What Should Be in Every First-Time Dog Owner’s Home?

Many people consider dogs as one of the best pets to have because they’re typically playful and give unconditional love to their owners. Many dogs are also friendly and, with the right training and upbringing, they can be raised to be safe around small children, older kids, and seniors. Needless to say, these qualities make dogs very popular among many households in the US and in the rest of the world. But as with any other kind of pet, dogs have specific needs, so bringing one home requires getting certain supplies to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy.

If this is your first time having a dog for a pet, you might not know what specific items to get them yet. At the same time, looking through the wide variety of products in a pet supply store can be overwhelming. Thus, it can be challenging to figure out exactly what you should buy.

To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of items you’ll need to welcome and take care of the newest member of your family. From pet food bowls to custom made wholesale dog toys, here are some things every first-time dog parent needs in their home:

Separate Pet Bowls for Food and Water

Pet bowls are the first things you need to buy for your new dog. Ideally, you need at least two of them: one for your dog’s food and another for their water. The water bowl needs to always have fresh, clean water, and it should be placed in an accessible location. This way, your dog can get a drink by themselves whenever they need to, helping them stay hydrated all day long. And with a separate bowl for dog food, you can place your pet’s food next to their water bowl so they have easy access to both during mealtimes. Since the pet bowl isn’t wet from being used as your dog’s water bowl, it’s also easier to serve your pet’s food dry if you give them kibbles.

When buying food and water bowls, consider getting stainless steel bowls as your first purchase. They’re durable, easy to clean, and, unlike plastic ones, they’re not likely to leach harmful chemicals. Given that stainless steel pet bowls are easy to clean, all residues from previous feeding are also completely removed, which means the flavor of any fresh food you give won’t be affected.

When buying your dog’s first bowl, also look for a model with rubber pads on the bottom for better slide resistance. This way, they won’t slide or easily flip over while your pup is drinking or eating.

A Comfy Space to Rest

Another pet item that needs to be on your list is something cozy your dog can sleep in. While some pet parents opt to allow their pups onto their beds, sharing one’s bed with a pet isn’t always recommended. This is because there are a number of health concerns related to co-sleeping with a pet, including allergies, zoonotic infections, and sleep disturbance. Also, if your new pet is small and you’re a restless sleeper, there’s a chance you could accidentally push your pup off the bed. Falling from such a height could hurt or injure them. So, for the safety of you and your pet, it’s best give your dog a dedicated place for them to rest.

Pet Crate

If you’re bringing home a puppy or a smaller dog breed, getting them a dog crate is a great choice. A pup who is still learning about proper household behavior might have a habit of chewing on objects, and housing them in a crate can help them to learn how to cope with stress and anxiety, which is often the cause of chewing.

Additionally, small dog breeds can also benefit from dog crates because it gives them a safe space where they can rest when they’re tired. This is true in most cases but especially if you have playful kids running around the house who might accidentally step on or trip over your dog. Thus, giving them a space of their own allows your dog to rest with less chances of getting hurt. 

Dog Bed

Generally speaking, dog beds are suited to all types of dogs regardless of their size and breed. They can be a better option for pet owners whose dogs aren’t used to the restricting feeling a crate may create. And with the variety of designs and sizes of dog beds available, you’ll likely have no trouble at all picking one that meets your practical and aesthetic requirements.

Something Fun to Play With

As a first-time pet parent, one of the things you may feel excited about buying is pet toys. Indeed, toys will make playtime with your new pet more fun. But they aren’t just for your new friend’s entertainment; toys are also important to their well-being. Pet toys, after all, can help your dog fight boredom and separation anxiety when you need to leave them alone at home. Furthermore, toys can provide comfort when your pet feels scared or nervous during terrifying situations, like during thunderstorms or when fireworks are going off nearby. That said, it’s a good idea to get your dog different pet toys that they can safely play with.

Chew Toys

Chew toys can keep your dog’s teeth and gums strong and healthy, in addition to also providing relief during stressful situations. Chewing on something can provide your pet with a healthy outlet when they’re anxious, which can happen when they’re still not used to living in your home. Additionally, playing with their chew toys can make your dog feel less lonely if you need to leave them alone for a while. 

Comfort Toys

Some dogs tend to feel relaxed when they have something soft they can snuggle with—almost like a comforting companion of their own. As such, make sure to have a plush toy ready for your new pet. When getting toys of this kind, remember to choose those that don’t have small decorations or parts that can easily come off when chewed on. These can be dangerous to your dog, who might accidentally choke on such materials.

If you’re like many excited new dog parents, you’ll know that it can be a bit of a challenge to choose pet products to welcome your new pet into your home with. Hopefully, this list will help you figure out what’s best for your new canine companion. If you’re uncertain about your options, it’s a good idea to ask a pet product expert. With some experience and a lot of research, you’ll eventually learn to pick the right products that will address the needs of your pet.