What Are the Basic Dog Supplies Needed by a New Dog Owner?
You have acquired a new friend and now you are taking him or her home. You are excited about the prospect of having a four legged friend in your home and are waiting to spend some nice time with him or her.
But before you take your four legged friend to your home you need to ask these questions to yourself.
Do I have the basic supplies needed for a dog?
What are the supplies that are must haves and what are optional ones?
Armed with the answers to these questions you will be able to welcome your friend with open heart. Below are the lists that are needed by new dog owners. Whether it is essential or optional will be explained with each supply.
Food and water bowls
This is a must have for you before you bring your four legged friend home. You can either use the steel bowls from your kitchen or can buy it from any pet's accessory shops. If you want and if you have decided on the name for your dog you can get his or her name scribbled on the bowls.
Puppy or dog food
This is again a must have. You might be excited to feed him what you are eating, however it is advisable to give your four legged friend especially created dog food as it will be well balanced food required by your dog for necessary growth and total well being.
Dog's first aid kit and a book on first aid
You never know when your inquisitive puppy or dog can hurt himself or herself. Hence a dog's first aid kit is a must have and of course a book on first aid will definitely come handy in case of emergencies. As a dog owner you should know how to help a choking dog, how to perform CPR, and how to stop bleeding and in such cases the book on first aid kit will come handy. Also keep the 24 hours emergency number in a place where you can access it easily. Like near your phone or store it in your cell phone.
Good veterinarian
Choosing a good vet is a must for new dog owners as a new pet should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will inform you about all the necessary vaccinations for your new friend and when should they be given.
Leash or harness
Your new friend would need his daily walks and hence a leash or harness is a must have for a new owner. While buying a leash ensure that is a nylon one and is stretchable so that you don't feel the pull when your friend starts his or her exploring spree.
Dog collar
Without a dog collar you will not be able to leash the dog. Hence it is a must have for a pet dog. Also it will differentiate it from the street dogs.
ID tags and microchip
Your new friend must wear an ID tag with the details like: your name, phone number, address, dog's name. It will be a great help if your dog is lost or loses his or her way to its new home. It is quite visible that it is a must have for every dog owner.
Dog crate and dog bed
Have you decided on the sleeping place for your new friend? Do you want him or her to sleep with you? If yes then you probably won't need either a dog crate or a bed. But in case you want a separate place for your dog then you might invest in either a dog crate or a bed depending on what you want or your budget and living space.
Soft toys
This can be both a must have or optional depending on you. If you don't want your dog to attack your dirty laundry then soft toys and chewy are a must have for you. However, if you don't mind that then there is no need for toys.
Grooming brush and anti ticks powder
You need to either brush or comb your dog once or twice every week to keep their coats shining and free from ticks or flea. Invest in a good comb or a brush. After a thorough grooming you must powder your friend with anti ticks powder to keep him or her free from ticks and fleas.
Dog shampoo
This is optional. However, if you feel that your new friend is been troubled with fleas then you can opt for a good shampoo with an anti flea treatment.
Puppy pads
A must for puppies this will come handy while potty training to your new friend.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Swati_Nitin_Gupta
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-the-Basic-Dog-Supplies-Needed-by-a-New-Dog-Owner?&id=3515327