arrives, you would find out that puppies actually sleep 18-20 hours/day to replenish their energy after absorbing so much information. 

In other words, sleep is crucial for your puppy’s growth and development. And to achieve a good night's sleep, it’ll need a comfortable bed to sleep on. 

There are a bunch of dog beds out there. But, veterinarians usually recommend a ‘Vetbed’, which is a synthetic sheepskin, making it hypoallergenic, chewing-resistant, and machine washable. 

3. Playpen and Crate

It’s fun to play with your new puppy, but there will also be busy days when you just don’t have time to spare for play. During these times, you’ll need a playpen or a crate where your pup can still have fun without you worrying about the house.

Make sure that it’s big enough for your dogs to stretch and filled with toys and beddings for a more comfortable play. Moreover, it’s also important that it’s already emptied its bladder and bowels before you put your puppy inside.   

4. Grooming Kit

Puppies are cute. But this cuteness usually pales once paired with a pungent smell. Hence, you’ll need your dog grooming kit at home. This includes the following:

• Nail Trimmer
• Dog Shampoo
• Brush
• Hair Clipper (for long-haired dogs)
• Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Apart from keeping the house clean, constantly grooming your puppy also promotes its healthy growth.

5. Collars, Harnesses, and Leads

To grow healthy and disciplined, you need to take your puppies outside as soon as it’s done with the necessary vaccine shots. Daily walks allow them to release pent-up energy, exercise their joints, and socialise with other dogs and people.  

But, this could be difficult without walking leads paired with either dog collars or dog harnesses. Without these restricting equipment, your puppy will surely run off and explore everything that piques their interest, thus putting them in danger. 

If you can’t choose between a collar and a harness, why not buy NALZO’s dog harness bundle that includes both and some additional accessories!

Final Thoughts

One can never be fully ready to care for a puppy. There will be times of doubt and maybe exhaustion. But, just like any life experience, it gets better over time, especially when you know you’ve already prepared all the things within your control to welcome a furbaby— your home, family, and all these essentials.

Cheer up. You’re already doing great.