New Dog Owner? Be Sure to Pick up Some Great Pet Products
As a new dog owner you will need to pick up some basic dog supplies that every dog owner should have on hand from day one. Some things are optional and some are necessary. Once you have had your new dog for a few days you will have a pretty good idea of the types of things you will need to have such as a collar, leash, kibble and grooming tools.
Some of the basic pet products you will need are things that will make your dog feel at home and comfortable. It is always a good idea to pick up a high quality dog bed that will support your dog’s joints well. The bed will be more and more important as your dog grows older so be sure to buy a good one. It should be large enough for your dog to stretch out completely so if you have a puppy, buy a bed that he will grow into.
Split and broken nails can become painful to a dog. This means that you will need to keep your dog’s nails trimmed on a regular basis. You can find dog nail trimmers at nearly every pet supply store which will make it easy to keep the nails short. Most dog owners prefer the guillotine-style trimmers that look like pliers.
You will need to brush your dog several times a week to keep his coat clean and clear. Therefore one of the most essential dog supplies you can own is high quality grooming brush. There are many types of brushes on the market. Buy a wire brush if your dog has medium to long hair or a curly coat. Bristle brushes are ideal for dogs with short hair. Spending several dollars on a high quality brush is a good investment because a good brush should last for years.
Another pet supply item you will need to buy is a food and water bowl set. Ceramic bowls are ideal for dogs as they are heavy and tend to stay in place when dogs are drinking and eating. You could, if you want to, go high-tech and buy a water fountain or a special elevated bowl set for a big dog. Many pet supply stores even offer to monogram dog food and water bowls so look around and find something to your liking.
An absolute essential item for your new dog is a tagged collar. If he should happen to get away from you or wander out of the yard you will want to be sure that he is wearing a collar with ID tags. These tags come in all sizes, shapes and colors and are usually monogrammed with your dog’s name and your phone number by the store you make the purchase at.
Dogs love to chew and if you do not provide your dog with a few chew toys, he will inevitably select something inside your home to chew on such as your favorite pair of shoes or a table leg. Chew toys not only entertain your dog but they also help to get remove plaque on his teeth. Be sure that the chew toys you buy are durable. Avoid the cowhide type of chew toys – especially with a puppy because pieces can be torn off and become lodged in his throat. Again, the average pet supply store carries dozens of choices here so have a look around and ask the sales personnel for some recommendations.
Author: michaelstorms
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