New Puppy Checklist

 

DID YOU KNOW?


  1. -Puppies are born blind, deaf and toothless

  2. -During the first week of life, 90% of a puppy’s time is spent sleeping while the other 10% is spent eating

  3. -At the age of 3 weeks, a puppy will start to develop its sense of smell

  4. -A puppy sleeps on average 14 hours a day


 

  1. 1.HEALTHY FOOD – This is probably the most important decision you will make for your new puppy! Whether you choose raw, kibble, canned, or a variety of them all, ensure that you find a good puppy food that has meat as the first ingredient and does not contain inferior ingredients such as by-products, corn, wheat & soy.

  2. 2.MULTI-VITAMIN AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID OILS – When accompanied with a healthy diet, a daily multi-vitamin can be beneficial to help prevent disease and increase life span. Essential Fatty Acids are great for maintaining skin and coat health too!

  3. 3.BRUSH AND NAIL CLIPPERS - Be sure to introduce brushing and nail clipping into your puppy’s routine as soon as possible. This way, puppy will accept that grooming is a part of life!

  4. 4.COLLAR, HARNESS, AND LEASH – A nylon or cotton flat, buckle collar that adjusts to “grow” with your pup is usually a good choice for your pups first collar. Make sure to get your pup a name
    tag too!  A 6 foot leash (nylon or cotton) will work.

  5. 5.PUPPY SHAMPOO – Be sure to find a brand that is hypoallergenic and will not affect the puppy’s natural PH balance.

  6. 6.SOFT TOYS – Stuffed toys are great to squeak and play with during the day but they are also great to cuddle with during the night.

  7. 7.EAR CLEANSER OR WIPES – An ear cleaner with natural antibacterial properties is ideal for ear health.

  8. 8.DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS – It is important to take the time and brush puppy’s teeth with a toothbrush and “doggie” toothpaste, however, there are several natural alternatives such as gels and foams that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup. Start proper dental hygiene early! This will be a blessing later on in life when doggie has to get teeth removed at the expensive vet due to poor teeth and gums.

  9. 9.TREAT DISPENSING TOYS – Try stuffing a treat dispensing treat with cottage cheese and freezing it for a treat that will keep your pup busy and provide them with healthy probiotics too! These make great crate toys!

  10. 10.BONES & CHEWS – Puppies love to chew! So providing raw bones to your puppy a couple times a week will help prevent tartar, soothes his gums while teething, and helps your puppy exhaust their need to chew. Bully sticks and tendons work great too! Chews should always be enjoyed under your direct supervision and be sure to take the chew/bone away once it gets small enough to swallow whole.

  11. 11.NATURAL STAIN REMOVER – Make sure to have a good cleaner on hand when your pup has an “accident”.  Natural stain removers will help to remove all the smell so the puppy is less likely to return to that spot to “go”.

  12. 12.CHEW DETERRENT – Chew deterrent spray tastes bad and can be used on many inappropriate chewing surfaces such as furniture, shoes, etc.

  13. 13.POOP BAGS – Be environmentally conscious and try a biodegradable bag. Be sure to clean up your pup’s poop wherever you go!

  14. 14.PUPPY PADS – Puppy pads will be very helpful in potty training your puppy. They are very absorbent and are infused with a scent that will attract your puppy to them.

  15. 15.TRAINING TREATS – Soft and meaty treats work best for training.

  16. 16.TREAT BAG – Help keep your pockets clean with a handy, clip-on treat bag!

  17. 17.COMFY BED – Puppies sleep a lot so a warm place to curl up is very important! Don’t forget one for the crate too!

  18. 18.FOOD AND WATER DISHES – Stainless steel bowls are easiest to keep clean as they do not harbour the bacteria that many plastic bowls can.

  19. 19.CRATE – Crates are a very helpful tool to house train your puppy. They also keep him out of harms way while you are away from home.