I know you are excited because of the new member that has just joined the family. But this new role as a dog owner comes with its responsibilities. All this excitement might cause you to forget to buy some fundamental essentials to make the dog feel comfortable in their new home. Let us look at what to buy before bringing that dog home.
Dog Bed
There are no one-size-fits, and before getting a dog bed. You need to consider plenty of factors as you buy a bed for your dog. Size should be the first thing you check. Buy one that’s a little bit bigger than your dog to give it room to stretch. Go for a bed with a waterproof lining that makes it easier to clean up once the dog messes. Also, get a stain remover that ensures no ammonia residue will remain on the bed; hygiene is vital.
Collars
One of the beauties of owning a dog is the walks that you both will have in the street way early in the morning or after work to clear your head. These walks will be more leisurely if you have a dog collar with you. Dogs are of different shapes and sizes, and you must get a not ill-fitting collar. Go for a collar that is not too tight and not too loose. There might be tugs between you and the dog hence why the collar should be non-breakable.
Food
No pet owner would like to see their dog go hungry. What your dog eats depends on many things like breed, age but what matters most is the taste. If the dog eats up all its food in one sitting, that’s a clear indicator that they love the taste. You can also buy bully sticks for dogs. They are a healthy treat, easily digestible, and will work well as they like to chew and nibble a lot.
A good indication that you’ve given your dog the right food is the quality of stool which should be easy to pick up. Ensure you check the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the can or box for guys living in the US.
Bowls
Your dog will drink and eat from this bowl plenty of times in a day hence why you should get a suitable bowl. The best material for bowls is stainless steel, but they are not equal. You should ensure that the steel on the bowl has gone through sufficient testing. Make sure the bowl has no contaminants and you keep them clean!
Identification
Dogs can go missing if they don’t have identification on them. Well, you wouldn’t want that to happen to your dog. Having one or more ways to identify your dog improves the chances of a safe return once they get lost. You can get a collar tag with all your essential details, making it easy to trace. You can have a lost and found crochip inserted under your dog’s skin. It’s easy to implant and cannot be easily removed like the collar tag by a pet thief.
Final remarks
Owning a dog brings great joy, and as they say, dogs are man’s best and oldest friend. Being a first-time pet owner isn’t very comforting. We hope our quick tips will help give you confidence as you bring your new companion home.
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