Recommended Basics

These items below are recommended as part of a basic starting point for caring for your puppy.   Your puppy has been fed a high quality food, and we highly recommend keeping your puppy on this food for the first few weeks after they join your home.  This will provide them consistency without stress on their system during an already stressful time.

For PawTree products, set up at least three of the items on auto-ship and you will receive free shipping. You can change the auto-ship later at any point. PawTree items are noted with a P after them. 

PUPPY or DOG FOOD – Your puppy will have been fed PawTree Turkey & Sweet Potato food . 

STAINLESS STEEL FOOD & WATER DISHES

APPROPRIATE SIZE WIRE CRATE W/DIVIDER – We prefer MidWest crates and recommend 36″ or 42″ long 

SHERPA CRATE PAD

IRIS 8 PANEL EXERCISE PEN  – Great all around containment pen. Lightweight. Easy to set up and move.

LUPINE ADJUSTABLE COLLAR & 4′ LEAD – Lupine has a lifetime guarantee, even if chewed!  Send in for easy replacement, no questions asked!  https://www.lupinepet.com/

DOG WASTE BAGS 

POTTY TRAINING PADS

TRAINING TREATS – Break into tiny pieces when training.

NYLABONE & KONG TOYS

CHEW TOYS W/SQUEAKERS

BULLY STICKS –  Great chew for puppies and dogs. 

GRANNICK’S BITTER APPLE SPRAY

EAR CLEANER – P Use the liquid cleaner and then follow up with an ear powder to dry out the ear canal. We love this cleaning solution and powder set. 

NAIL CLIPPERS or DREMEL – We prefer the clippers with safe guards, and Dremel tool is fabulous for those who are afraid to clip nails.

STYPTIC POWDER – Highly recommend for when you accidentally clip the nails too short and end up with bleeding.

BLUNT TIPPED GROOMING SCISSORS – We like Dubl Duck brand.  Very useful for trimming between the eyes without harming your dog.

PIN BRUSH & SLICKER BRUSH

STAIN/ODOR SPRAY & URINE ELIMINATOR – P   Stain & Odor     Urine Eliminator

SHAMPOO – P  2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner

DEODORIZING MIST SPRAY – P Coconut & Aloe Spray

FLEA & TICK PRODUCTS – DO NOT use Comfortis, Trifexis, Bravecto, or other flea products using the same main ingredients as these.  Serious side affects and death have been attributed to the use of these products. We recommend utilizing as many natural flea products as possible, and sticking with chemical products such as Revolution, when necessary. We recommend this natural FLEA & TICK SPRAY. P
For our full sheet on natural flea care:   FleasAndFleaTreatment

RICHELL DOG GATES (Best dog gates out there with many options available.)  https://www.richellusa.com/catalog/pet-dog-kennels-crates-gates-catalog/gates/

KARUNDA DOG BED (Raised flat platform dog bed.  Last forever and are excellent for outdoor use.)  https://kuranda.com/

Nutrition, Supplements, Natural Care

These are the supplements, training treats, and natural health care products we recommend. 

NuVet To support a healthy immune system and promote healthy coat and skin, good energy, and to assist in joint mobility for senior dogs especially. Give daily. If you set up auto-ship, they provide a pretty good price break.

 

PROBIOTIC  – P Add daily to diet for a healthy immune system and healthy gut. Extremely important to promote good gut health for dogs being given antibiotics. We use and recommend this probiotic.

OMEGA 3 FISH OIL – P All the important omega’s for healthy skin and coat. We use and recommend this fish oil.

COLOSTRUM POWDER – Canine colostrum powder is very beneficial for any time your dog is undergoing stress, or may be dealing with immune issues such allergies, illness, etc.

ALLERGY SUPPORT – P Wonderful product to help support the dog dealing with itchy skins, redness, hot spots, food or seasonal allergies. PawTree Allergy Support

CHILLAX – P Helps to relieve stress and anxiety from thunderstorms, car rides, and more!  Fabulous supplement to aid in calming a nervous or anxious dog. CHILLAX from PawTree is incredible!

DIGGIN’ FIRM UP! PUMPKIN – When stools are loose for any reason, and especially when on antibiotics, add dried pumpkin to the daily diet. 

SAFE-GUARD DEWORMER – Use to treat monthly for tapeworms and whipworms. 

NEMEX-2 – Use as needed to treat for roundworms and hookworms.

Recommended Reading

The first two books are the ones we recommend that every family read before adopting a puppy, or if you already have a dog and are having some issues they are invaluable as well.  The remainder of the books deal with specific training or behaviors and are excellent resources as you work on raising and training your puppy.  For basic home health care and first aid, we have recommended several books that are on our own bookshelf for frequent use.

THE PRACTICAL PUPPY BOOTCAMP by Jordan Wade (available on Amazon)

THE DOG LISTENER by Jan Fennell

THE LEADER OF THE PACK booklet by Patricia McConnell

THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH by Patricia McConnell

I’LL BE HOME SOON by Patricia McConnell (booklet geared towards separation anxiety)

THE CAUTIOUS CANINE by Patricia McConnell (booklet dealing with a cautious dog)

THE FIRST AID COMPANION FOR DOGS & CATS by Amy Shojai