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Bringing home a new puppy can be as exciting as bringing home a new baby. And for those who treat pets as members of the family, the emotion could not be any better. So just like preparing for the baby's arrival, you need to have things ready for your new puppy.
Puppy Cage - Many think that caging the puppy is cruel. The truth is cages protect puppies from hurting itself and save the house furniture when it is free to roam around the house. Still, you have the final call whether or not to place your puppy inside a cage. A pet bed can be an alternative but note that puppies like to chew so you might be investing in something that will surely get torn apart. Puppy food- Depending on the breed, your puppy can stay on this food for up to 18 months. Take note that you should not prematurely shift from puppy food to adult dog food. This is because adult dog foods have relatively higher nutrition content than puppy foods and these high nutrition levels can cause some bone abnormalities and kidney disease. Puppy Toys- Toys that are made from rope, latex, fleece, vinyl and rubber will keep your puppy busy. Puppy Grooming tools- Finger brush, toothbrush, ear cleaner, nail clippers, and brushes should be purchased as soon as the puppy arrives. Medium to long coated breeds need slickers. With its curved pins, slickers effectively remove loose, dead fur and prevent matting or tangling. Short haired breeds need rubber brushes or gloves. These remove loose fur and diffuse the natural oils from the coat. Shampoo and Conditioner- Just like babies, a puppy needs a milder shampoo for its young skin. Do not use human shampoo as it can cause irritation. Bathing the puppy too often will remove natural oil from the coat, which causes dryness. Dog bowls- Preferably they should be stainless or ceramic. These types can be easily cleaned and sterilized. Plastic bowls can cause a dog's nose to turn pink. Puppy Collar and leash- Prefer an inexpensive one on your initial purchase. A dog's neck grows quicker than you think. Be prepared to buy a few collars. Stain and odor remover- Vinegars and bleach are known to remove dog stain and odor but they are not enough. There are special dog stain and odor removers that effectively neutralize the odor and not just mask it. Breed-specific puppy care book- This is a must whether you are an expert dog owner or not.
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