What you need for a new dog

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a new dog, or you will be very soon. Life is about to change for the better, as you and your fur baby start making memories together.

But first, you need to go shopping – dogs need lots of gear! Here’s a list of essential dog items you need for when you bring your new dog home.

Food and Treats

Stock up on food. How much your dog eats depends on their breed, size, age, and health. If you don’t know where to start, ask your vet or dog breeder for advice on what kind of food to feed your dog and in what quantity.

Get some dog treats while you’re at it. Treats are not only a nice change of pace for your dog, they are also useful as training tools when working on housetraining and basic obedience.

Food Bowl and Water Bowl

Don’t forget a simple dog bowl for food and one for water, too.

Leash and Collar or Harness

You’ll need a leash to walk your dog and a collar and/or a dog harness to attach it to. Find the perfect leash, collar, and harness for your dog at Hot Dog Collars. We have thousands of styles to choose from, hundreds of which can be personalized for your dog!

Dog ID Tags

Dog ID tags are another must for your dog’s safety. Choose from hundreds of fun and functional designs that can be personalized with your information from our selection ofdog ID tags at Hot Dog Collars.

Poop Baggies

Stock up on plastic baggies for picking up poop, which is something you’ll be doing a lot of now!

Dog Bed and/or Crate

Many dog owners opt for a dog crate when first bringing a new dog home, as it can be useful in housetraining. Others get a dog bed instead. Or you can have both. Whatever your preference, your dog should have a place of their own to sleep and retreat to when they want to relax.

Dog Toys

Dog toys have function beyond being fun – they give your dog something to chew on, they provide mental stimulation and stave off boredom, and they can be a source of comfort for your dog, the way a beloved teddy bear is to a child. Pick out a selection of different types of toys and see what kind your dog prefers.

Medication

Dogs typically need heartworm, flea, and tick medication, and depending on your dog’s health, yours may need additional medicines, too. Talk to your vet and make sure you have what you need to stay on schedule.

Health and Grooming Products

Even if you plan on taking your dog to the groomer’s, there are still some products and tools to keep on hand: a doggy toothbrush and toothpaste; dog nail clippers or a Dremel nail grinder; a dog brush to keep their coat sleek and clean; and dog shampoo.

And So Much More! 

There are, of course, so many more fun and useful things you can get for your pet, like a clicker for training, a snazzy bandana, housetraining potty bells, a harness for the car, and so on. Just make sure you have the items above first, which are essential to keeping your new pup safe, healthy, and happy.