Food
- Primary Food: Start by feeding your dog the food it’s used to, then slowly switch to a grainfree option.
- Treats or biscuits shouldn’t have sugar, corn syrup, or cane syrup.
- Edible bones: Avoid real bones with sharp edges; choose digestible ones designed for dogs.
- Collar: A flat buckle collar is the safest. Quickrelease collars can prevent accidental strangulation. If you use an adjustable or chain collar, watch carefully. Sometimes collars can snag on wire fences.
- Leash: A leather or harness leash is easier to grip than a slippery nylon leash, especially when your dog pulls.
- Harness or head halter: Good for dogs that pull a lot or dislike pressure on their neck.
- Car safety belt or other restraints: Keep the dog secure in the car for safety. Simply riding unrestrained in a pickup bed is illegal.
- ID tag: All collars should have permanent ID information.
- Microchip: A tiny chip implanted under the shoulder helps any vet or shelter identify your dog if lost.
- Dog license: A legal requirement, with rabies vaccination as a condition.
- Muzzle: Needed if your dog is aggressive, or if someone might handle your dog when it’s hurt.
- Cone collar (Elizabethan collar): Prevents licking or biting wounds.
- Chew toys: They help prevent chewing on shoes or furniture, but watch for large chunks your dog might swallow.
- Fresh water: If the dog stays outside, attach a big enough water source so they always have clean water.
- Food and water bowls: Stainless steel bowls are best to reduce bacteria growth.
Collar & Leash
- Collar: A flat buckle collar is the safest. Quickrelease collars can prevent accidental strangulation. If you use an adjustable or chain collar, watch carefully. Sometimes collars can snag on wire fences.
- Leash: A leather or harness leash is easier to grip than a slippery nylon leash, especially when your dog pulls.
- Harness or head halter: Good for dogs that pull a lot or dislike pressure on their neck.
- Car safety belt or other restraints: Keep the dog secure in the car for safety. Simply riding unrestrained in a pickup bed is illegal.
- ID tag: All collars should have permanent ID information.
- Microchip: A tiny chip implanted under the shoulder helps any vet or shelter identify your dog if lost.
- Dog license: A legal requirement, with rabies vaccination as a condition.
- Muzzle: Needed if your dog is aggressive, or if someone might handle your dog when it’s hurt.
- Cone collar (Elizabethan collar): Prevents licking or biting wounds.
Grooming Tools
- Dog shampoo: Human shampoo is too harsh for dogs.
- Nail care: Use nail trimmers made for dogs, manual or electric.
- Ear cleaning: Dogs often get ear infections, so regular cleaning is key.
- Brush: Soft for shorthaired breeds, stiffer for longhaired breeds.
- Toothbrush and dog toothpaste: Smaller dogs can lose teeth easily if not cleaned. Finger toothbrushes work great, and dogfriendly toothpaste often tastes like peanut butter or liver.
- Chemical treatments for potty areas: Dogs like to potty where they smell their own urine.
- First aid items: Disinfectant, ointment, antidiarrheal, antihistamines.
- Biodegradable bags: Dispose of waste responsibly.
- Trash bin: Keep a scoop and container for waste.
Bed and Doghouse
- Doghouse: Make sure it’s big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around freely.
- Bedding: Place soft, clean beds in several rooms.
- Playpen: Offers more room than a doghouse and lets your dog move around safely.
Training Tools
- Bitter spray: Spraying it on items discourages chewing.
- Raised platform: Give your dog a small, elevated spot.
- Toys: Offer chew toys, foodscented toys, items to tear up, and tug toys.
