Bringing home a small dog means thinking tiny but mighty—they need the same essentials as big dogs, just sized for comfort, safety, and easy handling. Here’s a clear, practical puppy essentials list with short descriptions so you know exactly why eac...
Sections
7
Grooming
Walking and safety
Training & hygiene
Comfort & Sleeping
Food & Feeding
Play & Enrichment
Grooming
Small dogs still need regular nail trims.
Dog Nail Clippers - Walmart
Much easier to use than regular nail clippers.
Dog Nail Grinder - Walmart
Protects their skin and avoids harsh chemicals.
Vibrant Life Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo, Unscented, 24 fl oz
Keeps their coat healthy without irritating sensitive skin.
Dog Brushes in Dog Grooming - Walmart.com
Walking and safety
A harness is much better. Safer than collars for tiny necks and prevents strain.
Dog Harnesses in Dog Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses - Walmart
A lightweight leash gives control without overwhelming them.
Retractable Dog Leashes in Dog Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses
Essential for identification if they wander off.
Pet ID Tags in Dog Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses - Walmart.com
Training & hygiene
Helpful for potty training, especially in apartments. The adhesive strips are a plus.
Puppy Pads - Walmart.com
This works great! Spray on the puppy pads
Pet Training Sprays & Deterrents for Dogs and Cats | Walmart
A must for walks and cleaning up after them.
Dog Poop Bags in Dog Potty Training - Walmart.com
This is a must for potty training. Small, soft treats help with quick rewards during training.
Dog Training Treats - Pets at Home
Removes odors completely so they don’t keep going in the same spot.
Enzyme Cleaner | Powerful Formula & Odor Eliminator - Target
Comfort & Sleeping
Soft, supportive, and warm since small dogs get cold easily.
Small Dog Bed
A good crate mat will keep them asleep throughout the night
Dog Crate Mats in Dog Crates - Walmart.com
Adds comfort and helps them feel secure in new environments.
Puppy Blankets - Walmart
Food & Feeding
High quality, small breed puppy food. Formulated for faster metabolism and proper growth.
Fresh Dog Food - Walmart.com
These are a must. Puppies eat way too fast and can cause them to throw up. Slow feeding bowls are the way to go.
Slow Dog Feeders - Walmart
This one is also great! (I use this for both cat and dog)
Dog Slow Feeder Bowls for Large and Small Breeds - Target
Dogs need nutrition badly especially puppies, just food won’t give them all of the nutrients they need. This is a great option that dogs love.
Dog Vitamins and Supplements in Dog Health and Wellness - Walmart
Play & Enrichment
My dog loves these toys, great for teething puppies
Puppy Teething Toys in Puppy Toys - Walmart.com
My Frenchie puppy is obsessed with this teething bone 🍖
Puppy Teething Toys in Puppy Toys - Walmart.com
Of course a ball, dogs need as much stimulation as possible and this definitely does the trick. Note that dogs can only see the colors blue and yellow.
Dog Toys & Puppy Toys - Petco
Plush toy a Comfort item, especially when adjusting to a new home.
Plush Toy
Health & Care
A must for all dogs, ears can get infected without regular cleaning.
Dog Ear Cleaners in Dog Ear Care - Walmart.com
A small crate for sleeping and adjusting.
Shop Metal Pet Crates in Various Sizes for Indoor and Outdoor Use
