26 Essential Dog Supplies For New Dog Owners: Vet Approved Guide

Of course, your new pal will need food, and with so many options available on the market, choosing a food might leave you scratching your head. A rule of thumb is to choose a food that is complete and balanced, contains no fillers or preservatives, and contains no BHA or BHT. You can also check with a veterinarian to help you determine what food is best. After all, the start to a healthy life for your dog is feeding the right food.

Stainless steel bowls are excellent options for food and water bowls because they are easy to clean, don’t hold bacteria, and are dishwasher safe. We also recommend getting bowls with non-slip grippers on the bottom so that the bowls don’t slide around when your pup eats or drinks.

Dog Collars come in a variety of sizes and colors, but how do you pick the right one? For starters, you’ll need to measure your dog’s neck for a proper fit. Do this by measuring around the base of your dog’s neck. Make sure you can fit two fingers in between the measuring tape and your dog’s neck to ensure a comfortable fit. You also may need to add 2–3 inches for complete comfort.

A training leash works well for dogs that are quick and like to chase squirrels or whatever else comes into their field of vision. Sometimes, dogs can dart off before you have the chance to contain them, and a training leash will allow you to have the leash wrapped around your wrist. That way, your dog can’t get away from you before you have the chance to pull them back.

A harness will be much more comfortable for your dog when walking or any other activity where your dog needs to be on a leash. It’s safer than attaching a leash to a collar, and your pup will be easier to control with a harness. Harnesses are good once the dogs have learned not to pull, collars help with discouraging them from pulling.

Crates come in handy when you need to keep your dog safe or for bedtime. Crates also come in handy for training purposes. Crates can provide a safe place for your dog to relax, be comfortable, and adjust to the new surroundings. However, it’s important to never leave them in a crate all day.

Your new fur baby will need something to sleep on. Dog beds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so picking one will be determined by the size of your pooch. If you rescued a senior or a dog with special needs, orthopedic beds provide the utmost comfort, and they usually are machine washable.

An airtight food container will help keep your new pal’s food fresh, and it will keep pests, insects, and moisture out of the food. When shopping for a container, look for one that is BPA-free. BPA stands for bisphenol-A, which is an industrial chemical that could be hazardous to dogs. If you want to avoid plastic altogether, you can use a stainless steel container.

If you want to close off a certain area of your home to keep your new pup out, dog gates can come in handy. Sometimes, you may want to confine your dog away from certain situations, such as a friend’s dog coming over for a visit or the pest control guy coming to do a spray. Gates will keep your dog safe from any situation where you need to keep them separated.

Dental hygiene is extremely important for your dog’s overall health and often gets overlooked. Practicing good dental hygiene will help prevent dental issues, such as bad breath, broken teeth, and periodontal disease. You don’t need to brush your dog’s teeth every single day but do it as often as possible.

Your dog’s ears can get dirty, especially if you have a breed with ears that constantly stand up, such as a Boston Terrier. Using an ear cleaner will keep your doggo’s ears healthy, but don’t use it too often. Some dogs need more frequent ear cleanings than others, and you can always check with your veterinarian for advice on how often to clean them.

Depending on your dog’s coat, you need to brush them either frequently or infrequently. Some dogs will need their coat brushed at least once a week to keep shedding down and remove dead hair. After living with your new pet for a while, you will learn how often your particular pal will need brushing.

Ah, the dreaded clipping of the nails. Some dogs don’t care for this, but some don’t mind it. Nonetheless, it needs to be done. Investing in good quality nail clippers will help keep this task short. You never want to let your dog’s nails get too long because it could cause problems, such as trouble walking, or they could break when running.

Every dog will need a bath at some point, and it’s wise to have shampoo on hand when your dog decides to roll around in mud or something stinky. Try and buy soap-free shampoo with conditioner for a shiny and healthy coat. If your dog has sensitive skin, there are plenty of shampoos on the market to choose from.

Playing tug-of-war with your dog provides an excellent bonding time for the two of you, and dogs love this game. Tug toys offer a good form of exercise for your pooch, as it works their muscles and provides mental stimulation at the same time.

Speaking of mental stimulation, games and puzzles offer exercises for your pup’s brain and motor skills. These types of games can help fight boredom, as well as stress and anxiety. Interactive toys are wonderful for pups that like having a job to do, such as a Border Collie.

Having dogs means picking up after them, and that includes picking up their poop. Poop bags should always be in your arsenal of dog supplies, especially when out for a walk with your pooch. No one likes to step in dog poop, so as a dog owner, it’s essential to do your part and pick it up.

To make the job of picking up poop easier, it’s a good idea to have a poop bag holder, preferably one that attaches to the leash. That way, you don’t have to hold on to the bags while walking, and they are conveniently there when you need them.

Have you had enough of the poop products yet? Unfortunately, there’s more. Having a pooper scooper will make life so much easier when you need to clean up dog waste in your yard. When it’s easy to do, you’ll be more likely to actually do it and keep your yard free from feces.

ID Tags are one of the most important purchases you can make for your dog. Having your dog’s name, your phone number, and address on the tag will be a lifesaver if your dog gets out or gets lost.

Dogs can sometimes hurt themselves playing or if involved in any activity, and having a first aid kit on hand will prove beneficial at some point. That way, if your dog gets hurt, you can administer some sort of treatment before making a trip to the vet.

24. Enzymatic Carpet Cleaner

Accidents happen, especially with puppies. If you have carpet, having an enzymatic carpet cleaner works wonders for cleaning urine, feces, blood, or vomit. We recommend enzymatic cleaners because enzymes will break down the stain and odors instead of just covering them up. They also discourage your dog from relieving themself in the same area.