How to Prepare for Adopting a Dog: What You’ll Need Amy Smith, November 13, 2023November 13, 2023 How to Prepare for Adopting a Dog: What You’ll Need Image Source: Freepik Are you thinking of getting a dog? If so, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared for the responsibility. Owning a dog is a big commitment, and there are certain items you’ll need before bringing your new furry friend home. In this blog post, we will outline the essential items you’ll need to have on hand to prepare for adopting a dog. From food and water bowls to crates and leashes, we will cover everything! The commitment of owning a dog Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that they require a lot of time and attention. From daily walks to feeding and grooming, dogs need constant care and supervision. In addition, dogs tend to form strong bonds with their owners, and they may become anxious or depressed if left alone for extended periods of time. As a result, dog ownership is not a decision to be taken lightly. Before adopting a dog, potential owners should make sure that they are prepared to provide the animal with the time and attention it needs. Otherwise, they may find themselves with an unhappy pet – and a big mess to clean up. How to puppy safe your home for your new dog No doubt you’ve been waiting and preparing for this moment for months. But before you bring your new furry friend home, there are a few things you need to do to puppy-proof your house. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. A little preparation now will save you a lot of headaches (and expense) later. First, take a good look around your home from a puppy’s point of view. Everything that is at ground level is within their reach, so anything that could be swallowed or chewed needs to be out of their reach. This includes items like shoes, clothes, remote controls, children’s toys, etc. Basically, anything small enough to fit in their mouth is fair game. You’ll also want to put away any cleaning supplies or other chemicals that could be harmful if ingested. Next, take a close look at your electrical cords. Puppies love to chew on them, which can not only damage your cords but also be dangerous for your pup. If possible, tuck cords away so they’re out of sight and out of reach. Alternatively, you can buy cord covers to protect them. Lastly, create a safe space for your puppy. This can be a crate or an enclosed area with baby gates. This will be their space to retreat to when they need a break from all the excitement. When you get a new dog, it’s important to make sure your home is safe for them. That means getting rid of any poisonous plants. Some common plants that are poisonous to dogs include lilies, sago palms, hostas, and azaleas. If you have any of these plants in your house, it’s best to remove them before bringing your new dog home. Dogs are curious creatures, and they may try to eat these plants if they’re left within reach. Ingesting even a small amount of a poisonous plant can cause serious health problems for dogs, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re not sure which plants are poisonous to dogs, err on the side of caution and get rid of anything that looks potentially harmful. With a little bit of preparation, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your new furry friend. What you’ll need before bringing your new dog home So, you’ve decided to add a furry friend to your family. Congratulations! Dogs make great companions and can bring a lot of joy to your life. However, before you bring your new pup home, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of first. Most importantly, you’ll need to puppy-proof your home. You’ll also need to purchase some supplies (more on this in a minute). Don’t forget the toys! Dogs need plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied (and out of mischief). By taking care of these things in advance, you’ll be well on your way to making your new dog feel right at home. Let’s take a closer look at how to go about puppy-proofing your home and what supplies you will need. What to buy before bringing a new dog home Now that your home is puppy-proofed, it’s time to start thinking about supplies. Here is a list of essential items you’ll need before bringing your new dog home: Food and Water Bowl When you get a new dog, one of the first things you need to do is choose the right food and water bowl. After all, your pup is going to be spending a lot of time eating and drinking from these bowls, so you want to make sure they’re comfortable and easy to use. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a food bowl. First, think about the size of your dog — you don’t want a bowl that’s too small or too big. Second, consider the material — plastic or metal bowls, like Chi Dog dog food bowls, are usually best. Finally, think about the style — raised bowls can help prevent back and neck strain. When it comes to water bowls, the most important thing is to choose one that can’t be easily tipped over. You may also want to get a bowl with a lid if you have a dog who likes to splash around while they drink. By taking the time to choose the right food and water bowl for your new dog, you can help make mealtime more enjoyable for both of you. Crate It’s a good idea to crate train your puppy even if you don’t plan to crate them often, as it can provide them with a sense of security and safety. When choosing a crate, make sure it isn’t too big – otherwise, they may pee or poop in the crate. You’ll also want to make sure the crate is comfortable and has enough space for your puppy to move around. Puppies are full of energy and like to play, so make sure the crate is big enough for them to move around and stretch out. Once you’ve chosen the perfect crate, your puppy will be happy and safe in their new home. Leash, Collar, Harness, and Dog Tag When you go to pick out a leash, collar, harness, and dog tag for your new dog, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to find a collar and leash that match – Pediped’s leashes and collars come in a variety of colors and styles, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your pup. Next, you’ll want to try on the collar and harness to make sure they fit properly – nothing’s worse than having to constantly adjust a too-tight collar or struggling to get your dog into a too-tight harness. Finally, be sure to always have current contact information on their dog tag – that way, if they ever get lost, whoever finds them will be able to get in touch with you right away. With these tips in mind, picking out the perfect leash, collar, harness, and dog tag for your new dog will be a breeze! Dog Bed When picking out a dog bed for your pup, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider whether you want a bed that can be machine-washed. This can be helpful if your dog is prone to accidents or tends to shed a lot. If chewing is an issue, look for beds that are made with durable materials that won’t easily tear. Finally, be sure to read reviews to get an idea of how different each quality dog bed holds up over time. With a little research, you’re sure to find the perfect bed for your new furry friend. Toys As any pet owner knows, dogs can be full of energy and destructive when they’re bored. That’s why it’s important to have a variety of dog toys available so they can stay entertained and avoid chewing on things they’re not supposed to. Dog toys come in all shapes and sizes, from simple chew toys to interactive puzzles. And they don’t have to be expensive – a trip to the dollar store can yield a variety of options. The most important thing is to rotate the toys regularly so your dog doesn’t get bored. By having a selection of dog toys available, you can help keep your furry friend happy and safe. Dog Food You’ll need to decide what kind of food you’re going to feed your new dog. Do. YOUR. RESEARCH! The proper dog food is one of the most important decisions to make. Take a look at reviews online but also look for dog food companies that have strong ethics, such as Badlands Ranch, for example, which stocks Katherine Heigl dog food that she is incredibly proud of. It is important to take a good look at what is out there and how that will benefit your dog. Ask the breeder or the organization you adopted your dog from for information on what they had been feeding the dog prior to them coming home with you. It is important to slowly transition the dog to a new food if you choose to feed them something different. You will need to add small amounts of the new food and gradually increase the amount until they are eating only the new food. Don’t rush the process or it can cause your dog’s belly to be upset. Be sure to do your research on pet food because they often contain a lot of fillers that are actually harmful to your dog. If you have questions, be sure to ask your vet for recommendations based on your dog’s actual needs. There are wet food and dry food options out there. Hounds & Gatos offers both wet and dry foods. Some choose to add a little wet dog food on top of the dry food to get them more interested in the dry food. Others give only wet or only dry dog foods to their dog. Dog Treats And of course, don’t forget the treats! Dogs love treats, and they’re a great way to reward your pup for good behavior. You will want treats, especially during the training period. A few treat ideas would be EcoKind Treats & Chews. Eco Kind has a variety of products that your dog will love chewing on such as bully sticks, yak chews, antlers, bones, and pig ears. Charlee Bear Grain Free Treats are made with real chicken, turkey, or pork for protein, plus antioxidant-rich fruit and veggies, these treats are loaded with flavor and have a light crunch that dogs simply love. Because, Animals Omega & Probiotic Sprinkles for Dogs are the perfect way to give your furry friend a boost of probiotics for dogs and all-natural goodness. Made with organic ingredients and packaged in recycled materials, these sprinkles are kind to both your dog and the planet. Plus, they’re cruelty-free and slaughter-free, so you can feel good knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of this product. Omega & Probiotic Sprinkles support your dog’s health in five key ways: by aiding digestion and gut health, boosting immunity, promoting healthy skin and coat, supporting overall health, and helping with metabolic and cardiovascular functions. Just sprinkle a few on your dog’s food each day, and you’ll notice a difference in their energy and overall health. Additional items to consider There are a few other things you’ll need to consider before bringing your new dog home. For example, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take care of your dog while you’re away at work or on vacation. You’ll also need to make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Choosing a vet When it comes to choosing a vet for your pet, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to find a vet who is conveniently located. After all, you don’t want to have to drive an hour every time your pet needs an appointment. Second, you’ll want to make sure the vet is experienced with treating your type of pet. There’s nothing worse than taking your cat to a vet who only knows how to treat dogs. Third, you’ll want to find a vet who offers services that meet your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a full-service animal hospital, you’ll want to make sure the vet has the facilities and staff to provide comprehensive care. Finally, you’ll want to make sure the vet is someone you feel comfortable with. After all, you’ll be entrusting your pet’s care to this person, so it’s important that you feel confident in their abilities. By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure you’re choosing the best possible vet for your pet. Potty training Look into the option of teaching your dog to ring a bell when he/she needs to potty. There are many YouTube videos that explain how to train your puppy or you can read a great article on the American Kennel Club website, HERE. Puppy pads are good to have available for your pup at all times. When potty training, there will be accidents. Sprinkle & Sweep makes clean up a breeze. Just sprinkle the mixture on the urine and allow it to soak it up, then sweep it away! Grooming Grooming your dog at home can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you have adopted an older dog or a dog that has been treated unfairly. Regardless of the situation, your dog still needs proper grooming. Finding a shampoo that cleans well but also works well with the dog’s skin is important. If your dog is sensitive, you may consider a more natural product for balms, skin salves, and shampoos. Simply Sage products are lightly scented and full of nourishing ingredients that will help soothe and heal your dog’s paw pads. Other grooming items, such as brushes, are important. One that has revolutionized our grooming experience is Hands-On Animal Gloves. Hands-on Animal Gloves are a revolutionary concept that reaches far beyond the traditional curry combs, mitts, and shedders on the market today. Wet or dry, they won’t slip or fall off while providing you and your animals with a more thorough and enjoyable bathing and grooming experience. These gloves are made from a soft, flexible material that conforms to your hand for a comfortable grip. The textured surface provides a gentle massage while also removing loose hair, dirt, and debris. Hands-on Animal Gloves can be used on all types of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and even reptiles! Relieve stress – Consider their mental health When adopting a dog, especially an older dog, they can sometimes come after major trauma. Helping ease them, you may consider a treat like Treatibles. Full-spectrum hemp CBD may help to decrease anxiety, promote healthy joints and digestion, keep the body’s natural inflammatory response under control, alleviate pain and loss of appetite, and more. Conclusion Adopting a dog is a big decision but can be so rewarding. Prior to adoption, do your research on what supplies and care your new furry friend will need. Once you have everything you need and are prepared for potty training accidents, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy all the benefits that come with owning a pet. Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Pets adoptionCBD oilDoggroomingpotty trainingsuppliesToysTreatibles