There are little things more exciting than bringing home a puppy. To keep that excitement from quickly getting ruined, we put together a handy list of essential items that make the first few days, months, and years so much easier on both you and your new fur nugget.

1. Collar

One of the first things you’ll want, potentially even before getting your dog, is a collar for them. Important things to look for in a dog collar is one that fits, has a durable D-ring for leash attachment, a quick-release safety clasp, and a loop to attach dog tags.

2. Leash & Accessories

To go along with the collar you just got your dog, you’ll want to pick up a leash for them as well. In all likelihood, you’ll want several leashes, including a basic sturdy one, one to buckle into a car seat, and potentially a retractable one. Sweaters or rain jackets maybe needed depending on climate and also dog boots to protect from the elements of cold or heat

3. Feeding Syringes

For young puppies and animals finding it difficult to eat solid food, a feeding syringe is a literal lifesaver. Innovet Pet’s Feeding Syringe features a wonder silicone soft tip for gentle feedings and a twist dial for precision dosages so you don’t accidentally feed too much too fast.

4. Crate or Kennel

Dog experts are nearly in unison in their praise for crate training. Not only can it keep your dog out of trouble, but it’s also an excellent training tool, and can help reduce separation anxiety. As a work-from-home writer, I found the crate to be incredibly helpful in teaching my puppy independence.

5. Bedding

Whether you decide to let your dog sleep on your bed or not, you’ll still want to get them a plush, comfortable bed. For the dogs that like chewing their bed or turning it into a toy, you can check out elevated dog beds known for their incredible airflow and orthopedic support of the entire body.

6. Ear Cleaners

Not only do they smell bad, but dirty ears can also cause your dog a lot of discomfort. Long and floppy ears are especially good at trapping in dirt and moisture too, increasing the risk for bacterial infections. This is why always having an ear cleaner like PurOtic in your dog’s first aid kit is a great idea.

7. Tear Stain Remover

If you have a white or lightly-colored dog, you’re probably wondering if you can get rid of those red tear stains that muck up your pup’s face. Fortunately, with items like PurEyes, you can. If tear stains persist, make sure to ask your veterinarian to check them out for an underlying issue.

8. Dog-Friendly Shampoo

Getting your pup a dog-friendly shampoo is a must. Not only are they designed to better eliminate foul doggy owners, but they are also pH-balanced, making them significantly more gentle on the skin vs. people shampoos, which are formulated for our more acidic skin.

9. Grooming Supplies

A good brush not only saves your clothes from dog hair, but it’s also a lifesaver for your vacuum. There are a lot of excellent brushes out there, but without a doubt, the most popular is the FURminator. Designed to gently remove the loose undercoat, a FURminator or a similarly designed brush is near essential for many breeds.

10. CBD Oil

CBD oil has quickly gone from a rare-almost-impossible-to-get-your-hands-on item to the big aid everyone from your veterinarian to your pet walker recommends. With its ability to help with common issues, from reducing excessive anxiety to mobility support, CBD offers a valuable tool to many dogs and their owners around the world.

11. Food

Both dry kibble and wet canned food are excellent options for feeding our dogs.

Right away, the first thing to always look for is food formulated for their life stage and breed size. After that, you should look for the statement “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.”

Last, consider signing up with a dog food advisory website that will email you about food recalls.

12. Food Storage Container

Getting an airtight storage container for your dog’s food is highly recommended. Besides helping the food stay fresh longer, it greatly cuts down on attracting an array of insects that love to eat dog food.

13. Toys

If your dog is a big chewer and loves destroying their toys, look for brands that specialize in indestructible toys like Kong. Kong toys usually have a hole in the middle that lets you hide treats like peanut butter, great for when you need your pup to keep themselves busy.

14. Pooh Bags

Number 2s are unavoidable, but we don’t have to pollute Mother Earth when disposing of them. That’s why eco-friendly pooh bags are a dog owner's new best friend. Now, you’ll want to be careful when buying eco-friendly pooh bags because many aren’t durable, so make sure to look for ones with good reviews.

15. Treats

Move over old-fashioned dog treats, with treats like CBD chews designed to reward your dog's taste buds and wellness, the item once seen as bad for your dog’s health suddenly becomes great for it.

16. ID tags & Microchip

Having identification on your dog, whether in the form of dog tags or on an implanted microchip, isn’t just important in case they get lost, as they are required in some places.

Remember to update the information on your dog’s microchip if you move or change phone numbers. As well, feel free to ask your vet to check to make sure it’s still working every couple of years or so.

17. Flea & Tick & Heartworms

There are an array of parasites that we need to protect our dogs from, thankfully we have an array of options. First up, a heartworm preventive like Heartgard is essential which you can usually get at your vet. Then, for help with fleas and ticks, there are products like Frontline that you can commonly find in grocery stores.

18. Stain & Odor Remover

If you’re looking to keep your carpet and floor in pristine condition, a dog is not for you. But if you’re just looking to keep them in the best conditions possible with a dog in the house, then a stain and odor remover is essential.

19. Camera

Whether it’s investing in a new phone with a better camera and bigger storage space or getting a pet cam like Furbo, in the future, you’re going to love looking back on your pup’s life in all their stages. Pet cameras are great because many can rotate 360 degrees and even release treats for your pet when you're out of the house.

20. Lint Roller

Ok, this one is definitely more for you than your fur nugget, but even when you keep up with frequent grooming, a lint roller is going to be a saving grace for your clothes.