BORDER COLLIE PUPPY CHECKLIST

Everything you need to welcome your puppy!

This is a fairly comprehensive list of the items you should keep on hand for your new puppy. All of the items are things we have used and we know.

Vet Wrap (3M):

There are tons of different makers however we have found that the 3M is the best and will last when applying to paws (most often used for scrapped pads or sore feet). It’s super affordable and can be found at any livestock store or (often cheaper) on Amazon. If you’re not fussy about colour, the yellow is a bargain! https://amzn.to/3RVtVss

This set is reasonably priced and has both the brush and the finger brush so you can decide which works best! https://amzn.to/3OGjNkB

Dog Toothbrushes:

Every puppy goes home with a toothbrush, baking soda and a recipe card to make both the regular and the minty fresh but like us, you’ll need toothbrushes and which you prefer will be up to you and your pup. We can’t stress enough the importance of starting them young. Dental care is extremally expensive and you’ll thank yourself if you start out with a regular routine when they are pups!

Chews!

Your puppy WILL be T-Rex for at least the first 6 months but chews will help you keep your sanity! Please be careful with which ones you choose. NO soup bones (trust me, live and learn – they will crack teeth!), no bones of any kind and to be honest, I am not a fan of the YAK bones, they too are incredibly hard on a young dog’s teeth. Bully sticks are a good option (yet expensive) and if you are going this route please make sure it is a Canadian company like Bully Bunches to ensure you’re getting quality ingredients.

I personally prefer dental chews that can be picked up at any Vet. They may seem more expensive but honestly, I get the large chews ($40/bag and that lasts my 4 girls about 6 weeks, a fraction of the cost of bully sticks and dental chews have specific ingredients to assist in breaking down plaque, you can also get the brand that I buy on Amazon (same price as the Vet). https://amzn.to/3B9r3SE or the Veggiedents (my girls like both) https://amzn.to/3oo1qWM

Benebones are also a safe, reasonably priced option and they do last; https://amzn.to/3zq8ybl. I still have a couple floating around from Lily and Tessa’s younger days.

And don’t forget natural options! Yams and Carrots make a GREAT chew option and you can’t get any more affordable than a $2 Yam that will last your pup hours.