Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. Preparing for your puppy’s arrival involves more than just enthusiasm—it’s essential to have the right items to ensure your new furry friend has everything they need to feel comfortable, safe, and loved from day one. By assembling a well-rounded starter kit, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your puppy.
A comprehensive puppy starter kit includes both practical necessities and fun extras. From feeding supplies to cozy sleeping arrangements, each item plays a crucial role in your puppy’s development and happiness. Understanding which essentials to include not only helps in making your puppy feel at home but also aids in their training and overall well-being.
Table of Contents
- 1) KONG Puppy Toy
- 2) Nylabone Puppy Chew
- 3) PetSafe Busy Buddy
- 4) Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy
- 5) Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage
- 6) Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
- 7) Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- 8) MaxiViz Pet Camera
- 9) MidWest iCrate Starter Kit
- 10) PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
- 11) Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
- 12) Outward Hound Fun Feeder
- 13) Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Spray
- Preparing Your Home for a New Puppy
- Health and Wellness Basics
1) KONG Puppy Toy
The KONG Puppy Toy is made for a growing puppy’s baby teeth.
Its natural rubber formula is gentle, which suits a puppy’s chewing needs.
This toy helps teach appropriate chewing behavior while satisfying your puppy’s instinctual needs for enrichment.
It provides hours of fun and can withstand tough playtime from teething puppies.
2) Nylabone Puppy Chew
A Nylabone Puppy Chew is a great addition to your puppy starter kit. It helps satisfy your puppy’s natural urge to chew while promoting healthy chewing habits.
There are different Nylabone options available, such as soft plastic for teething puppies and harder bones for older puppies. Each option is designed to cater to different stages of your puppy’s growth.
These chew toys come in various flavors like chicken and bacon, which makes them even more enticing for your puppy. The textures also help with dental health by massaging gums and cleaning teeth.
3) PetSafe Busy Buddy
The PetSafe Busy Buddy is a fantastic addition to your puppy starter kit. It helps keep your puppy entertained with its fun design. This toy includes a nylon bone, rubber ball, and treat-holding rings.
Your puppy will love playing and chewing on the Busy Buddy. It’s great for keeping them busy and happy. You can even refill the treat rings to keep them coming back for more fun.
4) Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy food is a great option for your new furry friend.
It starts with real chicken and includes wholesome whole grains.
Packed with fruits and veggies, it offers balanced nutrition for growth.
Your puppy will love the taste, and you’ll love the health benefits.
5) Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage
Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage is a great choice for your puppy’s starter kit.
This food is made with high-quality chicken protein. It also includes fruits and veggies for maximum nutrition.
Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage supports heart health with Taurine and brain development with DHA. It is both grain-free and gluten-free.
6) Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats are a great addition to your puppy starter kit. These treats come in various flavors like beef liver, chicken, and rabbit, ensuring your pup finds one they love.
They are low in calories, making them perfect for extended training sessions. Each treat is less than 1 kcal.
These treats are made from simple, natural ingredients with no fillers, keeping your puppy healthy. Plus, they are freeze-dried to maintain the nutritional benefits. Your puppy will find them delicious and rewarding.
7) Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
Keeping your puppy’s teeth clean is crucial. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is a great choice because it’s safe for pets to swallow and doesn’t have foaming agents.
It comes in flavors like poultry, beef, and seafood, making it appealing to picky eaters. The toothpaste helps prevent plaque and tartar build-up, contributing to better oral health for your puppy.
8) MaxiViz Pet Camera
The MaxiViz Pet Camera is a great tool for keeping an eye on your puppy when you’re not home. It lets you see, talk to, and even play with your pet using built-in games like a laser pointer.
It’s user-friendly and has a sleek design, fitting nicely into your home setup. The camera quality is decent, which helps in clearly seeing your pet’s activities.
9) MidWest iCrate Starter Kit
The MidWest iCrate Starter Kit is perfect for new dog owners. It includes a double-door crate, a comfy pet bed, a crate cover, and two dog bowls. The crate measures 36 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 25 inches high.
This kit helps you save time and money. Everything is designed to fit together perfectly. The crate cover and bed are machine washable, making them easy to clean.
10) PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
The PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed offers great comfort for your puppy. It has a solid 4-inch memory foam base that helps reduce joint pain and improves health.
This bed is ideal for puppies that suffer from anxiety, thanks to its calming design. It is available in different sizes and colors to match your home decor.
Choose this bed to ensure your puppy has a cozy spot to rest and recharge.
11) Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is designed for daily use. It’s padded and comfortable for your puppy to wear for long periods.
Easy to put on, it saves you time during busy mornings. There are two leash attachment points: one on the back and one on the chest.
The harness is also highly durable and adjustable, ensuring it fits your puppy as they grow. It even has an ID pocket to keep your dog’s tags secure. This gear is perfect for walks and adventures alike.
12) Outward Hound Fun Feeder
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder slows down your puppy’s eating speed. It has meal-lengthening ridges and grooves, making mealtime last up to 10 times longer.
This slow feeder helps improve digestion and reduces risks like bloat and obesity. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes to suit your needs.
13) Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Spray
Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Spray is essential for your puppy starter kit. It helps prevent your dog from marking the same spot twice.
This spray uses essential oils with a repellent scent. It’s perfect for indoor training, making housebreaking easier. Try it to keep your home clean and marking-free.
Preparing Your Home for a New Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience. To make the transition smooth, set up a safe space, puppy-proof your home, and establish routines early.
Creating a Safe Space
Your puppy needs a cozy and secure spot to rest. Pick a quiet area in your house. Use a crate with soft bedding and a few chew toys to help them feel comfortable.
Add a soft bed with blankets for extra comfort. A designated space will help your new puppy feel secure and reduce anxiety. Make sure this area is free from loud noises and heavy foot traffic.
Puppy-Proofing Tips
Puppies are curious and love to explore. To keep them safe, start by removing any hazardous items from their reach. Keep electrical cords, small objects, and toxic plants out of their way. Use baby gates to block off rooms or stairs that might be dangerous.
Store household cleaners, chemicals, and medications in locked cabinets. Cover any sharp corners on furniture and secure trash cans with lids. Plug all electrical outlets with safety caps to prevent accidents.
Establishing Routines
Routines help your puppy adjust to their new environment. Set regular times for feeding, potty breaks, and exercise. This keeps their schedule consistent and helps with training.
Incorporate a bedtime routine with scheduled quiet times and create lots of fun playtimes. Start training commands and reward good behavior with treats. Consistency is key, so make sure everyone in the family follows the same routines and rules.
Health and Wellness Basics
Proper health and wellness practices are crucial for your new puppy’s growth and happiness. Focus on regular vet visits, a consistent vaccination schedule, and being aware of common health issues.
First Vet Visit
Your puppy’s first vet visit is very important. During this visit, the vet will perform a full physical check-up. They will look at the puppy’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and coat. The vet will also check for any birth defects or issues.
It’s important to bring any health records you have, including breeder or shelter records. Make sure to ask the vet about the best diet for your puppy. Discuss the need for flea and tick prevention and ask about safe products.
Taking notes during the visit helps you remember key advice. Schedule a follow-up appointment before you leave. Regular check-ups are important for catching issues early.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccines are vital to protect your puppy from diseases. Your vet will set up a vaccine schedule. Puppies usually get vaccines at 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks. Starting early helps build strong immunity.
Key vaccinations include parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Each protects against serious diseases that can be deadly. Follow the schedule your vet gives you to avoid missing any doses.
Keep a record of all vaccinations. This will be useful for boarding, training classes, and travel. Vaccinations are a crucial part of keeping your puppy healthy.
Common Puppy Health Issues
Puppies can face several common health issues. One of the most frequent is diarrhea. This can be caused by dietary changes, parasites, or stress. Ensure they are drinking water and consult your vet if it persists.
Another issue is worms. Worms can cause weight loss, poor coat condition, and a bloated belly. Regular deworming helps keep your puppy free of these parasites.
Watch out for signs of Kennel Cough. It’s a contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Your vet can provide guidance on prevention and treatment.
Being aware of these health issues can help you act quickly and keep your puppy on the path to a healthy life.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
