So you are not sure what to get before adopting a dog, right? If this is the first time you are getting a dog, you must be confused about what things to buy. Here you will find a new dog shopping list.
For any animal lover, adopting a dog is the best feeling.
Although getting a dog is exciting and fun, but you need to keep in mind that after getting the dog at your home, your responsibilities will be increased.
If this is the first time you are adopting a pet dog, you must be unaware of things to buy before getting a new dog/puppy at home.
Some items need to be purchased before adopting the dog, while some can be purchased later.
Getting all the accessories and supplies in advance is a good idea. It ensures you do not have to rush for different things after getting the dog to your home.
To avoid rushing for buying different accessories after getting the dog at your home, consider buying the following items in advance:
| 1. DOG CARRIER YUDODO Pet Dog Carrier (Small Dogs) Sherpa Pet Carrier (Medium Dogs) Aspen Heavy-Duty Carrier (Large Dogs) | Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon |
| 2. HARNESS Voyager Step-in Dog Harness WINSEE Dog Harness with Collar | Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon |
| 3. COLLAR GoTags Personalized Dog Collar Blueberry Pet Collar | Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon |
| 4. LEASH TUG Patented 360° Tangle-Free Leash Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash | Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon |
| 5. DOG FOOD Blue Buffalo Dog Food (For Puppies) Royal Canin Dog Food (Medium Breed) Wellness Dog Food (Large Breed) | Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon |
| 6. FOOD & WATER BOWLS AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl OurPets Elevated Dog Food Dish | Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon |
| 7. POOP BAGS AmazonBasics Dog Waste Bags | Buy on Amazon |
| 8. DOG BED FurHaven Pet Dog Bed PetFusion Dog Bed | Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon |
| 9. PEE PADS Four Paws Dog Pee Pads | Buy on Amazon |
| 10. DOG TOYS Pet Qwerks Dinosaur BarkBone | Buy on Amazon |
1. Dog Carrier
Safety is the first important factor to consider before getting a dog. You need to make sure your dog is safe when you are driving back to your home. Depending on your canine’s size, the ideal dog carrier will differ. Here are our picks for the best dog/puppy carriers:
YUDODO Pet Dog Sling Carrier [SMALL DOGS]
If you are planning to adopt a small breed dog, then this travel carrier by Yudodo is the right choice. It has a weight carrying capacity of up to 10 lbs.
Some of the smallest dog breeds are The Chihuahua, Brussels Griffon, Papillon, Yorkshire Terrier, Russian Toy Terrier, Mini Poodle, and Japanese Chin. These dog breeds weigh somewhere between 2.5 lbs and 10 lbs.
The adjustable shoulder strap would allow you to carry your little one anywhere you go.
Yudodo’s sling bag carrier has two size options available. Depending upon your dog’s height, weight, and neck circumference, you need to choose from S or M size.
‘S’ size is perfect for dogs weighing up to 5 lbs weight and the ‘M’ size is perfect for dogs weighing up to 10 lbs weight.
Sherpa Travel Pet Carrier [MEDIUM DOGS]
Sherpa’s travel pet carrier is perfect for medium-sized dogs. Depending on Sherpa’s pet carrier size you select, the weight carrying capacity will differ.
The ‘Large’ size has the weight carrying capacity of up to 22 lbs, the ‘Medium’ size has the weight carrying capacity of 16 lbs, and the ‘Small’ size has the weight carrying capacity of 8 lbs.
Whether you are planning to travel by plane or by car, this pet carrier will ensure the safety of your dog.
Don’t just consider the weight of the dog while buying this dog carrier, consider the height and length of the dog as well.
Aspen Heavy-Duty Pet Carrier [LARGE DOGS]
When you want to travel with your dog that weighs more than 20 lbs, you need a heavy-duty pet carrier. Aspen’s heavy-duty crate is ideal for 25-30 lbs weight dogs.
When you will travel with your dog with Aspen’s pet carrier, you and your dog both will have a hassle-free experience. The ventilation on all sides of the crate will give your dog better sleep.
If your dog weighs more than 30 lbs, Aspen has durable pet carriers for that as well. Their sizing options include – 25-30 lbs, 30-50 lbs, 50-70 lbs, and 70-90 lbs.
There’s a comfortable, durable handle on the top of this pet carrier, which ensures worry-free transport.
Related: Best Dog Crates For GSDs
2. Dog Harness
Getting a harness comes with so many benefits. If you want better safety for your dog and avoid neck injuries, then you need to buy a good harness.
Voyager Step-in Dog Harness
Voyager’s Step-in dog harness is suitable for all the weather because is made up of soft and breathable air mesh. This harness will provide a comfortable experience for your pet.
The buckle and double D rings will ensure better security. After setting up this harness, you need to buckle in and you will be ready to connect it with the leash via double D rings.
Voyager has so many color options for this pet harness. You can select the harness color that suits your dog. Depending on your dog breed, there are also different sizing options available.
Before ordering this pet harness, you need to have an idea about your pet’s neck and chest size. Check out the size chart for more details.
WINSEE Dog Harness with Collar
Winsee dog harness is built with high-quality, durable, and breathable materials. It is made up of 1680D oxford fabric. This lightweight and soft harness will make your dog feel comfortable wearing it.
Winsee has designed this harness with the consideration of security and comfort factors. It is perfect for walking, running, hiking, and camping.
The D ring of this harness will help you control your pet’s speed. If you go with your dog at night, this harness can be really useful. The reflective straps of the harness will make your dog visible even in the dark.
With this harness by Winsee, you will also get a snap buckle. Before buying this harness, you should know your dog’s weight, and chest & neck girth. This will help you choose the right harness size.
3. Dog Collar
Another accessory that plays a crucial role in the dog’s safety is a collar. This works as an identification tag of your dog.
The collar will help someone to return the dog to your home, in case you lost him somewhere. Here are the best dog collars:
GoTags Personalized Dog Collar
A personalized dog collar works as the perfect identification tag for your pet. In this collar, you can add your phone number and dog’s name. The name and number will be stitched on the collar permanently.
The collar is made with smooth & high-quality materials, which ensures better comfort. Apart from this, the stainless steel D-ring on the collar allows you to attach the leash.
With this customized collar, you have 5 collar color options and 15 embroidery thread color options. You can customize by selecting your preferred color & size. And by entering your dog’s name & your phone number.
Blueberry Pet Collar
Blueberry pet collar is made of nylon fabric with high-density webbing. Its quality fabric will provide a comfortable experience for your dog.
The buckles are made from eco-friendly plastic. Its metal D-ring is chrome coated. The D-ring will allow you to attach the leash and control your dog while walking.
Here you have so many color options to choose from. Before ordering this dog collar, make sure you measure the neck size & weight of your dog and select the right size.
4. Dog Leash
A leash is very helpful when you want to control your dog’s movement while walking. Leashing the dog will make sure the dog is in your control.
Another reason why you should leash your dog is it’s a law. In most states, not leashing the dog is against law.
TUG Patented 360° Tangle-Free Dog Leash
Tug’s patented tangle-free design leash allows you to control your dog from any angle. Depending upon your dog’s weight, you can choose the perfect leash.
Here you have three sizing options available. Small for dogs under 35 lbs weight, Medium for dogs under 55 lbs weight, and Large for dogs under 110 lbs weight.
It is very comfortable to hold. The lock system is simple and easy to control. You can easily roll in and roll off with your thumb. This makes it a perfect dog leash for long walks.
Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash
Max and Neo dog leash comes with two sizing options – 4 ft and 6 ft. You can select the one as per your dog’s size. This leash is constructed with heavy-duty nylon, which ensures better quality. The leash is 1-inch wide and 2mm thick.
The material of the leash will provide a comfortable wearing experience. Controlling your dog with this leash would be easy as it comes with two soft neoprene handles.
Two handles will allow you to keep your dog close in traffic or around someone. Apart from this, the reflective stitching on the leash will make your dog visible at night.
By purchasing this leash, you will be contributing to the dog rescue. The company donates one leash for every purchase.
5. Dog Food
For the better health of your dog, you must provide the food with the best nutrition. Healthy food greatly impacts your dog’s growth and immune system.
I have divided this into three parts – food for small breeds (puppies), medium breeds, and large breeds.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food (FOR PUPPIES)
This Life Protection Formula puppy dog food by Blue Buffalo will help your puppy stay healthy with ingredients like real meat, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Blue Buffalo dog food is specially made for puppies. The natural ingredients of the food provide vitamins and minerals.
It is a great source of protein as this food includes real meat as the first ingredient. This will help your puppy build muscles.
It also helps to support your puppy’s cognitive function and retinal health as this dog food consists of crucial fatty acids like DHA and ARA.
Royal Canin Dog Food (MEDIUM BREED)
This Royal Canin Dog Food is perfect for medium adult dogs of 1 to 7 years old, weighing 23 to 55 lbs. The food will provide enough healthy nutrition to your dog.
The healthy nutrients of the food will provide high digestibility. The DHA and EPA in the food help to get better skin and coat health.
This food by Royal Canin comes with a perfect combination of wet and dry food. Both are important for dogs. Dry food includes healthy nutrients and wet food helps with better hydration.
The ingredients of this dog food are brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, corn gluten meal, oat groats, and many useful ingredients. Check out the feeding table to know how you should feed this food to your dog.
Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (LARGE BREED)
If you have a large dog, then feed your dog Wellness Complete Health large breed dog food. You can feed this to large breed dogs of 1 year and older.
This dog food is made with deboned chicken, chicken meal, blueberries, flaxseed. spinach, ground brown rice, barley, peas, chicken fat, oats, salmon meat, and many other healthy ingredients. It does not include any meal by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.
This food will bring amazing changes to your dog like better skin & coat health, boost in energy, immunity, better digestion system, etc. Depending on the requirement, you can order a 15-pound bag or a 30-pound bag.
6. Food and Water Bowls
Make sure you buy stainless steel or ceramic food & water bowls for your dog so that the cleaning process becomes easy. Here are our picks:
AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
AmazonBasics dog bowl is made up of high-quality stainless steel. It is one of the best sets of stainless steel food/water bowl for dogs/puppies.
Getting stainless steel food bowl for your dog is far better than a plastic bowl because stainless steel bowls do not hold odors and they are easy to clean.
In these bowls, you can serve dry kibble, wet food, or water. There’s the rubber ring on the bottom, which makes them slip-resistant.
OurPets Elevated Dog Food Dish
Consider getting OurPets Elevated Dog Food Dish if you want to provide a great dining experience to your dog. This food dish gives a feeding position to the dog which helps to improve digestion.
Depending upon your dog size, you can select the right elevated food dish. It is available in three sizes – 4-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch for small, medium, and giant dogs respectively.
You can remove any of the stainless steel bowls and attach a 1-liter water bottle. Hence, feeding water to your dog would be easy with this item. The best thing is this elevated dog food dish is rust-resistant and easy to clean.
7. Poop Bags
Before adopting a dog, make sure you have poop bags with you. Select the one which is low-cost, easy to use, and which does not leak. Here’s our pick:
AmazonBasics Dog Waste Bags
You will need a way through which you can clean your dog waste. According to me, AmazonBasics dog waste bags are low-cost and easy to use.
You will get 900 waste bags and a dispenser with a leash clip. Keep in mind the leash is not included with this item. As the bags are thicker, you do not have to worry about leaking.
For easy use, you just need to put a bag roll inside the black dispenser you will get. Whenever you find a need for cleaning your dog waste, you can take out a waste bag from the dispenser.
8. Dog Bed
Another item you will need for your dog is a bed. It is an essential requirement if you don’t want the dog to sleep on your bed and create a mess. Here are our picks for the best dog beds:
FurHaven Pet Dog Bed
FurHaven Pet Dog Bed is the best inexpensive dog bed out there. This is a lightweight and comfortable dog bed. The orthopedic foam base of this bed provides support for aching joints and muscles.
Apart from orthopedic foam, you can also choose memory foam or cooling gel foam. Depending on your dog size, you can select Small, Medium, Large, Jumbo, or Jumbo Plus bed. And, you also have so many color options available.
It is designed with the motive of providing better comfort to your dog. It is easy to clean as it is machine washable. Getting a machine washable dog bed will avoid the hassle of cleaning manually.
PetFusion Dog Bed
PetFusion Dog Bed comes with a 4-inch memory foam base to provide proper rest to your dog. This will help to reduce joints pain and improve the health of your dog.
This dog bed is designed to provide the best and comfortable sleeping & resting experience to your dog. The neck & head support of the bed provides perfect support.
This PetFusion dog bed is really easy to clean because it is machine washable. Depending on your dog size, you can select from Small, Large, X-Large, and XXL Jumbo. And the bed is ideal for all dog breeds.
Related: Dog Beds For Labradors
9. Pee Pads
You will also require pee pads for the dog because you don’t want your dog to pee on the floor. Make sure the pee pads you buy are 100% leak-proof. Here’s our pick for dog pee pads:
Four Paws Dog Pee Pads
Before buying a dog, make sure you have dog pee pads ready. You will require them to avoid your dog peeing on the floor. Four Paws Wee-Wee pads are 100% leak-proof dog training pads.
These extra-large pee pads can be used for large dog breeds. The five layers of the pee pads ensure better protection and quick absorption.
The pee pads ensure easy cleaning and disposal. Its 5-ply, leak-proof floor armor system makes it the best indoor and outdoor training pads.
10. Dog Toys
There are so many benefits to getting dog toys. The best way to keep your dog stay fit is by providing a toy to play. It will also entertain your dog. Toys like bounce balls are very fun for dogs. Here are our picks for dog toys:
Pet Qwerks Dinosaur BarkBone
Another exciting dog toy on our list is Pet Qwerks Dinosaur BarkBone Chew Toy. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, you should get this for your dog.
Depending on your dog’s weight, you can select the correct size chew toy. Large size for dogs up to 25 lbs weight, XL size for dogs up to 40 lbs weight, XXL size for dogs up to 80 lbs weight, and XXXL size for dogs up to 120 lbs weight.
Providing your pet dog a chew toy like this one can help to avoid destructive behavior. And, this toy is good for your dog’s teeth. Chewing this bone for long hours won’t harm your dog in any manner.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Adopting a new dog can be exciting. For new adopters, it can be somewhat confusing to know things to buy before getting a dog. Here, I have shared a complete checklist of important accessories you need to get.
You should get these in advance so that you can avoid rushing to buying each of these items separately. Make sure you consider your dog’s weight and size before ordering any of these items.
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