There are few things more exciting than welcoming a new dog into the family. As the big day gets closer you may be wondering “What do I need for a new dog?”. To make sure you have everything covered we’ve created this handy list of new dog essentials.

Dog essentials

Dog food

To ensure your dog is happy and healthy, it is essential that they’re fed a complete and balanced diet that is scientifically formulated for their age, breed, and lifestyle. Petbarn provides a wide range of wet food and dry food options for dogs.

When you first bring your new dog home, we recommend you feed them the food they’re used to. Once your dog is more settled, you can slowly transition to a new food if you want to feed something different. Speak to your local Petbarn expert or try our Dog Food Finder Tool to discover the right diet for your new dog.

Start our Dog Food Finder Tool

Start our Dog Food Finder Tool

Water and food bowls

Your dog is going to need food and water bowls to eat all that delicious food from and to stay hydrated. You may need an extra water bowl to keep outside as well.

For dog breeds like Labradors who are known to enjoy their food, anti-gulp bowls help slow down your dog’s lightning-fast eating habits.

Toys

Responsible pet care involves ensuring your dog isn’t overwhelmed by their new surroundings. Create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage good behaviour by providing your new dog with a range of toys that vary in shape, taste and texture. A great tip is to regularly rotate through the toys, so your dog never becomes bored of them.

Treats

Teach your dog good manners, train them in basic cues and strengthen your relationship by having some delicious and healthy dog treats on hand. If you want to keep your dog entertained for longer, try filling up a Kong toy with some small treats to create an interactive game.

Puppy school

All puppies aged 8-16 weeks old should be enrolled in Puppy School where they will be taught basic manners as well as vital socialisation and development skills. This fun and interactive dog training course will teach you how to interpret your puppy’s body language and is open to all members of your family including your kids.

For older dogs, ask your local Petbarn team members what advanced training classes are available in your area.

Enrol your puppy in Petbarn's Puppy School

Enrol your puppy in Petbarn's Puppy School

Kennels and bedding

Set aside a dedicated area in your house that is for your dog and place their bedding here. The type of bedding best suited to your dog will depend on elements including their size and coat. Your local Petbarn team members can give you personalised advice.

If you are planning to have your new dog sleep outside, you should also provide them with a kennel that will protect them from the elements.

Leashes, collars, harnesses and ID tag

When choosing the right dog collar, you want a two-finger gap between the collar and your dog’s neck. If your new dog has never walked on a lead before, a shorter one is better for training. A two-finger gap between your dog’s body and the harness ensures a nice snug fit.

Make sure that you also visit your local Petbarn to have an ID tag engraved with your dog’s name and your contact details in case they ever become lost. Don’t forget to update your new dog’s microchip details as backup.

Grooming products

In order to maintain your dog’s skin and coat health, you will need a range of dog grooming products including shampoo, conditioner, brushes, clippers and more. If you need a safe and secure area to wash your dog, try Petbarn’s DIY Dog Wash units which are conveniently located in many of our stores.

To have your dog looking and feeling their absolute best, take them into a Petbarn Grooming salon for a professional groom and style.

Petbarn dog grooming

Petbarn dog grooming

Clean up control

If you’ve just welcomed home a new puppy, chances are they’re not toilet trained, and even adult dogs can sometimes have accidents. Keep your house spotless by having cleaning items on hand, including stain and odour control sprays.

When going for walks around the neighbourhood, you also want to be prepared with a supply of waste-disposal bags.

Flea, tick and worming treatment

It’s essential for your dog’s health that you protect them from the parasites in your area all year round. Use our Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finders to understand which combination of flea, tick and worm control products will offer your unique pet the best protection.

Before you bring your new dog home, make sure you know which product they were treated with last and when they’re due for their next dose.

Try our Dog Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finder

Try our Dog Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finder

Dental care

Approximately 80-85% of dogs over 3 years of age have some form of dental disease. Help your dog avoid this unnecessary discomfort and the subsequent vet procedure by establishing a dental care routine.

Brush your dog’s teeth daily with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, and provide them with dental treats that will help to clean plaque off their teeth as they chew.

Paperwork

Paperwork may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking of dog essentials, but it’s extremely important.

As soon as possible after you welcome your new dog home, make sure they are properly registered with your local council, you’ve updated their microchip with your contact details, and you’ve been provided with vaccination records so you know when they’re next due.

Transport essentials

When the big day comes for you to bring your new dog home, make sure you know how to safely travel with a dog in your car. Depending on the size of your new dog, be prepared with a travel crate or a dog car harness, and of course lots of cuddles to make them feel welcome.

Local veterinarian

All dogs should receive a general health checkup twice a year to monitor their health and for the early detection of diseases. Find out where your local Greencross Vets is located and introduce your new dog to the team.

While you’re there, sign your new dog up for a preventative wellness program like Healthy Pets Plus. A Healthy Pets Plus membership allows you to take a proactive approach to your dog’s health, with benefits including unlimited free consults at Greencross Vets, access to WebVet, free vaccines and annual health testing, exclusive discounts and more!

Now’s also the time to take note of your closest emergency veterinary hospital so you know where to go if your dog ever needs emergency care.

Find your local vet.

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Pet Insurance

For peace of mind that you will be able to provide your dog with veterinary treatment when the unexpected happens, consider pet insurance.

Need help getting ready for your new dog?

Your local Petbarn has all the dog essentials you’ll need to get ready for bringing your new dog home. Don’t hesitate to ask our friendly team members for any help and advice on the right items for your special pet.