Have you arranged for a new puppy from a breeder? Is the time drawing near for you to pick him up? When your new arrival comes through the door, your life will be changed forever.
You will have a devoted pet that will follow you around the house and become a big part of your life. Before you bring him home, there are a few things that you will need to be fully prepared for presence. This list will ensure that you have everything you need to cope with your new friend.
- A collar, leash, dog tags and a gentle leader.
- Canned and dry puppy food.
- Treats for training. Cheese and apple bits might also be used.
- Water and bowl.
- Dog bed.
- Dog brush, comb, shampoo, nail clippers, canine toothbrush and ear cleaner.
- Chew toys, hard rubber ball, stuffed toy, gong, mylaflex bone.
- Crate, washable blankets and a baby gate to keep the dog confined to certain rooms.
- White vinegar, canine spot remover, odor remover and a good lint brush to remove dog fur from your clothes and furniture.
- Canine first aid supplies, training book, and breed information.
- Bitter apple to deter inappropriate chewing.
- First Aid Supplies for Puppy
- Though you plan on taking good care of you new puppy, sometimes accidents occur. You will need a puppy first aid kit. Make one using an old fishing tackle box or a small tote. Here is a list of supplies that you will need to add to the kit.
- Phone number of you veterinarian. If possible, include his home phone number or that of the vet that will be on call after hours.
Phone number for a local poison control center, or the one for the National Animal Poison Center. Check to find phone number for the one in your country. If you have trouble obtaining the number, ask you vet and he will give it to you.
- Water soluble lubricating jelly
- The following bandaging tools: gauze, adhesive tape, canine antiseptic spray or swabs, adhesive bandages, sterile wound dressings and a roller bandage.
- Cortisone cream.
- Rectal thermometer.
- Tweezers and blunt end scissors.
- Diarrhea medication.
- Hydrogen Peroxide, 3%. This will induce vomiting if you puppy ingests something that is poison.
- Children’s antihistamine tablets or liquid.
- Activated charcoal powder. This also induces vomiting if you puppy is poisoned. Ask you veterinarian about dosage.
- A portable dog carrier containing a blanket, a muzzle, clean bottled water. This must be stored in a cool, dry place. It is most useful if you have to take your puppy to the vet in an emergency situation.
- Benedryl for allergic reactions to bee stings and other allergic reactions.
It pays to start early with Puppy Obedience training. Don’t establish bad habits, which will be hard to break latter.