So, you’re bringing home a new furry friend—how exciting! Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or adding another pup to your pack, you’re in for an incredible journey filled with wagging tails, wet noses, and unconditional love. But let’s not forget, moving to a new home can be a bit overwhelming for our four-legged friends. That’s where a doggy welcome basket comes in!
Think of a dog welcome basket as a warm hug for your new pooch. It’s a way to say, “Hey, you’re part of the family now, and we’ve got everything you need to feel right at home.” A well-thought-out basket can make the transition smoother for your new pet and set the stage for a happy and healthy relationship.
In this post, we’re going to dive into creating the ultimate welcome basket for your new dog. We’ll cover the essentials—like food, ID tags, and grooming supplies—as well as some thoughtful extras that’ll have your pup’s tail wagging in no time. So, let’s get started, shall we?
1) Add Fun Items
Make the welcome basket a treasure trove of everything fun by including pet toys, pet treats, and other similar goodies. Opt for a variety of items to cater to your new pup’s emerging needs and play styles. For example, it may be a good idea to get custom plush toys for your pup to comfort them as they adjust to their sleeping spot.
Chew toys are great for puppies that are teething, while tug-of-war toys are perfect for active dogs and those with strong jaws. You can also add puzzle toys to the welcome basket, as they will prove a treat for intelligent and curious pooches.
2) Help Your New Dog Get Cozy
The welcome basket should also include items that will cater to your new dog’s comfort and safety. Include doggy pillows and a blanket that’s just the right size for your dog to curl up in. If you’re welcoming a senior dog into your home, consider also wrapping a gift like a dog bed with orthopedic support.
You may also want to add in a soft toy or blanket that carries the scent of their previous home or shelter, if this applies. The familiar scent can provide your dog with a sense of security during their initial adjustment period.
3) Keep Your New Pet Nourished
When preparing the welcome basket for your new pooch, put some high-quality dog food and other edible items in it too. You’ll want products that are nutritionally balanced and that suit your dog’s age, size, and dietary requirements.
Aside from pet food, you can furnish the basket with new food and water bowls for your dog. Opt for non-slip bowls that are the right size for your dog’s breed and build. If you’re welcoming a small dog into your home, get a low and shallow pet bowl for them to eat and drink from. Breeds with flat faces, like bulldogs or pugs, may find it easier to eat from shallow, wide bowls because their faces won’t be pressed against the bowl’s edges. Tall breeds like Great Danes or borzois, on the other hand, will benefit from elevated bowls that reduce strain on their necks and promote better digestion.
4) Put In Essentials for Safety and Everyday Training
Pet training and safety essentials, like a durable collar and leash, also deserve a spot in your dog’s welcome basket. Choose collars that will fit snugly around your pet’s neck, but won’t be too tight.
Also, get a leash that’s suitable for walks and outings, as well as your new pet’s identification tag with their name and your contact number on it. For breeds that are known or pulling when walking, you may want to consider a harness, which reduces pulling behavior.
5) Have Your Pet Looking and Feeling Good
Prep everything that will help your new dog look and feel their best, and include dog grooming supplies like shampoos and brushes in the welcome basket. Choose gentle, dog-specific shampoos or soaps for bathing and grooming, and make sure you get the right types of brushes or combs for your dog’s coat length and texture.
If you aren’t sure about what to buy, you can ask a vet or a professional groomer about which products to get ahead of time.
6) Design the Perfect Welcome Basket
On top of preparing its contents, have fun choosing and decorating the welcome basket or container itself. Why not get a basket whose design mirrors your home’s décor to give your dog the ultimate housewarming experience? You can also personalize it by adding your dog’s name and creative design elements like bones and paw prints. This simple gesture is sure to pep your dog up and get everyone else in your household even more excited about the life you’ll live with them.
Being a pet owner will be a journey of joy and discovery, and the same will apply to a new dog who’s just arrived at a happy home. Ring in this memorable occasion with the rest of your household, and put together a well-prepared welcome basket. Stock and decorate it with the items listed above, and unwrap it when it’s time for everyone to finally meet the newest member of the family!