If you’ve added — or are planning to add — a new puppy to your family this year, congratulations! Bringing a puppy home is one of life’s greatest joys.
Along with wagging tails and endless cuddles, though, comes a list of responsibilities. The arrival of your precious fur baby means you’ll need to stock up on a few essentials.
Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a few puppy must-haves to make your journey into paw-renthood a breeze!
A crate and bed
Let’s start with the basics: Every puppy needs a safe space to rest and recharge.
Not everyone will use a crate with their pup, but crates can be excellent tools for house training. Pick a crate that’s adequately sized for your puppy’s breed — they should have enough room to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Make sure it’s spacious enough to eventually accommodate your pup at their full-grown size.
A plush bed in a quiet corner can provide a cozy retreat, especially as your puppy is still adapting to its new home. Bonus tip: Pick a machine-washable bed to make your life easier!
Quality puppy food, bowls and accessories
Your puppy needs nutritious food to fuel their growth. Choose high-quality puppy food tailored to their breed and energy. Explore different types of diets, like a fresh food diet, by researching your options and talking to your veterinarian.
Don’t forget about the accessories: food and water bowls! We’re not big fans of plastic because of the potential for bacteria build-up and the often-poor quality. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easy to clean, sturdy and long-lasting. If your puppy eats quickly, try a slow-feed bowl.
Your puppy should always have access to clean, fresh water, so check on their water dish regularly.
An often-forgotten item? Food scoops and food storage containers or bins! They’ll help keep your pup’s food fresh.
Puppy treats and chews
Training your puppy is easier with positive reinforcement. Soft, bite-sized treats are perfect for rewarding good behavior.
As you’re probably aware, puppies LOVE to chew. Soft, natural chews (or chew toys like Kongs) can prevent puppy tooth damage on your furniture or shoes (if you know, you know).
Collar, harness and leash
Training and outdoor adventures start with the right gear.
A properly fitting collar with ID tags is essential. For some dogs, a simple collar can be a useful tool for walks. For others, a collar should only be a place to hang a name tag. This comes down to your dog’s anatomy.
As a general rule of thumb, we prefer harnesses for dog walking. They put no pressure on the neck, so excitable dogs aren’t hurting their windpipes, and can give you more control over a dog who you’re training not to pull. We love the Freedom harness, which is highly adjustable and comes in a wide variety of sizes, with the ability to clip the leash to the front or back.
A sturdy, adjustable leash will keep your pup safe and secure during strolls. Pro tip: Avoid retractable leashes, which give dogs too much room to roam. Plus, the poor handle design can cause it to be easily ripped from your hand, and the thin leash is responsible for some horrific injuries.
Keep an eye on these items as your puppy grows to make sure they still fit comfortably.
See our favorite dog walking equipment for a breakdown of our faves and what to avoid.
P.S. Don’t forget the poop bags!
Puppy toys
Let your puppy embrace their playful side and natural instincts!
Stock up on a variety of chew toys to ease teething pain and plush toys for comfort. And since we’re all about enrichment, don’t forget interactive toys to keep their curious minds engaged — puzzles and snuffle mats are perfect for mental stimulation.
Pro tip: Rotate their toys regularly to keep playtime fresh and exciting!
Grooming supplies
Start grooming habits early with a basic kit that won’t break the bank.
A gentle soft-bristle brush — look for one with rubber or plastic tips — helps keep their coat shiny and reduces shedding, along with a de-shedding tool if they’re on the fluffier side.
Puppy-safe shampoo, pet wipes, nail clippers and a toothbrush with pet-safe toothpaste round out the essentials. Regular grooming sessions double as bonding time and get your puppy comfortable with handling, right from young!
Puppy-proofing tools
Just like baby-proofing, your home needs adjustments for a new puppy.
Puppy pads offer an absorbent, safe spot for your pup to go potty inside — without destroying your floors. They can be a lifesaver during house training a puppy, especially in apartments or during inclement weather. Check out this BondVet article on the pros and cons of pee pads.
Baby gates or a puppy pen can block off unsafe areas, and cord protectors help keep electrical wires out of reach. Ensure small objects, cleaning products and other household chemicals, and plants toxic to dogs are stored safely.
Cleaning supplies
Fair warning: Accidents are part of the puppy experience! (Don’t say we didn’t warn you!)
An enzymatic cleaner is a must for removing odors and stains, helping prevent repeat accidents in the same spot. Stock up on paper towels and washable rags to handle spills and messes.
First aid kit
Nothing replaces regular visits to the veterinarian for preventative care, but keep a basic pet first aid kit on hand for emergencies. Read through the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s recommended pet first aid kit list.
Add your vet’s contact information and an emergency clinic number for further peace of mind.
Love and (a whole lot of) patience
Love, patience and consistency form the foundation for raising a happy, healthy pup. Trust takes time to grow, but those waggin’ tails make every moment worthwhile.
By stocking up on these puppy essentials, you’ll be ready to welcome your new furry friend into your home and heart. Now for the hard part: choosing the perfect name!
If your new puppy needs a sitter or walker, we’ve got you covered! Book your service with the best darn pet care company in Long Beach and surrounding areas. (That’s us!)