If you are a first time dog owner, you might wonder which pet supplies
your dog needs and what both of you can live happily without. First of
all, invest in a good book about dogs. It should cover dog nutrition,
behaviors and training, recognizing health problems, dog pests and how
to get rid of them, and general grooming. Try to buy the most
comprehensive one you can find. Read it cover to cover the night you buy
it and then keep it somewhere handy, because you never know when you
will want to refresh your knowledge or need to look up something
specific as fast as possible. All dogs will also need:
1) A collar and leash
Buy the largest collar or harness that adjusts to fit his size now. Display on it his license tag from your vet. You may also want to attach a tag with your dog’s name and your contact information, since if he is lost, that information will help calm him down and get him home to you faster. Get him a leash sized for how big he will end up, so long as it works with his current collar.
2) A dog bed and kennel
It will give him his own special place to rest and should help keep him off your bed and the rest of your furniture. Some owners prefer having a dog sleep in his own kennel. If that suit you, get a comfy pad to put in there for him. He will need a kennel for safe transport. You can also use it for training purposes.
3) Water and food dishes
One needs to stay full all the time. The other will become empty fifteen seconds after you put food in it. Get him a handsome set large enough to suit the type of dog he is. Make sure the ones you choose don’t tip over easily.
4) Dog Food
When buying dog food go first for quality and then quantity when it is on sale. Also pick up an air tight bin to keep dry food. Wet food will need to be refrigerated in a container other that the can in which it came. A couple of plastic containers with lids will come in handy to keep his food fresh for his next meals and are reusable. Plus buying the largest can you can find is a much better deal usually than getting a bunch of small cans (even if he is a tiny guy the food will go quickly.) Some people will also buy treats for training, but dry dog food works just as well and is probably healthier for him.
5) Dog Shampoo
The kind that you use isn’t suitable for your dog’s skin and coat. Get him a good quality shampoo made just for him and his special stink. You may want to get a regular shampoo ( which is probably cheaper) and a flea shampoo for when the time comes. There is no sense using one if he needs the other.
6) Proper grooming tools
Some dogs need a brush, some a comb. Some need both. Buy what you need for the type of coat he has and use them at least three times a week. You will also need a flea comb to check to see if he has any. Check him at least once a week and more often during a flea season or in areas where fleas are a problem year round. He will also need nail trimmers and a heavy duty file to smooth off the rough edges. If you leave them sharp, he is liable to irritate his skin when he scratches which can lead to infection. Unless he is a short haired dog he will need electric clippers too for the summer and whenever an excess of hair becomes a problem.
7) Toys
Few dogs don’t live to play. Buy a ball and a tugging toy at the very least. Make these size appropriate and try to pick what you think will be indestructible. Use them often together. That is the best way in the world to tell him that you love him.
1) A collar and leash
Buy the largest collar or harness that adjusts to fit his size now. Display on it his license tag from your vet. You may also want to attach a tag with your dog’s name and your contact information, since if he is lost, that information will help calm him down and get him home to you faster. Get him a leash sized for how big he will end up, so long as it works with his current collar.
2) A dog bed and kennel
It will give him his own special place to rest and should help keep him off your bed and the rest of your furniture. Some owners prefer having a dog sleep in his own kennel. If that suit you, get a comfy pad to put in there for him. He will need a kennel for safe transport. You can also use it for training purposes.
3) Water and food dishes
One needs to stay full all the time. The other will become empty fifteen seconds after you put food in it. Get him a handsome set large enough to suit the type of dog he is. Make sure the ones you choose don’t tip over easily.
4) Dog Food
When buying dog food go first for quality and then quantity when it is on sale. Also pick up an air tight bin to keep dry food. Wet food will need to be refrigerated in a container other that the can in which it came. A couple of plastic containers with lids will come in handy to keep his food fresh for his next meals and are reusable. Plus buying the largest can you can find is a much better deal usually than getting a bunch of small cans (even if he is a tiny guy the food will go quickly.) Some people will also buy treats for training, but dry dog food works just as well and is probably healthier for him.
5) Dog Shampoo
The kind that you use isn’t suitable for your dog’s skin and coat. Get him a good quality shampoo made just for him and his special stink. You may want to get a regular shampoo ( which is probably cheaper) and a flea shampoo for when the time comes. There is no sense using one if he needs the other.
6) Proper grooming tools
Some dogs need a brush, some a comb. Some need both. Buy what you need for the type of coat he has and use them at least three times a week. You will also need a flea comb to check to see if he has any. Check him at least once a week and more often during a flea season or in areas where fleas are a problem year round. He will also need nail trimmers and a heavy duty file to smooth off the rough edges. If you leave them sharp, he is liable to irritate his skin when he scratches which can lead to infection. Unless he is a short haired dog he will need electric clippers too for the summer and whenever an excess of hair becomes a problem.
7) Toys
Few dogs don’t live to play. Buy a ball and a tugging toy at the very least. Make these size appropriate and try to pick what you think will be indestructible. Use them often together. That is the best way in the world to tell him that you love him.
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