Have you decided to expand your family with a new member who wags their tail and jumps for joy every time you come home? Fantastic! We’ll help you put together a starter kit for your dog. Here are 10 things that should be on your shopping list:
A small bag of dog food
Large bags are risky – you can’t be sure your pet will like the food you’ve chosen. Pay attention to the ingredients. Good dog food contains at least 30% meat. Also remember the rule not to serve dry and wet food at the same time – a dog’s stomach digests them differently, and mixing them can do harm.
A collar or harness and a leash
Remember to match their size and type to your dog’s weight. Avoid retractable (flexi) leashes at first – a dog that uses one will struggle to learn to walk to heel.
A bed
For young dogs, it’s worth buying the cheapest one to start with, or simply laying out some old blankets or a duvet. Puppies tend to chew everything within reach of their teeth. It’s very likely that the first bed will simply get… eaten.
A kennel crate
That is, a crate for your dog. If it’s big enough, it will become a safe haven for your pet. It can also protect your home (especially with a puppy) from damage, and the animal itself from getting hurt (e.g. an electric shock from chewed-through cables).
Water and food bowls
Two separate ones, preferably metal, with a wide, stable, non-slip base. Ceramic bowls aren’t very safe – if broken, they can injure the dog – and plastic ones can be quickly destroyed by it.
A microchip and an ID tag
The ID tag should carry your pet’s name and your phone number. Although they’re essential, they’ll only help you find a runaway if someone catches it and wants to return it to its owner. That’s why it’s worth equipping your dog with…
A notiOne tracker
notiOne GPS PET is an extra safeguard that will help you find your dog if it runs away or – worse still – gets stolen. In the free app you can quickly check its current location and find out where you should be looking.
The device works using GPS and a built-in SIM card, so it performs well both in the city and on walks in the forest or trips out of town. Simply attach it to the collar or harness, and your pet will always be within your sight – with no subscription and simple operation.
The vet’s number
And the number of a 24-hour veterinary emergency service. In the event of a sudden health problem, there may be no time to search online for the right contact. Sometimes literally every minute counts.
Toys and chews
Especially for young dogs. Their eagerness to play and their physiological need to chew can end badly for your furniture, cushions and anything else they can get their teeth into. It’s worth investing in more expensive toys – they’re safer and more durable.
Treats
That is, small pieces of doggy goodies. Essential when raising a dog and teaching it new commands. They’ll serve as a reward for a job well done.
The number of more or less necessary dog gadgets could be multiplied endlessly. But the list we’ve presented is an absolute “must have” for every first-time dog owner.
