You’ve been counting down the days for what feels like forever. Finally, you get the call—it’s time to bring your new dog home! 🥳
By now, you are giddy with excitement but also unexpectedly nervous.
What do you need for the first 48 hours with a new puppy? What about the rest of the week? Could you have forgotten something important?
Find out now with our puppy essentials checklist!
All the things you need for your first week as a new fur parent
This list of dog essentials covers immediate must-haves to start life with a new puppy.
Over the next few weeks and months, you will naturally discover other things you want to buy for your growing pup.
However...
You can get those dog items later. First, shop for puppy basics.
Bringing a puppy home in the car
Before you pick your puppy up from the breeder (or shelter, if adopting), equip your ride with dog car travel essentials. These include:
1. Car seat protector
Bring your little guy home in style, safety, and comfort with the ultimate car seat protector: The PetLab Calming Dog Car Seat Cover.
It’s a versatile product that can be adjusted to suit breeds large and small.
It even works in cars of all sizes with a universal design that fits in sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Best of all? It’s easy to install—even for first-time dog owners!
2. Harness, leash, and dog seat belt
Like human passengers, you want to keep your pet securely in place during car rides.
We recommend a dog harness plus bungee tether that clicks directly into the seat belt slot.
They are no fuss, compatible with most vehicles, and an affordable way to get through doggy adolescence.
3. Poop bags
Your pups first car ride can either be an exhilarating or stressful experience.
In both scenarios, your doggy may have an accident. (And by may, we mean most likely.)
The good news is the Calming Dog Car Seat Cover has waterproof padding. The bad news? You might have poo-poo to deal with. 👀
Have these quick-tie poop bags handy, just in case.
Puppy essentials for the home
Once you make it home, it’s time to get your pup settled in. That means surviving your first night with a new puppy!
Do you have the following?
1. Food and water bowls
For this life stage, choose durability over style.
First, puppies love to chew on anything they can get their baby teeth on.
Second, you will upgrade these items once your pup reaches adulthood anyway.
For example: From a floor-level bowl to an elevated one if yours is a large dog breed.
2. Feeding mat
Puppies are messy eaters.
But... the well-prepared pet parent has the Grubby Paw Feeding Mat on hand!
The non-slip backing keeps bowls in place—and your floors clean and dry. (No matter how enthusiastic your little monster is at meal time.)
3. Puppy food and treats
No pressure or anything, but your pup is counting on you for all his nutritional needs.
Have dry and wet puppy food and different flavours to keep things interesting.
Puppy treats like pig ears, puppy teething rings, and soft biscuits also belong in your puppy starter kit. 😊
4. Crate and bedding
Puppies sleep a lot. So, a warm and safe space to catch much-needed Zzzs is one of the best things you can give your new puppy.
A crate plus a washable (and destruction-proof) pet bed are ideal.
Tip: The cage will come in handy for toilet training your dog.
5. Oral rehydration solution
Some puppies have a tough time adjusting to their new environment.
When that happens, stress and separation anxiety can give your little guy the runs.
Save yourself the midnight panic by having an electrolyte solution on standby.
Get this (plus instructions) from your soon-to-be-regular vet.
6. Age-appropriate dog toys
Mind blown by the options? 🤯
We feel you.
Puppy essentials consist of chew toys, squeak toys, and treat-dispensing toys. Why not throw in a snuffle mat for good measure?
These puppy toys are fun, keep your dog occupied and are great for mental stimulation.
7. Pet-safe cleaning products
With a curious pup running around the house, NOW is the time to switch to non-toxic cleaning products.
Because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—we would hate for you to learn this the hard way…
House cleaning basics include:
- A multi-purpose plant-based cleaner and disinfectant
- A powerful enzyme urine stain and odour remover
- Chemical-free laundry liquid
With your puppy essentials sorted, there is only one thing left to say. Welcome home, to your new pup!
