Congratulations on bringing home your new best friend! The life of a dog owner is full of snuggles, tail wags, and an excited pooch to greet you every time you walk through the door.
While you may have had fun picking out matching water and food bowls and a fun leash, there are a few more things to get that you may have overlooked. In the spirit of keeping your new pup as happy and healthy as possible, here are four pet supplies that you’ll need to grab on your next trip to the pet store.
1. Dog Flea Treatment
All doggies are at risk for picking up fleas and ticks when trotting along outside at any time of year. Fleas and ticks are itchy, can carry disease, and are hard to get rid of. That’s why it’s important to use regular flea treatments to prevent an infestation in the first place.
You should choose flea treatment based on your dog’s size and age; the treatment box should include instructions on what kind of dog it’s good for.
You can get a pill or a topical treatment to apply to your dog’s skin. Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research and look for a medicine that covers both fleas and ticks.
If you’re put off by the prices of flea medicine in a pet store, know that there are alternative purchasing options available! It’s possible to get flea medicine from an online retailer, like PetVetsOnline, for less than what a big box store would charge.
2. A Collar or Harness
Big, small, young, old, purebred, or mixed – the one thing all dogs have in common is their need for regular walks. Any new dog owner needs a collar or a harness with a leash from day one.
Whether or not you need a collar or harness depends on a few different factors. First, harnesses make it easier to handle your rowdy dog or untrained puppy. Very small dogs also need harnesses to prevent an accidental injury from tugging on their tiny necks. Finally, harnesses are better if you find your arms get tired easily!
3. Cleaning Supplies
If you’re bringing a brand new puppy into the house, be prepared to clean up some messes during the potty training phase. (And even if you’re adopting an older dog, it’s always good to have some cleaner on hand.) Cleaning supplies should include a lot of paper towels and a natural cleaner formulated for use around dogs.
When you come across an accident, mop it up immediately to prevent stains or odors from setting in. Spray a little enzymatic carpet clean down to eliminate odor molecules that seep into carpet fibers. If your puppy has an accident in the same spot again, lay down some absorbent puppy training pads. But don’t grow reliant on them – keep up your potty training regimen or possibly increase trips outside if accidents become a regular occurrence.
4. Dog Nail Trimmers
This one is often overlooked by even longtime doggie lovers. Unless you take your furry friend to the groomers regularly, you’ll need to have a set of dog nail trimmers on hand.
Nail trimmers for dogs and cat look like scissors and can found in almost any pet supply section. You’ll need to give Fido a manicure about once a month or when you hear the sound of his nails clicking on the floor. Long nails can make it hard for your dog to walk or run comfortably. They can also snag on fibers, trap dirt, or become ingrown.
Just be careful not to cut the quick of their nails, which is the opaque, sometimes pinkish interior part of their nail. Cutting the quick can be painful and cause bleeding.
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