Buying a puppy and bringing the pitter-patter of tiny paws into your home is an exciting time. We spoke to our resident vet to find out what you should put on (and tick off) your new puppy checklist – including puppy bedding, puppy toilet training pads, and the best puppy toys for boredom.
Puppy Food & Treats
Puppies have different nutritional needs to adult dogs and need feeding more often. Feed puppy food and puppy treats (which are a must-have training tool). They’ll also need an appropriate bowl. If you’re considering changing their puppy food, do so gradually.
Fleas and worms
It’s best to start treating for puppy worms and fleas as soon as you bring your new family member home. Check which products are suitable for the age and weight of your puppy, and seek advice from your vet about puppy vaccinations and microchipping.
Handy Puppy Pads
When learning how to toilet train a puppy, you should have puppy pads at the ready. As well as being a useful puppy training tool, they’ll reduce messy accidents in your house whilst your pup is learning to pee outside.
Cosy Puppy Beds
The new addition to your family needs a space to call their own, aka their very own puppy dog bed. It shouldn’t be too big or small, and you should consider the time of year so they don’t get too hot or cold. You could also consider crate training your puppy.
Puppy Collars & Harnesses
Whether a puppy harness or collar is better suited to your pup, these should be lightweight and shouldn’t startle them. As well as being an important puppy training tool, dogs must – by law – wear an ID tag in public. It’s a good idea to get them used to these early on.
Puppy Teething Toys
Puppy biting and chewing is a normal part of your puppy’s development and teething. Chew toys help to teach them what they can and can’t bite and are some of the best puppy toys to keep them busy. Choose a puppy toy based on their size and age, and supervise them at all times.
Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.
