What Do You Need?
Dog Bed
Desirable features would include; comfort, conserve body heat, protect bony preminences, easy to clean/washable, durable and resist moisture. After a hard day’s play every pooch needs a place to lay their weary head.
Food and Water Bowls
A good bowl should have a slip resistant bottom and tapered tip-resistant sides. It should be made of durable material that cannot be chewed or broken and it should be easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Remember dogs like to chew and play.
Food
Initially, feed your dog the same diet as it has been used to and once it has settled in, you can gradually change it onto your chosen diet. Its important to start a dog with the right food, a food full of nutrition and antioxidants. It’s vital that your dog eats a complete and balanced diet. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are necessary for energy; minerals are important for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, among other things; and vitamins are important to help your dog process biochemicals.
Water
Although water is not regarded as a nutrient it is essential to life. It can be argued that its provision is more crucial than a supply of food; a dog can survive much longer without food than it could without water. Water has many roles in the body: It transports nutrients and metabolites in the blood It is a vital part of the temperature regulation system. It is essential for the digestion and metabolism of food. It is the principal route of elimination of waste materials via the urine. Water makes up 60 percent of a dog’s weight.
Crate/Kennel/Carrier
A carrier is essential, even if you plan to travel no further with your dog than the Veterinary Clinic. If you accustom your dog to the carrier from an early age, it will make future trips to the Clinic or Groomer much easier. Look for one that will be roomy, well ventilated, escape proof and easy to clean, choose a quality product. Your dog should be able to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the carrier without restriction, and the carrier should be roomy enough to accommodate a water bowl or water bottle attachment.
Brushes and Combs
Consider your dog’s hair coat before selecting any grooming tool. Dogs need help with their grooming from us the owners. While grooming your dog, take the opportunity to have a quick health check of your pet. Grooming should be a regular part of your dog’s routine. Ensure that grooming, no matter how little or how much, is a positive experience and acknowledge that your dog’s struggling or resistance indicates that all is not well. Do not push the issue. Do not force things to happen. Work on slow steps and In time they will come to appreciate the attention they receive.
Lead and Collar or Harness
When choosing a lead/collar/harness consider; materials, durability, length, safety, and function. Your dog should be introduced to it early on. The buckled or snap-together collars are both good options. Make sure you get an identification tag immediately. A six-foot length leash offers good control over your dog and allows you to bond, train, and protect him/her and both leather and nylon are durable materials. The leash should have a secure metal clip. You might want to consider reflective materials if you plan to walk your dog at night.
Nail Cutters
If you need to clip your dog’s nails use sharp dog nail cutters (if they are not sharp, the nails can split). Within the center of each toenail is the blood and nerve supply for the nail called the quick. In clear white nails you can see the quick, a pinkish area in the middle of the nail. You want to cut below the quick. Avoid hitting the quick (the pink part in the nail) as it can cause them to bleed.
Preparing Your Home
- Before you bring a dog home, it is good to get rid of any fleas or ticks that are living on your property. It is always much easier to maintain a flea-free dog, if the dog doesn’t have fleas in the first place.
- Crawl or look around each room to see what your dog could get into. Look for such items as electrical cords, poisonous plants, dangerous items that your dog could chew or swallow, and anything else that could hurt your dog.
- If you don’t want to find your floors littered with garbage, invest in covered wastebaskets and kitchen garbage containers.
- If you have valuable furniture or special items in your home that could be damaged, move the item up or put it away until your dog is trained.
- Favorite things to chew on are throw rugs, toys, shoes and newspapers (or the mail)! If you cannot afford to have it destroyed, get it out of your dog’s way. And remember that anything swallowed that cannot pass through the dog’s system will require surgery to remove.
- Among the greatest hazards to a dog are the exits from your home! Carefully walk your entire fence line. Look for loose or broken boards that may provide an escape route for your dog. Even a small space of 2-4 inches can allow a young dog to get free. Check to see that each gate latches securely every time. Then make sure all gates are secured. If you are still unsure about your fence and gates being able to confine your dog, never let the dog out in your backyard without being on a leash and being supervised.
- There is an unpleasant topic that may be as much a hazard to the owner’s mental well-being as to the dog’s health - and that is that dogs (young and old) are sometimes “poop eaters”. Some dogs are guilty of this nasty habit. The only sure way to prevent it is to follow behind the dog and pick up what has been deposited. This should be done regardless, for the sake of sanitation.
Preparing Your Home Checklist |
 Dog Bed
| Crate or Kennel
|
Food and Water Bowls
| Brushes and Combs
|
| Food | Leash and Collar or Harness |
Pooper Scooper or Pick-up Bags
| Nail Trimmer - Styptic Powder |
Don't Forget About... |
| Toys | Stain Remover
|
Dog Treats
| Books
|
Pet I.D. Tag
| Play Time
|
Dental Kit
| Pampering
|
Ear and Eye Care
|
|
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