Essential Supplies Every Beagle Puppy Owner Needs
A beagle requires routine care to stay healthy and happy. This includes a high-quality diet with balanced nutrients. A good supply of durable chew toys can help curb their urge to gnaw things like wires and furniture. Look for natural chews without dangerous or synthetic ingredients like rawhide.
Treats & Chews
Treats are crucial to a good training regimen and rewarding your pup for positive behavior. Be sure to look for treats that are healthy for your beagle puppy! Puppies love to chew and can often cause damage to furniture, shoes, and other items around the home. Chew toys and long-lasting natural chews can keep your puppy occupied so they won’t be tempted to destroy other household items. Avoid chews made from unsafe or dangerous materials like rawhide and choose safe options for puppies, including non-splintering bones such as venison or buffalo horns. Also, consider dental chews that clean your pup’s teeth as they gnaw.
Exercise Pen
A good quality exercise pen is a great way to contain your pup while you’re not home. Unlike dog crates, these wire pens offer plenty of room for your pet to move around and play. These pens also fold up and make them easy to take on trips. They’re also a valuable tool for helping you train your dog to potty outside or avoid things he shouldn’t be getting into. Puppies are bundles of energy but also need a lot of sleep. A cozy bed in their pen will help them feel more secure and comfortable. This is especially important if they stay in their pen for an extended period.
Raised Food & Water Bowls
Bringing home a beagle puppy is one of the most exciting experiences for any pet parent. However, many expenses should be considered, including the initial purchase price and routine veterinary visits. A raised food bowl may be helpful for dogs with specific health issues. For example, if your dog has neck pain, bending down to eat from a food bowl on the ground can cause problems in their posture. Some owners also use these bowls to slow down their fast-eating dogs, which can help reduce the risk of bloat and hiccups from swallowing too much air with their poorly chewed food. You can even find ones with wrought iron stands and pretty bowls to match your decor.
Collar & Leash
Beagles are scent hounds that follow their noses wherever they can, so keeping them in control on a leash is essential. You’ll also want a collar that will fit comfortably around their necks as they grow fast. Consider a reflective collar or one with GPS technology to help locate your pet should it ever get lost. You’ll also need an ID tag and contact information to hang from their collar. A blanket can cover your beagle’s crate while you clean it or make them feel more comfortable in their bed. They’re also cheap and can be thrown in the wash easily.
First Aid Kit
Beagles need lots of routine care to live longer, healthier lives. Build their daily needs into your schedule so they get the proper diet, plenty of exercise, and weekly brushing to keep their floppy ears from infections. Supervise them to keep them away from things they can put in their mouth and from chasing cats, squirrels, and other small animals. As pack animals bred to work in groups, Beagles need to feel part of the family and should not be left alone for long periods. Otherwise, their wanderlust and desire for exploration could lead them to adopt another home or, worse yet, become hit by a car.
Grooming Brush & Comb
Grooming is a great bonding experience and helps keep your pup clean and free of dirt, debris, and mats. It is also helpful for removing ticks. Whether your dog has short or long hair, having the right brush and comb for their coat type is essential. You will also want to invest in a flea comb. A rake is designed to penetrate the fur and remove the dead undercoat near your dog’s skin, especially for thick-haired dogs. Look for a rake with tightly-spaced pins, and avoid brushes with pointed or rubber tips. Rubber curry brushes (sometimes called de-shedding brushes) are soft and easy on the fur. They are used pre-, during, and post-bath and massage shampoo deep into the coat while distributing oils and stimulating blood flow.
Collapsible Water Bowl
A collapsible water bowl is necessary for pet owners taking their dogs on long walks or trips. It can prevent dehydration in hot weather and keeps the pet from drinking from dirty, unclean water sources. A simple, affordable option for dog owners is to create a DIY collapsible water bowl using a cardboard cereal box. Remove the bag, flatten the box, and cut off the flaps. This option has ridges in the bottom of it that can help slow dogs down from gulping water. It’s also easy to clean and can fit in a backpack pocket. Some owners even keep extras in their cars for emergencies or short excursions.
Training Supplies
Puppies can be expert escape artists; without a collar and a leash, they’ll likely run away, not to mention you won’t be able to find them. A quality collar with your dog’s name and phone number is necessary. A martingale collar is an excellent choice as it distributes pressure evenly on your pup’s neck and won’t choke them. A training clicker is a great way to teach them commands and tricks with positive reinforcement. Dental chews are also essential to keep their teeth and gums healthy. A pouch that’s easy to carry will make it easier to bring along treats, poop bags, and the clicker while you’re walking your beagle.