Welcoming a dog into our home, whether through adoption, purchase, or because a family member left them with you, is an exciting and rewarding experience—but also a challenging one, as it comes with great responsibility. Before bringing your new furry friend home, it is crucial to have the basic supplies for adopting a dog. This will ensure their well-being and comfort. In this article, we will explore everything you need to adopt a dog and all the essentials to welcome them properly.
Basic Supplies for Adopting a Dog – Bed and Blankets
Remember that when a dog arrives in a new place, they tend to look for a quiet spot with minimal stress. That’s why choosing the right bed and blankets for your dog is essential to ensure their comfort and well-being. A comfortable and cozy bed is crucial for your dog to rest properly—this bed will be their throne and refuge, where they will spend their life. You can choose from the most popular types of beds, such as orthopedic beds or raised-edge beds for dogs that like to lean on something. Additionally, make sure to have soft blankets to keep them warm during cold seasons.
One of the Basic supplies for adopting a dog that I recommend is the orthopedic sofa bed for dogs. In addition to meeting all the previously mentioned requirements, it has great acceptance and high ratings on Amazon.
Orthopedic dog sofa bed
This ultra-comfortable velvet bed comes in all sizes for dogs. It is breathable and waterproof, with additional head support. It is easy to clean and has a non-slip base.
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- It is made of firm egg-crate foam to evenly distribute your dog’s weight and relieve all their joints and pressure points. The raised cushion provides back and neck support for your dog’s comfort.
- The pet plush features a soft velvet exterior with a quilted flannel top that will make your dog sink into deep relaxation. The non-slip bottom ensures the bed’s stability, giving your pet a secure and comfortable resting spot.
- WATERPROOF PROTECTION: A TPU liner protects the foam from accidents and spills.
- Easy Care: The zippered cover is easily removable for machine washing. This is a washable dog bed that will return to pristine condition even after countless washes. Note: Do not machine wash the foam insert.
- Dog-Friendly: A great alternative to the cold, hard floor, especially for puppies or senior pets that need extra comfort and support. The rectangular shape makes this a fabulous bed for large dogs who love to stretch out.
- Durable Use: An indestructible dog bed, made of extremely tough Oxford fabric to withstand daily wear and tear from your furry friend.
Best Friends by Sheri Pet Calming Plush Blanket
It is a luxurious and cozy plush blanket, recommended for all breeds and sizes. Reversible and lightweight, made of polyester, measuring 30 inches long x 40 inches wide and 1 inch thick.
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- Ultra-soft vegan fur designed to mimic a mother’s fur coat, helping your pets experience superior comfort and security. The lightweight plush blanket provides just the right amount of warmth.
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- This versatile blanket will help protect your furniture, floors, car seats, and other surfaces. It also serves as a cover for pet cages.
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- The soft, neutral colors allow this accessory to blend aesthetically with any home decor.
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- It is machine washable and dryer safe. Wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. To prevent the fur from matting, it’s important to wash the blanket alone and thoroughly dry it in the dryer after washing. DO NOT air dry. (Washing the blanket with other laundry may cause friction and rubbing, leading to shedding and stiffening).
Basic Supplies for Adopting a Dog – Feeder and waterer
The food and water bowls are among the fundamental essentials when adopting a dog. Choosing the right accessories ensures the health and well-being of our furry friends.
Selecting the best food and water bowls based on durability is crucial. Also, consider the materials, size, and height of the bowls according to your dog’s breed and size to ensure they can comfortably access their food and water.
Below, I present some of the most popular and high-quality accessories of this type available on the market.
Stainless Steel Elevated Dog Food Bowls.
Ideal Food and Water Bowl – Made of high-quality material, this feeder is perfect for your pet. Elevating the bowl to a proper height plays a crucial role in digestion and maintaining an ideal posture, helping to prevent bone diseases.
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- Brand: Niubya
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- Adjustable Stand with Five Heights (from 3.15 to 12.2 inches): Helps eliminate the need for dogs to bend down while eating, reducing strain on their neck and back. Allows you to find the most comfortable feeding position for your pet.
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- Includes Two Stainless Steel Bowls: Comes with a total of two stainless steel bowls, making it easy to swap them out. Each bowl measures 2.36 x 9 inches, perfect for dry kibble, wet food, treats, or water. They are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
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- Non-Slip & Easy-to-Use Stand: Keeps the feeder stable and prevents slipping, protecting your floors as well. Features a noise-free rubber edge for a peaceful mealtime. After use, simply fold and store the legs at the push of a button.
Basic Supplies for Adopting a Dog – Quality Food
Research and choose high-quality foods that meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Consult a veterinarian or a canine nutrition specialist to determine the most suitable diet based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Here are some of the most popular options on the market, known for their ingredients that make them highly nutritious and healthy for your dog.
Puppy
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue – Natural Dry Food for Puppies.
- Contains DHA and ARA, essential fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health.
- Includes LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your puppy’s healthy immune system.
- Flavor: Chicken and Brown Rice.
Adult
- It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in the delicious chicken flavor that dogs love.
- It includes omega-6 fatty acids to help nourish your dog’s skin and coat.
- Flavor: Roasted Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Flavor.
Senior Adult
- Supports Hips, Immune System, Coat, and Joints.
- Key Ingredients: Deboned chicken, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, chicken meal, peas, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and mobility.
Just like these carefully selected dog food options ☝☝ for your pet’s well-being, you can explore other dog food choices on Amazon or check out the best dog food options here.
Basic Supplies for Adopting a Dog – Toys and Training Elements
Toys are essential to keeping your dog active and mentally stimulated. Make sure to have a variety of safe toys, such as balls, chew toys, and interactive toys that encourage play and exercise. The goal is not to have many toys but to choose the right ones that meet your dog’s specific needs—whether for large breed dog types, small breeds or strong chewers.
Here are three toys that you’ll find are truly worth having.
Kong Classic Toys
The Kong Classic has been a popular choice because it satisfies dogs’ natural instincts and promotes healthy mental stimulation. Its hollow design allows it to be filled with treats, such as peanut butter or small food pieces, encouraging interactive play and problem-solving skills.
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- It serves as an interactive toy, a fetch toy, and a chew toy due to its great durability.
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- Made with durable natural rubber.
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- It has a hollow design that can be filled with treats to prolong playtime.
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- Suitable for dogs of all ages and chewing levels.
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- Helps relieve separation anxiety and reduce stress.
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- Stimulates physical and mental activity by promoting exercise and encouraging dogs to chase, chew, and search for treats inside the toy.
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- Improves oral hygiene.
Benebone Flavored Wishbone toy
The Benebone Flavored Wishbone is a durable and flavored toy, featuring a chicken flavor designed to satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instinct. Its “wishbone” shape provides multiple gripping points for easy handling and chewing.
Features:
- With ridges and grooves designed to clean teeth and massage gums, it promotes your dog’s dental health while they play.
- Infused with authentic flavors like chicken, bacon, and more, this toy attracts and keeps your dog’s interest during playtime.
- Made with extra-durable nylon to withstand even the most vigorous play sessions.
- This toy helps satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instinct, reducing unwanted behaviors like furniture destruction.
Chuckit toy! Ultra Fetch Stick
The Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick is a throwing stick designed to provide hours of interactive fun both on land and in water. Made with durable, floating material, this stick is perfect for vigorous fetch games, offering an exciting play experience for you and your pet.
Features
- Made with durable, high-quality material to withstand biting and vigorous play.
- Floats on water, making it a perfect option for fetch games at the beach or lake.
- The bright color of the stick makes it easy to locate both on land and in water.
- Promotes physical exercise and active play, helping to keep your dog healthy and fit.
- The act of fetching and retrieving the stick provides mental stimulation and satisfaction for your dog, keeping them engaged and entertained.
- Interactive play with the Ultra Fetch Stick strengthens the bond between you and your pet, offering moments of fun and connection.
Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick. Outdoor Dog Toy, 12 Inch, for All Breed Sizes
Leash and Collar or Harness.
One of the basic supplies for adopting a dog is a sturdy leash, collar, or suitable harness. Make sure to research the advantages and disadvantages of a collar or harness. Look for the correct and comfortable size for your dog, and ensure the leash is strong enough to control them during walks. Soon, take a look at the two safest and best-selling harness and collar options. You can choose the one that suits you best.
Rabbitgoo Chest Harness
Harnesses distribute the pressure around the dog’s body, rather than focusing solely on the neck as a collar would. This can be especially helpful for gaining better control over your pet and reducing pressure on the neck, preventing potential health issues in that area.
Features
- Available in various sizes to fit most dogs and a variety of colors for your selection.
- Specially designed with 2 metal leash rings for safer walks. Use the chest clip to prevent your dog from pulling while walking, making it perfect for training dogs that tend to pull. The back clip is ideal for casual walks, running, hiking, etc.
- Easy to put on and take off with its 2 quick-release buckles. Lightweight and easy to clean.
- Fully adjustable with 4 easy-adjust straps around the body.
- Safe and comfortable. Made of durable Oxford nylon and padded with soft cushioning to protect your dog’s skin. Breathable mesh for outdoor activities. Super-bright reflective strips ensure a safe walk both day and night.
360º retractable dog leash
Dog leashes are essential to ensure safety, control, and compliance with regulations, as well as being valuable tools for training and preventing issues in various situations. That’s why it is crucial to choose the one that best fits you and your dog. This one 👇👇👇 is an excellent option.
Features
- Leash suitable for all sizes.
- Ergonomic design: The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip for the owner during walks.
- 16-foot retractable tape leash with easy adjustment; allows a full 360º rotation, providing freedom of movement and preventing tangles during walks.
- Durable material: Made with high-quality, durable materials like nylon, ensuring long-term use.
- Quick lock and release: Features a quick lock and release system to control the leash length as needed during the walk.
- Strong internal coil for consistent retraction.
Basic Supplies for Adopting a Dog – Hygiene and health products
Among the essential supplies for adopting a dog are the items that help maintain their health and well-being in optimal conditions. Among these products, poop bags and puppy pads play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and preventing health problems.
Dog poop bags
Dog waste bags, beyond being a requirement in many urban areas and parks, are an act of responsibility and respect towards the environment and the community. Properly collecting and disposing of our dogs’ waste not only helps keep our community clean but also prevents the spread of diseases and reduces environmental pollution. A great option for these bags is Earth Rated Bags.
Features
- 100% leak-proof construction, extra long and extra strong.
- Each individual bag measures 13 inches long x 9 inches wide.
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly: help reduce environmental impact.
- Easy to open and use: their design allows for quick access to each bag.
- Strong and durable: they don’t break easily, making them safe and reliable.
- Scented: to help control the odor of the waste.
- Suitable for dogs of all sizes.
Dog pads
Features
- Absorbent and durable, capable of holding up to 2 cups of liquid. Perfect for both puppies and adult dogs, these large pads ensure your home stays dry and clean.
- Each pad is designed with a leak-proof plastic liner and locking layers to effectively protect your floors and carpets.
- 22 x 22 inch packs ranging from 50 pads to 600.
- 6-layer construction offers enhanced protection.
Basic Supplies for Adopting a Dog – Carrier
One of the most important things to keep in mind when adopting a dog is a carrier or dog crate. Make sure to choose one that is large enough for your dog to feel comfortable and secure. These are essential tools for traveling safely and comfortably with our furry friends. Here, I’ll show you one that meets the essential requirements to satisfy your dog’s needs.
Amazon Basics rigid carrying cage
The Amazon Basics hard-sided pet travel crate is a reliable and secure solution for transporting pets, designed to provide comfort and safety during travel.
Features
- Two-Door Design: Allows for easy pet loading.
- Durable Material: Made of high-quality, sturdy plastic, the hard-sided travel crate provides protection and security for your pet during trips.
- Spring-Loaded Latch: Ensures smooth and easy opening.
- Top Door with Handle: Equipped with secure latches and can open to the left or right for added convenience.
- Optimal Ventilation: Features ventilation grilles on the sides, top, and back, ensuring proper airflow to keep your pet comfortable during transport.
- Ergonomic Handle: Includes a top ergonomic handle for easy and comfortable carrying by the owner.
Basic supplies for adopted dogs – Identification
Don’t forget to get an identification tag with your dog’s name and contact number in case they get lost. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary documentation, such as vaccination certificates and registration, according to local regulations.
There are many types and styles of ID tags for your dog. You can look for customizable tags on Amazon or at local pet stores. Here is one of the most popular options.
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Material & Size Guide
Materials: Made from real copper brass with a 14K gold-plated surface. 316L stainless steel—an industrial-grade material designed as a timeless commemorative badge, extremely durable with deep engraving.
Laser-engraved and hand-polished for a clear, permanent, and attractive finish.
Sizes:
- Extra Small: For puppies.
- Small: Suitable for dog breeds like Pug, Dachshund, Beagle, Chihuahua, etc.
- Medium: Ideal for breeds like Bulldog, Dalmatian, Boxer, German Shepherd, etc.
- Large: Perfect for breeds like Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, etc.
Handcrafted for a unique and authentic identification tag.
Puppy Starter Kit
There are many starter kits for dogs available in stores, which are often more affordable and include various useful tools that you may or may not use. For many people, they are an excellent option since they offer great value at an accessible price.
conclusions
By having these basic supplies ready, you’ll be prepared to welcome your new canine companion and provide them with a loving and safe home. Remember that every dog is unique, so adjust the supplies according to your furry friend’s specific needs. Enjoy this wonderful adventure of having a dog in your life!
