So, your family  just got a new puppy. You’ve finally found the perfect best friend, but what now? What do you  need to keep your new friend safe and healthy? Here’s a list of the 15 best puppy essentials.

1. A puppy pen or a play pen. To keep your new puppy out of danger while you are away.

2. A collar-WITH tags. Incase your pup runs off, he can find his way home.

3. Chew Toys. Not just to save your shoes, but to keep your dog entertained, and out of trouble. Note: the best toys are the ones that don’t have eyes or anything that can be chewed off and choked on! AND, just like babies chew on hard toys, puppies like hard plastic toys too, Kongs Toys are popular.

4. Food and water bowls. If you have other pets, make sure to train your puppy to only eat out of his bowl. It’s best to keep the food in a tub or a container, to keep your young pup from getting into the bag. ALSO, keep the water clean. You wouldn’t want to drink dirty water, neither does your best friend.

5. Hair Brush. People need grooming, and so do dogs. If you have a long haired pet, you want to make sure to keep the fur untangled. There are brushes for every type of pet hair, so make sure to find the right one.

6. A Leash. Your pup  loves to go on walks, and also, most public parks require dogs on a leash. He may not like being leashed, but it is possible to train them. A leash will keep your pup in sight and out of trouble with bigger dogs.

7. Healthy pet food. Most Vets will have a recomended diet for your new puppy’s health. Make sure to stay away from any by-products!

8. Healthy puppy snacks. To reward him/her when your puppy is in training, and sometimes just as a treat. Same as the pet food, stay away from by-products. Corn, Wheat and Soy are some of the best.

9. A good Vet! Find a good vet that you AND your pet trusts. A good way to find a good vet is to ask your friends with pets.

10. A name. You want to make sure your pet has a good name, and train them to come to that name. You don’t want a confused puppy!

11. A toothbrush. Like it or not, dogs need their teeth brushed too. Not as often as people, but enough to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Talk to your vet to find the right toothpaste and brush for your pup.

12. Cleaning Supplies. I know you won’t want to hear this, but they don’t usually come potty trained. You want to find a good carpet cleaner if you have carpet! Most popular cleaning brands make a pet stain cleaning product.

13. You might want to get a puppy bed. When your pet gets older, it may  be hard for them to sleep on the floor.

14. A good dog sitter. You can’t always take your pup with you when you leave town. Most Dog groomers also have boarding, and also Vet Clinics usually have boarding.

15. Find parks that allow dogs. Your pup neeeds excersise!

By Kelsey Ray