Preparing for your puppy’s arrival
Getting ready for your puppy
There’s lots of things to do before you pick up your puppy to make sure that you’re ready for their arrival. As well as buying important equipment for them, it’s vital to make appropriate preparations at home too. Key things to consider are:
How to puppy-proof your home
Puppies are curious and love to explore, so it’s important you make sure that your home is safe and secure before picking up your new pet. Here’s our checklist to help you prepare your home for your puppy.
1. Toxic house plants
Many common house plants are very dangerous for dogs and puppies, including, lilies, aloe vera, ivy, dieffenbachia, caladium, pothos, zamioculcas and cyclamen. It’s best to either keep all house plants away from your puppy, or double check to make sure yours don’t pose a threat for them.
2. Dangerous substances
Store chemicals, cleaning products, medicines and other toxic substances out of reach, or use child locks on your cupboards if needed. E-cigarette refills and windshield washer fluid are known to be particularly harmful for dogs.
3. Hazards
Puppies can easily fall or get stuck while they’re exploring. To keep them safe, use stair gates, keep windows and external doors closed, and secure any balconies. Also make sure that there are no spaces they can squeeze into and get stuck in.
4. Electrical cables and sockets
Electrical cables are very tempting for puppies to chew on and they can also get tangled in them. Hide yours away by using cable ties or covers, and also shield plug sockets with covers.
5. Small objects
Puppies like to explore things with their mouths, so put away any small items they could chew or swallow. This includes children’s toys, thumbtacks, plastic bags and rubber bands. Also hide anything else you don’t want your puppy to chew, such as your shoes.
How to puppy-proof your backyard
Your puppy will enjoy spending time outdoors, so you’ll need to make sure your backyard's safe for them to explore too. Here are some important things to consider.
1. Fencing and gates
Before your puppy arrives, make sure that there are no gaps in your backyard fencing or gates. Also check that there are no areas where your puppy could dig under or climb over to escape.
2. Toxic garden plants
As with house plants, there’s a long list of outdoor plants that are poisonous to dogs. They include ficus, holly, mistletoe, philodendron, narcissus, hyacinth, iris, azalea, rhododendron, oleander, poinsettia and sweet pea. If you have poisonous plants in your garden, you’ll need to watch your puppy to make sure they stay away from them.
3. Tools and small objects
As with indoor puppy-proofing, remove small objects from your backyard that puppies could swallow or choke on. And lock away your garden tools, especially those that are sharp.
4. Dangerous substances
Store all garden chemicals, such as fertilizers, insecticides, paints and solvents, away from your puppy’s reach in a locked area.
Things you'll need for your puppy
Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have everything you need to care for them and help them settle into their new home. Here are the essentials.
Choose the right puppy food
Having the right diet is crucial for a puppy’s health, growth and development. At each stage, they need specific nutrients in precise quantities according to their breed size. So we recommend selecting a high-quality puppy food based on your puppy’s age and expected adult size.
How to switch to new puppy food
The importance of puppy nutrition
Preparing your family and pets for your puppy
There’s lots to consider when bringing a puppy into your household to ensure everyone stays safe and your puppy settles in smoothly.
Learn the best way to introduce your puppy to children, older family members, visitors and existing pets.
Preparing your familyHow to find a veterinarian
Find a veterinarian
Bringing home and welcoming your puppy
The first days together with your pet are a chance to create a healthy foundation for their future.
Collecting your puppy