So you think you’re ready to welcome a furbaby into your life, but have you prepared everything? With so many different varieties of dog supplies and toys, it can be difficult to choose the best product for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Don’t worry though, we’ve compiled a list of things you can add to your shopping cart to prepare for your soon-to-be furchild

1. Pet safe harness and leash 

No matter the size or breed, your pooch will need to go on walks regularly. Walks are more than potty breaks, but a chance for your dog to learn, socialize, and exercise. Therefore, it’s important that your dogs are walking with a comfortable harness to avoid potential injuries during the walk. A harness is generally better for your dog’s health as it safely discourages dogs from pulling. Actions such as choking, pulling or jerking indicate stress, anxiety or hyper behaviour that might cause damage to your dog’s throat if a collar is used. 

2. Good food storage

Do you like stale bread? No? Well neither does your dog. Excess heat or moisture can lead to nutrient loss and bacteria accumulation which is terrible for your dog’s health. If you decide to feed your dog dry kibble, you need to properly stash it in an airtight container to prevent it from spoilage. 

3. A baby gate 

Your dog is essentially your baby, and there’s just certain regions in your house that might be too dangerous for your baby to wander off to. A baby gate can come in handy to block off certain areas in your house, like the kitchen, that might be dangerous for your pup. 

4. An appropriate dog bed 

After a full day of running around, your pup will want a comfortable bed to sleep and rest in. A standard dog bed can look something like this [insert picture]. They are soft, comfortable, and come in all shapes and sizes. However, your dog’s need can vary depending on its age, breed, health, and place of residence. Choosing the right bed can help maintain your dog’s health and physical needs. For example, senior and orthopaedic dogs will benefit greatly from an orthopaedic dog bed as it provides extra support to their joints. 

5. Collapsible dog bowl 

Like humans, it’s important for dogs to drink water to be healthy and hydrated. Dogs can lose water easily as they sweat, pant, pee, and poo. It’s not convenient to bring or find a bowl for your pup when you’re out and about; that’s where a collapsible dog bowl comes in. Collapsible dog bowls are usually lightweight, easy to pack, and are extremely useful whenever your pup needs a quick hydration session.

6. Safe dog treats 

Whether it's a quick midday snack or a reward, your dog deserves to have safe, healthy, and delicious treats. With so many options to choose from, pawrents need to be extra careful not to feed their dogs anything harmful. The best way to go about safe dog treats is to look closely at the ingredient lists. Aim for natural dog treats with no additives and be mindful of the calories present. 

While this list is definitely not exhaustive, it provides a general idea of the things your dog will need to live a healthy and happy life. Take the time to research online or consult with professionals about treats, toys, and other dog supplies. 

7. ID Tags 

An ID tag is a small metal tag that contains your name, your dog’s name, and your address. Even if your pup is microchipped, you should prepare an ID tag for them to wear at all times. An ASPCA study found that while the majority of pet owners recognize the importance of ID tags, only 33% actually apply them to their pets. If your dog ever gets lost, the ID tag will help other humans identify and help your pooch find its way back home. . 

8. A Crate

While crate training is completely optional, you should still provide your dog with a crate as their personal space; think of it like your dog’s bedroom. The crate should be a safe place for your dog to retreat to when faced with stress, tiredness, or discomfort. Crates are also great if you want to potty train your dog or separate your dog from an environment in case of emergencies. 

While this list is definitely not exhaustive, it provides a general idea of the things your dog will need to live a healthy and happy life. Take the time to research online or consult with professionals about treats, toys, and other dog supplies.