Your New Pet

Welcoming a new furry family member is always an exciting time. Most first time pet parents first instinct is to go to their closest pet store and buy everything in sight or everything they are told. The experience is usually overwhelming, expensive, and usually never done properly. Too often, new pet parents spend too much money on un-necessary supplies and overlook general grooming needs. Our Team Members are always here to help you select the basic necessities that you will need and nothing you won’t. We will also guide you on a path to proper grooming at home and helping maintain a healthy and happy pet for years to come.

 

What Your Pup Actually Needs:

Good High Quality Food

Ask whomever your getting your puppy from about their current diet and make sure to have enough to transition into their new food of better quality. Most breeders will use cheaper quality of food, so look into for foods that are free from by-products and corn. Make sure to gradually introduce the new food that you choice as rushing this process with a puppy can result in upset stomachs and loose “poops”. Some puppies may have sensitive stomachs or allergies, so try starting with a simple formula such as chicken or turkey, until they are older and you get a grasp of their sensitivities.

Crate or Kennel

Crate training is a must as it helps with potty training and if you plan to take your dog to the vet, groomer, or boarding facility they must be kennel trained. So start young and remember its necessary. As for what kind of kennel a good wire crate will do just fine depending on how big your pet is get one to fit it as an adult but look for one with the optional interior moveable wall so the kennel is properly sized as they grow.

Water & Food Dishes

There is no need for fancy bowls so look for a cheap basic food and water dish, you can opt for personal dishes or Tupperware from your home. Stainless steel and glass are easier to clean but there is no need for specialty bowls unless your puppies has issues with eating to fast, then opt for an interactive feeder bowl which makes the dog work more for the food and slow eating time.

Crate Pad or Bed

This is not necessary, but nice for your pup to lay on instead of a hard surface while in their crate. But to save money you can opt for a towel or old blanket, as during the kennel training they are highly likely to have accidents so something more disposable or easily washable may be preferred.

Leash

Don’t waste money on an expensive leather or designer leash at the start, get a cheap 4-6ft nylon leash for your puppy. As they are leash trained they are highly likely to chew on the leash and destroy them, so save the money until they are completely leash trained. Also stay away from retractable leashes as they provide to much “freedom” that the dog does not need while leash training.

Collar and/or Harness

Every dog should have a collar, as a puppy go with a cheap collar as the puppy will grow and potential out grow the collar. There only purpose is to hold id tags, rabies tabs, and any other identification tags you may have. As for a harness they are always good to help control the dog on walks as well as prevent them from choking if they are a puller on a leash and collar. There are multiple options for harness, you don’t need anything fancy but opt for a no pull harness if your puppy has a hard time pulling you on the leash.

Identification Tags

These are a must as if your puppy gets loose this is the only form of identification that could be on the dog, unless you get it microchipped. You can opt for a sharpie and write the dogs name on the collar with a contact number if your looking to save a few dollars, but always make sure they dog has some type of identification on it.

Chew Toys

Look for toys they are durable, without stuffing, or make of cloth. So look into ropes or rubber style toys until after their teething stage to avoid them confusing toys with your socks, pillows, or anything that could closely resemble a toy. After they are done teething go for what toys your want for your pup until you find their favorites.

Chew Treats

Avoid rawhides all together, as they are not good for your pet. Try to stick with bully sticks, tracheas, chicken feet, etc. as they are fully consumable and all natural, plus they will provide your pet with a decent lasting treat dependent on how aggressively they chew and how big they actually are.

Poop Bags & Dispensers

These are a must as you will be walking your pet to bond and give them exercise and training. So having poop bags readily available for potty breaks no matter where you go is necessary. As to what bags and dispenser to get, their are multiple options of from biodegradable to recycled and from scented to non scented so try different brands of bags to find whats best for you. Dispensers are all the same some are higher quality but they are a universal product.

Cleaners

As puppies must be house trained, its unavoidable to think your puppy won’t have any accidents in your home. So make sure to keep natural enzyme cleaners on hand, the brand and line is all dependent on personal preference as most major brands will do the trick.

Training Treats

These are a must because they provide a great incentive for your puppy to obey and do well with training. Look for treats that are soft, small, or easily breakable because its not the size of the treat as its the notation of being rewarded for good behavior. Larger treats can lead to overfeeding and is not healthy for the pup, so stick with small treats and don’t do overboard on how many they get daily.

Puppy Pads *We Know*

There are a touchy subject for some and others an amazing solution. So get multiple opinions first and make your own personal decision, as some dogs never move away from pads so its a constant additional cost for your pet and some dogs will move past them after they have been house broken. So weigh your options and ask questions. But if you go for puppy pads, get high absorption and high quality ones, these are something you can not go cheap on.

Brush for Grooming Needs

Have a good quality slicker brush is a must if your pet is going to have a long or thick coat. Breeds such as doodles, poodles, bichons, huskies, bernese, or even shihtzu must be brushed on a regular basis to avoid matting. So ask your groomer for what’s best for your pet, but having one at home is a must

Comb for Grooming Needs

Have a metal comb is mandatory for any dog that will have hair over 2″ long at any given time, as combing and brushing in combination will help guarantee a mat-free dog. Look for a comb that has a coarse and fine tooth on it and ask your groomer today for tips on combing to ensure your during it properly.

Nail Trimmers

These are not necessary if you want to bring your pet in on a regular basis to get them done, as your pups nails will need cut just as frequently as we cut our own. But if you want to do this at home, look for a good pair that is comfortable in your hand and stay away from guillotine nail clippers as they are harder to control if your pet fights over its nails.

Wipes and/or Shampoo

As every dog will need a bath from time to time, there are options for wipes that will clean your pets up if you don’t want to give them a bath or bring them in for one. But having a good deep cleaning shampoo on hand is always nice, look for something that is all natural and tearless. As for wipes they are great to have on hand for any potty mess’s on their back end or drainage from their eyes to even cleaning up their paw pads after a muddy visit outside.

Common Questions Regarding Your Puppy:

Does my puppy need grooming?

Yes, every dog no matter the breed will need grooming. Just as we take a shower, brush our teeth, and perform minor grooming tasks everyday, our dogs will need a normal routine to maintain their overall health.

How soon should I start grooming?

All puppies should be started as soon as their second round of shots which is usually around 12 weeks old. This process is something you want them trained on as they grow up to make it easier for your groomer and you at home.

How often should I have my pet groomed?

There is no need for fancy bowls so look for a cheap basic food and water dish, you can opt for personal dishes or Tupperware from your home. Stainless steel and glass are easier to clean but there is no need for specialty bowls unless your puppies has issues with eating to fast, then opt for an interactive feeder bowl which makes the dog work more for the food and slow eating time.

Crate Pad or Bed

This is not necessary, but nice for your pup to lay on instead of a hard surface while in their crate. But to save money you can opt for a towel or old blanket, as during the kennel training they are highly likely to have accidents so something more disposable or easily washable may be preferred.

Leash

Don’t waste money on an expensive leather or designer leash at the start, get a cheap 4-6ft nylon leash for your puppy. As they are leash trained they are highly likely to chew on the leash and destroy them, so save the money until they are completely leash trained. Also stay away from retractable leashes as they provide to much “freedom” that the dog does not need while leash training.

Collar and/or Harness

Every dog should have a collar, as a puppy go with a cheap collar as the puppy will grow and potential out grow the collar. There only purpose is to hold id tags, rabies tabs, and any other identification tags you may have. As for a harness they are always good to help control the dog on walks as well as prevent them from choking if they are a puller on a leash and collar. There are multiple options for harness, you don’t need anything fancy but opt for a no pull harness if your puppy has a hard time pulling you on the leash.

Identification Tags

These are a must as if your puppy gets loose this is the only form of identification that could be on the dog, unless you get it microchipped. You can opt for a sharpie and write the dogs name on the collar with a contact number if your looking to save a few dollars, but always make sure they dog has some type of identification on it.

Chew Toys

Look for toys they are durable, without stuffing, or make of cloth. So look into ropes or rubber style toys until after their teething stage to avoid them confusing toys with your socks, pillows, or anything that could closely resemble a toy. After they are done teething go for what toys your want for your pup until you find their favorites.

Chew Treats

Avoid rawhides all together, as they are not good for your pet. Try to stick with bully sticks, tracheas, chicken feet, etc. as they are fully consumable and all natural, plus they will provide your pet with a decent lasting treat dependent on how aggressively they chew and how big they actually are.

Poop Bags & Dispensers

These are a must as you will be walking your pet to bond and give them exercise and training. So having poop bags readily available for potty breaks no matter where you go is necessary. As to what bags and dispenser to get, their are multiple options of from biodegradable to recycled and from scented to non scented so try different brands of bags to find whats best for you. Dispensers are all the same some are higher quality but they are a universal product.

Cleaners

As puppies must be house trained, its unavoidable to think your puppy won’t have any accidents in your home. So make sure to keep natural enzyme cleaners on hand, the brand and line is all dependent on personal preference as most major brands will do the trick.

Training Treats

These are a must because they provide a great incentive for your puppy to obey and do well with training. Look for treats that are soft, small, or easily breakable because its not the size of the treat as its the notation of being rewarded for good behavior. Larger treats can lead to overfeeding and is not healthy for the pup, so stick with small treats and don’t do overboard on how many they get daily.

Puppy Pads *We Know*

There are a touchy subject for some and others an amazing solution. So get multiple opinions first and make your own personal decision, as some dogs never move away from pads so its a constant additional cost for your pet and some dogs will move past them after they have been house broken. So weigh your options and ask questions. But if you go for puppy pads, get high absorption and high quality ones, these are something you can not go cheap on.

Brush for Grooming Needs

Have a good quality slicker brush is a must if your pet is going to have a long or thick coat. Breeds such as doodles, poodles, bichons, huskies, bernese, or even shihtzu must be brushed on a regular basis to avoid matting. So ask your groomer for what’s best for your pet, but having one at home is a must

Comb for Grooming Needs

Have a metal comb is mandatory for any dog that will have hair over 2″ long at any given time, as combing and brushing in combination will help guarantee a mat-free dog. Look for a comb that has a coarse and fine tooth on it and ask your groomer today for tips on combing to ensure your during it properly.

Nail Trimmers

These are not necessary if you want to bring your pet in on a regular basis to get them done, as your pups nails will need cut just as frequently as we cut our own. But if you want to do this at home, look for a good pair that is comfortable in your hand and stay away from guillotine nail clippers as they are harder to control if your pet fights over its nails.

Wipes and/or Shampoo

As every dog will need a bath from time to time, there are options for wipes that will clean your pets up if you don’t want to give them a bath or bring them in for one. But having a good deep cleaning shampoo on hand is always nice, look for something that is all natural and tearless. As for wipes they are great to have on hand for any potty mess’s on their back end or drainage from their eyes to even cleaning up their paw pads after a muddy visit outside.

For your Kitten:
Food *A good quality food free from by-products and corn. It is suggested to have both wet and dry for cats.
Litter & Litter Box *Litter is all personal choice, as they are multiple options available. Always try different ones to see what you like the best
Scratching post *You can opt for a cat tree, but you must have something to direct there scratching to as it is a natural behavior and unavoidable.
Dishes *A basic food and water dish, you can opt for personal dishes or Tupperware from your home. But we do recommend investing in a water fountain. Remember cats are carnivore and with their evolution they obtain moisture predominatly from what they ear and don’t usually drink a lot of water. Therefore it’s important to make it an activity which encourages them to drink more and reduce their risk of urinary issues.
Toys *This can something simple and cheap as a plastic ball with a bell inside or something more interactive like a feather toy. Cats aren’t that picky and usually love to play at night as they are nocturnal animals. So, it may take some time to get them on our schedule.