Getting a new pet can be complicated. There are always so many things to consider. From where they’ll sleep to the food they need, it’s important to be prepared and make sure your dog is as happy and comfy as possible. This is why this article outlines all the essentials you need before bringing your new furry friend home.
Table of Contents
Crate or bed
Every dog needs a place to sleep and relax, but your bed might not be the best option for them. If your pet is still getting used to their new home, it’s probably not a good idea for them to spend too much time in your bedroom. Plus, you might find that they end up liking their own space more than sharing a bed with you.
The best and safest option is to provide them their own places, like a crate or dog bed. It’s important that you don’t make the mistake of buying something too big – your dog should be able to curl up comfortably in it – and that they feel safe and secure in there.
Food and water bowls
Dogs need food and water. You should always have these readily available for them. Although some more experienced pets might be fine with drinking water from a bathroom, it’s not recommended as they could easily knock something over and cause a mess or even more serious damage, such as breaking your cupboards.
You should always have enough food and water for them if they’re going to be home alone, just in case you get held up. This is also useful if your dog is on medication – it can be dangerous for them not to take it when they’re supposed to!
Harness or leash
You’ll need a leash or a harness for walks, but it can also be useful just to have one on them in the house if you have an escape artist. This way you can quickly get your dog back inside before they do anything they shouldn’t when outside.
Collar
Dog collars should fit comfortably around your dog’s neck and shouldn’t be too tight. It should sit just below their ears to stay safe. Make sure the prongs on the buckle are securely fastened to keep it in place, but not so tight that they can choke or hurt your animal. If you find that you need to adjust the collar often, you might want to consider buying a better quality one.
Toilet area
Although it’s a good idea to let your new dog explore outside, you should always take them straight to their toilet area. Every pet needs a designated spot that they know is for going to the bathroom in and this should be somewhere easy for you to clean up after them. There are loads of options available. You could even check out amazing companies like EVO (evoproducts.com) who can install sliding doors for your pet quickly and safely. Make sure you take your time to consider what option is best for you as not everyone has an outside space they can commit to being used as a potty.
Toys
Dogs need toys. They enjoy being entertained and they also have a natural instinct to chew, so having toys to keep them occupied will mean you have a much easier time with house training.
The best thing is that there are so many different types of toys out there, from the classic Kongs and stuffed animals to more advanced interactive puzzles – it’s up to you what to get! If your pet enjoys playing with their toys regularly, make sure you have enough for them to avoid any fights.
