Bringing a puppy home is exciting, and a little preparation makes the first weeks much easier for both of you. This checklist covers what to buy, how to puppy-proof a flat or villa in the UAE, and what to do in the first days and months.
Shopping list
- Food: the same puppy food the seller has been using, at least for the first weeks. Change slowly later. See our pet food guide.
- Two bowls, for food and water. Stainless steel or ceramic are easiest to clean.
- A crate or puppy pen, big enough to stand up and turn around in, for sleeping and safe time-outs.
- A bed and blankets that are easy to wash.
- Collar or harness, ID tag and lead. A harness is gentler for small breeds and flat-faced dogs.
- Puppy pads or a grass patch for toilet training in a flat, plus an enzyme cleaner for accidents.
- Chew toys of different textures, and a couple of puzzle toys.
- Grooming kit: a brush for the coat type, puppy shampoo, nail clippers and a toothbrush.
- Poo bags, which you must use in public areas.
- A travel carrier for small breeds and vet visits.
- Summer kit: a portable water bottle and bowl, and a cooling mat.
Find pet food and supplies near you in our UAE pet shops directory.
Puppy-proof your home
- Balconies: close them off or add mesh. Small puppies can squeeze through railings.
- Cables and chargers: lift them out of reach or cover them.
- Cleaning products and medicines: keep them in closed cupboards.
- Toxic foods: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and sugar-free gum (xylitol) must be out of reach.
- Plants: some houseplants are toxic to dogs; check yours or keep them out of reach.
- Pools and gardens: fence villa pools and never leave a puppy alone near water. Check the garden for gaps in fences and gates.
- Shoes, bags and kids’ toys: anything on the floor will be chewed.
The first day
- Collect your puppy in the morning if you can, so it has a whole day to settle before the first night.
- Bring a towel or toy with the mother’s smell, and keep the car cool.
- Show the puppy its toilet spot as soon as you arrive, then let it explore one or two rooms quietly.
- Keep visitors to a minimum for the first few days.
- Put the crate or bed near you at night. Some crying is normal at first.
The first week
- Vet check: book one within the first few days. The vet will scan the microchip, check the vaccination record and plan the next vaccines and deworming. See vets in Dubai or vets across the UAE, and our guide to vaccination costs.
- Registration: ask your vet how to register your dog with your local municipality and update the microchip details with your name and phone number.
- Toilet training: take the puppy to its spot after sleeping, eating and playing, and reward it every time it gets it right.
- Routine: regular times for meals, toilet breaks, play and sleep help a puppy settle quickly.
The first months
- Socialisation: between about 3 and 14 weeks, puppies learn what is normal. Gently introduce new people, sounds, lifts, car rides and handling. Ask your vet when it is safe to meet other dogs and walk in public.
- Training: start with name, sit, come and walking on a lead. Short, positive sessions work best. Puppy classes are a great way to learn together.
- Heat safety: puppies overheat quickly. In summer, walk only very early or late, test the pavement with your hand, and never leave a puppy in a car. Read how to keep your dog safe in the UAE heat.
- Neutering, insurance and travel: talk to your vet about the right age to neuter, and consider pet insurance and a boarding or pet-sitting plan for when you travel.
Still looking for your puppy?
Read the questions to ask before buying a puppy and the best dog breeds for Dubai, then browse puppies for sale or dogs for adoption.
