PUPPY DOG CARE
New Puppy Supplies List
With a new pet comes great responsibility, and great mountains of supplies. Preparation is the key to a successful transition- having some of the items you know you will need ready to go before Fido arrives will make the process go much more easily!
Puppy Toys
Teething puppies have an intrinsic need to chew. If you don’t have an adequate supply of chew toys on hand, you can kiss your shoes, purses and furniture goodbye. Inappropriate chewing is annoying, expensive, and possibly even dangerous, so set your puppy up for success with dog-appropriate chew toys.
There are plenty of age-specific dog chew toys on the market. Those designated for puppies are a little smaller and softer than the adult toys, because puppy teeth are more prone to fracture. They are still durable enough to handle aggressive mouthing. Chews that are quickly ripped up may be ingested by a curious puppy, so monitor your dog during playtime and remove any destroyed toys immediately.
Treats
Dog treats are the highlight of a puppy’s day. They can make training a snap and improve the human-puppy bond through a positive reinforcement program. Because it’s easy to overdo, make sure treats are small enough to be a tiny bite of flavor, not a meal replacement.
Food
Growing dogs need a food that is appropriate for their developmental stage. Optimal nutrient profiles are especially important for large breed dogs, who can develop painful bone conditions when they are allowed to grow too quickly.
Puppy foods are designed to provide adequate nutrition for the rapid growth phase without overdoing it on the calorie count. These age-specific foods are found at all major pet food retailers; make sure to review food recommendations with your veterinarian to ensure the food you’re using is the right choice for your dog. They’re only puppies once!
For the complete article on the New Puppy Supplies List, visit petMD!
