Pee Pads for Dogs & 9 Other New Puppy Essentials

Pet ownership has increased significantly over the past three decades—a trend primarily driven by the many benefits of bringing pets into our daily lives.

In a study, an estimated 66% of US households—equivalent to 86.9 million homes—have a pet, with dogs being particularly instrumental in making people happier and healthier. They offer companionship and purpose, fostering social connections and reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Another factor contributing to this trend is the more relaxed policies in apartments and high-rise condominiums, allowing pets within the premises. While this flexibility is a positive development for pet parents, a significant challenge arises as urban living becomes more prevalent—creating comfortable and enriching homes for pets in bustling city environments.

Real Grass Pee Pads for Potty Training Your New Puppy

Preparing your home for a new puppy involves ensuring your space is ready for them. Puppies require attention and care, even as they grow up, and getting a pee pad for housebreaking and potty training is a great place to start.

Pee pads for dogs, also called potty pads or puppy pads, give your pup easy access to a toilet without leaving your apartment. They can be made of various materials, including single-use disposable pads, synthetic grass, or real grass.

Real grass pads are rectangular-shaped patches of living grass laid on a tray. They provide additional benefits, such as recreating the sensory experience dogs associate with potty, thus encouraging them to use the pad consistently. These pee pads absorb moisture and neutralize odors more effectively than synthetic alternatives. They require little maintenance and can last up to four weeks, facilitating easy clean-up and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. 

Pee Pads Aren’t Exclusive for Puppies

Despite the name, pee pads aren’t just for puppies. They are also useful for transitioning from indoor to outdoor potty and as a backup for small dogs, aging dogs, and those who are sick or suffering from an injury. They are also a lifesaver when traveling for long periods or when the weather is less than ideal for a walk.

New Puppy Checklist: 9 More Essentials for New Puppy Parents

Besides pee pads, consider picking up all the essentials below for your new puppy.

Puppy Food

Like humans, dogs have specific nutritional requirements and need a certain amount of calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. New puppies even have more specific needs to grow at an appropriate rate. So, the right dog food should be complete and balanced to support their growth.

Dog Treats

There’s an endless option of treats and dental snacks for dogs available in the market, and it’s great to have a small selection for treating your new puppy to help you learn what flavors pique your dog’s interest most. 

However, you might want to save something more special for training—it should be a little different from regular puppy treats so they can serve as an incentive to learn.

Chew Toys

Different toys support your pup's different developmental needs. Whereas plush toys can provide comfort, chew toys can help relieve discomfort and promote healthy dental habits. Meanwhile, interactive toys like treat-dispensing toys provide fun and mental stimulation.

Make sure that the toys are appropriately sized for your puppy. Always supervise playtime to prevent any potential hazards. Lastly, rotate toys regularly to keep your puppy interested and help them use their excess energy. A well-rounded selection of toys contributes to a happy and healthy puppy.

Dog Bowls

For mess-free meal times, consider using stainless steel food and water bowls. They are durable, corrosion-resistant, easy to maintain, and less likely to harbor allergens or bacteria. Choose a size that is large and deep enough to accommodate your puppy’s size and feeding habits, especially as they grow.

Dog Crate

Crates are available in various sizes to accommodate a growing pup. But, for your new puppy, it's essential that the crate is just enough for them to turn around comfortably and not much larger. This will help prevent accidents, especially while they are being house-trained.

Dog Bed

A dog bed provides a comfortable sleeping area for your new puppy. When buying, look for one that uses a soft and supportive mattress with washable and durable materials for easy maintenance. This is particularly essential, given the likelihood of accidents during the puppy stage.

Puppy Gates

Puppy gates are a practical tool to puppy-proof your home—establishing boundaries and gradually introducing your puppy to your living space. It confines them to a designated area, limiting access to other areas of your home and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

When choosing a puppy gate, consider the height and sturdiness, making sure that it can effectively contain your puppy. Look for gates that can easily be installed with convenient latches for easy access.

Collar and Leash

A collar provides a secure anchor point for a leash, which is not only effective for guiding your dog during walks. It also helps foster positive behavior and reinforces commands during training sessions.

When buying a leash, prioritize safety and comfort features. Choose a lightweight and durable material with an adjustable length for versatility. Look for a leash with a comfortable handle grip, and if possible, choose one with reflective elements to enhance visibility during nighttime walks.

Grooming Kit

Regular grooming not only keeps your new puppy looking and smelling fresh, but also helps keep them clean for longer between baths. For a new puppy, an essential grooming kit should include the following:

• Soft-bristle brush to keep their coat clean and tangle-free.
• Comb to remove mats and tangles.
• Nail clipper or grinder for regular nail maintenance.
• Gentle dog shampoo for bathing.
• Toothbrush and puppy-safe toothpaste for oral hygiene; and
• Grooming scissors for trimming around the face and paws.

Puppies are full energy and can be quite a handful. As a first-time puppy parent, you want to be ready to give your new fur baby a warm welcome to your home. But, creating a conducive space for their development can be overwhelming when you don't know where to start.