FAQ: Supplies for dogs

Choose a sturdy metal tag engraved with your phone number; engraving doesn't wear off as quickly as print. A plate fixed flat to the collar, which doesn't dangle or jingle, also works.

A light leash of about 1.5–2 m with a small clip suits a puppy. Avoid retractable leashes while it is learning, as the puppy learns that pulling makes the lead longer.

Put the collar on briefly during play or a meal, praise the puppy and gradually make it longer. Once it ignores the collar, clip on the leash and first let it trail around the house while you supervise.

Until vaccinations are complete, places visited by many unknown dogs are avoided, yet socialisation is very important at this age. Ask your vet how to balance the two; based on the vaccination schedule they will tell you when and where it is safe to walk.

Heavy, hard-to-tip stainless steel or ceramic bowls that are easy to wash. Puppies like to chew plastic ones, and bacteria build up in the scratches.

Put the bed or crate near your bed and add something with a familiar smell, such as a piece of fabric from the breeder. Take the puppy out to relieve itself before bed and stay close during the first nights so it feels safe.

A playpen is useful when you need to leave the puppy safely for a short time: it fits a bed, a water bowl, toys and a pad. It is roomier than a crate, so it suits the daytime, while a crate suits sleep and travel.

Chewing is normal puppy behaviour, especially while the teeth are changing. Offer suitable chews, swap the wrong item for a toy when it grabs one and praise it, and keep valuables out of reach.

Bitter-tasting sprays can deter a dog from some items, but not every dog reacts to them. They only work together with training and suitable chews; test on a hidden spot first so you don't damage the surface.

People often buy expensive beds and clothes that the puppy quickly outgrows or chews, and too many toys. Start with simple, durable items and put off bigger purchases until the dog is grown.

Take the puppy out after sleeping, eating and playing and every few hours, always to the same spot. Praise and reward it with a treat right after it goes outside, and don't punish accidents indoors.

Choose small, soft treats that are eaten quickly and can be broken into pea-sized pieces. Count their calories in the daily food allowance so the puppy doesn't gain too much weight.

It depends on size: small breeds are usually considered seniors from about 8–10 years, large and giant breeds from as early as 5–7. That is a good time to review the food and bed and to see the vet more often.

A senior dog often benefits from an orthopaedic bed, non-slip mats, a ramp or steps for the car or sofa, raised bowls and senior food. Choose purchases based on what your dog finds hardest.

An orthopaedic bed with a thick layer of memory foam or dense foam spreads the weight evenly and eases pressure on the joints. A dog with sore joints finds it easier to lie down and get up if the bed is low and firm enough.

If your dog no longer dares to jump into the car or onto the sofa, a ramp or steps protect its joints and your back. Choose a non-slip surface and a wide, stable model rated for your dog's weight.

Laying non-slip mats or runners where the dog walks and lies helps prevent slips. Trimming the fur between the pads, keeping the nails short and, if needed, using non-slip socks or boots also help.

Raised bowls can be more comfortable for a larger senior dog that finds bending down difficult. If your dog has health problems, though, ask a vet, as they don't suit every dog.

There are harnesses with a handle on the back and support slings for the hind legs that let you steady the dog on stairs or getting into the car. They should fit snugly without pressing into the armpits.

Joint supplements are sometimes recommended for older dogs, but their benefit varies and limping can have other causes. Ask a vet before you start giving supplements and follow the label.