Adopting a new puppy or adult dog is a fun and exciting experience, as you get to know the new dog's personality and train them all they will need to know. However, the needs of a large dog are a bit different than a smaller or toy dog, and you need to be ready to accommodate all their specific needs. Here are some recommended items you will need to get for your new large breed dog.
Healthy Food
The type of food you will need for your large dog will be a specific type made just for large dog breeds. Look for dog food made for larger dogs, which will provide them the right nutrients they need to help them grow properly and not grow too quickly and cause health problems.
Be sure you follow the recommended feeding measurements for your dog based on its age and weight so you don't overfeed them. Overfeeding can lead them to become overweight and cause issues with their joints. On the other hand, you don't want to underfeed your dog and cause nutritional deficiencies either. Visit your local pet supply store for a good healthy large dog breed food recommendation so you can start them off on the right diet.
Large Sleeping Area
Even if your dog is a puppy, they are to need a larger space for sleeping and relaxing. For this reason, you should make sure your dog has an extra-large dog bed to accommodate their growing body.
For a puppy, buying a dog bed that is slightly larger is a good idea, or you can get them the extra-large bed right off and let them grow into it. Either way, be sure your dog has plenty of room for its extra-large size. When they are lying down, make sure they have space for their entire body, with some extra room around them so their legs, feet, and head are not falling off the sides. Look for a bed that lets them stretch out comfortably, so they do not have to curl into a ball to fit within the sides of the bed.
And to accommodate your dog's extra-large bed, look for an extra-large dog crate or kennel where they can retreat to. Your extra-large dog will still need to have their own area where they can feel safe and relax.
For more information about buying big dog beds, contact a local pet store.
When my best friend needed a new home for a bird she had bought, she came to me because I didn't have any other pets. In the years since I took in what became the first of several birds, I have learned a lot about owning and caring for birds, and pets in general. I created this site to help prospective and new pet owners to understand the adventure that they are about to embark on. I hope that the information I share here will help you to feel better prepared as you start shopping for your own first pet.