If you’re getting ready to bring home a new Shih Tzu puppy soon you will need a supply list to help you prepare for the arrival. Having the proper essentials before your puppy comes home will help the transition go smoothly. Before your new Shih Tzu puppy arrives you will want everything in place so you can focus on puppy kisses and making your new puppy feel at home.
Most of the supplies below can be found on my Amazon favorites list for new puppy owners: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31T4PG3CU0ND3?ref_=wl_share. Hopefully, the supply list will help ease the process. Click here for more of my personal Shih Tzu puppy recommendations.
New Puppy Supply List
- A puppy playpen
- A travel crate (I use the travel crate for vet visits and car trips.) I love the travel crate that attaches to the stroller option. It is a great investment and will help keep all four paws off the floor until the puppy vaccine series is complete.
- Baby gates for sectioning off unsafe areas.
- A Turf Potty tray system or paper potty pads and a tray: This comes in handy if you’re going to be gone for longer periods in early puppyhood. Puppies are only able to hold their bladders for so long.
- Puppy wipes for cleaning dirty paws and bottoms.
- A dog car seat or seat belt if you’re not going to use a travel crate.
- Puppy kibble (Your Shih Tzu breeder should have recommendations for you.) Make sure the kibble is for puppies or all life stages, NOT adult dogs. Puppies need puppy food to develop properly.
- Canned or fresh puppy food for the first few days just in case the puppy isn’t eating.
- Filtered water (We have reverse osmosis. It helps tremendously with tear staining in my opinion.)
- Treats and safe chews
- A Kong, teething toys, and some interactive treat dispensers and toys to keep your puppy busy.
- Food and water bowls preferably stainless steel. (I use a water fountain with all my Shih Tzu litters.) I feel it is more hygienic and helps with tear staining.
- Honey, corn syrup, or Nutrical for low blood sugar.
- Unflavored Pedialyte or Puppylyte for diarrhea or vomiting.
- A Leash
- A Harness (Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed.) A collar should never be used for walking. The collar can put pressure on your Shih Tzu’s sensitive airway.
- A dog collar for ID tags
- Dog shampoo and conditioner
- Ear cleaner
- Brush or comb (I prefer a stainless steel comb for daily brushing.)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (Ask your vet when it is best to start brushing your puppy’s teeth.)
- Nail clippers
- Blunt safety scissors for occasional eye trims.
- Dog grooming clippers come in handy for trimming up bottoms and pads in between grooming appointments. If the bottom area isn’t kept clean from hair your Shih Tzu could suffer from an impacted bowel which can be deadly.
- A dog bed or cot
- Nontoxic enzyme cleaner for cleaning up accidents.
- Poo bags
- Pooper scooper
- Pet Insurance
- A first-aid kit
- A good veterinarian, trainer, and groomer! (Bella and Baxter is a good online training option if you’re not interested in private training or puppy classes. You will receive a 25% discount if you utilize Bella & Baxter and use the discount code ARIZONASUNRISE when checking out.)
