A few items, such as a harness, a leash, and food and water dishes, can go a long way toward smoothing the transition period for both the pet and the pet owner.
Adopting a dog entails more than just choosing a dog, filling out paperwork, and knowing where the nearest dog parks are. You must also prepare your home to be their home—and get them safely home.
There are also certain items that many dogs require but aren’t required on day one. Anxious dogs may want a box to feel safe, while nosy dogs may benefit from a baby gate to keep them from wandering where they shouldn’t. Other necessities you’ll need to obtain from your adoption center or veterinarian are your dog’s immunizations and a microchip.
Pet transporter
When you obtain your new puppy, you’ll need a safe means to transport them home. Although the animal shelter or breeder will give a collar and leash for your dog, you cannot use these to confine your dog in a car safely.
To keep your dog from getting hurt—or damaging you—while traveling, use a travel carrier or a restraining belt. A travel carrier should have a ventilation window and pockets(s) on the outside for storing paperwork for your dog or snacks and other items, like toys, etc.
The carrier should come with study handles for easy handling. A restraining strap will keep them safe in the automobile if you adopted a large/full size and too big to fit in a carrier,
The dog tag and Chipping your new pet
Tag is a must; chipping your new pet would be ideal as soon as you finish the adoption process.
Collar
Although you will indeed be given a free collar when you pick up your dog, it will almost certainly be flimsy, so swap it for something better as soon as possible.
We recommend a collar with a reflector and one you can personalize by having your pet’s name embroidered. Someone can still contact you if your dog’s tags have fallen off.
Harness
Although a collar helps hold tags, it should not be used as a leash. A dog pulling on the collar puts too much pressure on its neck, leading to long-term health concerns. Harnesses distribute force more uniformly over your pet’s body, making them considerably more difficult to slip out of and less likely to snap.
Harnesses with chest leash attachments will also keep your dog from tugging when out on a walk. (There is also a back attachment.) The harness is machine-washable and does not retain pet odors. Most harnesses come in many sizes to fit dogs weighing 5 to 80 pounds.
Leash
Every dog owner requires a leash to transport their pet from one location to another. It’s safer for them, and most towns require dogs to be leashed in public places; failing to do so may result in a heavy fine.
A leash will most likely be provided by an adoption business, but it will be of poor quality. You need to get a leash that is 6 feet and made of tough nylon with a padded handle. The padded handle prevents chafing and blisters on your hands when your dog decides to pull.
Brush for dogs
Brushing your pet’s fur detangles it, eliminates filth, and allows you and your best friend to bond over something other than the slice of pizza perched precariously on the kitchen counter. Dogs with smooth, short coats (like boxers) should be brushed weekly.
Pets with longer coats that mat quickly, such as bichon frise, must be brushed several times per week. There is another type of brush, and that is to remove Undercoat deShedding Tool has a quick-release hair button and works great on double-coated breeds like Siberian huskies, who blow their coats when the seasons change. Brushing their coats for 30 minutes twice a week should be plenty.
Professional groomers advise against removing mats since it is dangerous to your pet. Instead, treat the fur like human hair by holding it beneath the mat, separating it into smaller portions, and brushing it out as usual.
Nail clippers for dogs
Every month or so, you should cut your dog’s nails. Don’t forget the dew claws. Nails that are not frequently trimmed become overgrown and make walking difficult. And your dog’s nails will continue to grow, curl under, and become embedded in their paw pads over time.
It’s important to learn to clip your dog’s nails to save money at the groomer. Sensitizing them to clippers and touching or massaging their feet will also help with training, socialization, and traumatic vet visits.
Poop sacks for dogs
Even if your dog poops outside, you’ll need a way to clean up the problem, even if it’s in your own yard. Dog excrement can harbor parasites that can harm your landscape, spread disease, and contaminate water supplies.
The dog bags are very simple to open and remove from the roll, and they’re available in large amounts that won’t break the bank. Some even come with a cute poop bag carrier. (at about 1.5 per bag).
Bowls for food and water
We choose stainless steel or ceramic dog dishes since they are simpler to clean and do not harbor bacteria and oil buildup like plastic bowls. Make sure your dog’s tongue reaches the bottom of the bowl, wide enough for their snout to fit in, and large enough to carry a meal’s worth of kibble—but no larger.
If this is the first pet you ever own and you are not sure how much your dog should eat, ask your vet and refer to the feeding instructions on your dog’s food.
A water bowl should be large enough that you only need to replenish it every 24 to 36 hours. Because dogs need 20 to 40 milliliters of water per pound of body weight, a 10-pound dog should be fine with a 20-ounce bowl, whereas a 20-pound dog requires a 40-ounce bowl. Choose the bowl that has a non-skid bottom, so it doesn’t get pushed around.
A comfortable bed
Dogs, like humans, require a bed to call their own. A comfortable bed is not only a place to sleep but also to withdraw if they no longer want to socialize. It should be simple to clean and machine-washable. For the larger ones, it should have a machine-washable cover.
Many pet stores have pet beds for hotter climates and other scenarios. If you live in an area with hot weather, cooling pads are a must. It is not very expensive, easy to clean, and comes in various sizes.
Pee pads that don’t rip or leak
Potty pads are large; absorbent blankets dogs can use indoors to relieve themselves without creating puddles. They’re wonderful for housebreaking, and regular toilet stops for senior dogs who can’t hold it long enough between walks.
If you need extra coverage or protection, place pee pads on top of a plastic pan.
Strong dog crate
A crate provides a safe haven for canines to call their own, which can help some puppies feel calmer and more secure.
Others may find that a crate makes house training easier because a dog is less likely to produce a mess in the same area where they are resting. Pick a crate that contains a leak proof plastic pan that your dog will find difficult to shift.
The doorway gate
A gate allows your dog to travel freely throughout your home while also preventing them from exploring certain rooms (such as the kitchen or home office). A gate is also used for restricting dogs, less mobile animals, and infants within your home. It is simple to install and can be opened with one hand, but pets cannot unlatch it.
Most gates in the market are long-lasting because they are made of metal. Also, the hardware-mounted style of this gate makes it more secure than pressure-mounted gates, causing less damage to your walls.
Toys suitable for dogs
Throwing a dog toy around is a terrific way to bond with your pet while also getting them some extra exercise. When you’re not around, toys help dogs satisfy their chewing instincts, whether they’re teething or simply bored.
Choose a ball that is tougher, bouncy, and more buoyant than a regular tennis ball. An inaudible to human ears squeaker toy (Hear Doggy ultrasonic squeaker toys); A durable chew stick made of yak and cow milk is recommended.
We recommend purchasing a variety of kinds so your new puppy may determine what type of toy they like. You’ll also have a lot of fun analyzing the toys together. Maybe you can take your dog to stores and let him pick and choose his toys.
Cleaner for several surfaces
Even if your new dog is well housebroken, accidents will happen while they adjust to their new routine. You’ll need an all-purpose cleaner to clear up these pet accidents. Make sure the cleanser is pet safe and doesn’t have a strong odor.
Bone2travel’s words
If you are adopting an older or mature dog, you may be able to bypass a couple of items off of our list above. We only ask that you adopt your pet from a rescue organization. Remember, when you adopt a pet from a rescue group, you are saving two lives: the one you are taking home with you and the one who hasn’t found a home yet.