18 Essential Havanese Dog Supplies & Products: 2024 Vet-Reviewed Guide
By Misty Layne
Updated on
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Congratulations on your new puppy! You’re in for a ton of fun with your new furry friend. First, though, you’ll need to ensure you have the basic essentials needed to properly care for your new pup. You’ve likely gathered a few things on this list, but there may be some you forgot about—new puppies require a lot!
Take a look below at the 18 essential Havanese dog supplies and products you’ll need for your new pup.
The Essential Havanese Dog Supplies
These products are broken down into categories to make things simpler, so jump to any section in which you think you might have forgotten something.
Food and Feeding Supplies
1. Dog Food
Your Havanese will need a high-protein dog food to keep them healthy and strong, and with chicken as its first ingredient, Merrick Lil’ Plates meets that requirement. It’s also great because it contains freeze-dried bites that will encourage your Havanese to eat (they can be picky about food!). As picky eaters, you may have to try a few different foods to find a healthy one that your dog loves, but dog food is one of the most basic essentials you’ll need for your new puppy.
2. Food & Water Bowls
- Our Pick: Frisco Stainless Steel Bowl, 4.75-cup
Food and water must, of course, go in food and water bowls, so you’ll need those as well. You’ll want something durable that won’t scratch up your floors, and that’s why we love these stainless-steel bowls from Frisco. They meet both of those requirements, making them excellent for your pup. You might also consider putting a mat under food and water bowls to contain mess, but that’s optional.
Treats and Toys Supplies
3. Dog Treats
You’ll need dog treats not only because your pup will love them but because they make training so much simpler! We like the Natural Balance limited ingredient treats since the fewer ingredients there are, the less chance your pup will experience an allergic reaction or upset stomach. Plus, bison makes a great alternative protein source. But any treat that’s small enough for your pet to eat safely that they also love will do. Just remember not to overdo it on the treats!
4. Dog Toys
- Our Pick: KONG Puppy Activity Ball Dog Toy
All dogs require toys, and the Havanese is no different. However, you need to make sure you’re getting this pup the kind of toys that will keep them engaged. This dog breed is active and highly intelligent, so toys that make them work their minds are perfect. The Kong Activity Ball is excellent because they can utilize that intelligence while figuring out how to get treats out, play fetch with it, and as a Kong, it’s a great chew toy! Be sure to get several types of toys for your pup, though, including puzzle and chew toys.
Walking Your Dog Supplies
5. Collar
Every dog needs a collar, and you’ll have no trouble finding one for your puppy! We like the Blueberry Pet collar because it’s on the wider side and made with a strong nylon, meaning it won’t easily tear or rip. Any collar that is comfy for your pet and won’t let them escape a leash or lead will fit the bill, though. And there are tons of fun collars out there to choose from!
6. Tags
Another reason to have a collar? To hold tags identifying your dog. Putting a tag on your dog with their name and your number will save you a lot of heartbreak if your dog gets lost. Just don’t put too much info on the tags (like your address). Keep it simple with a point of contact, so if your pet is lost, whoever finds them can get a hold of you quickly.
7. Leash
- Our Pick: PetSafe Premier Nylon Dog Leash
You’ll want to take your Havanese out on plenty of walks, which means you’ll need a leash. There are a huge variety of leashes to choose from, so pick the one that works best for you and your pup! The PetSafe leash, for example, is very basic but also incredibly sturdy. It also comes in two different lengths and three different widths.
8. Harness
Don’t stop at just a dog collar; get a harness too! Harnesses have many pros when it comes to walking dogs, such as being more comfortable, being better for pups learning to walk on a leash, and lessening the risk of a throat injury from pulling. Be sure to pick a harness that’s the right size for your Havanese puppy and comfy enough for longer walks.
9. Pet Carrier
Whether you’re taking your puppy for a vet visit or on a plane to visit somewhere far off, you’ll need a sturdy, comfortable, and safe pet carrier to get them through the trip. If you’re going to be traveling at any point on a plane with your pup, you need to ensure that the pet carrier you get is airline-approved like the Sherpa. If you aren’t going on a plane, you’ll have more options for carriers. So long as it’s big enough for your pet to be comfortable, gives them plenty of airflow, offers protection, and isn’t bulky to cart around, you and your dog should be good.
Comfort Supplies
10. Dog Bed
Every pup needs a bed of their own—a cozy spot where they can sprawl for a nap or laze about and watch the world around them. And if you don’t want your dog sleeping in your bed, they need a bed of their own even more! You’ll want to be sure you get a bed that fits your dog’s size and one that’s comfortable enough for them to love using it. The Best Friends by Sheri Donut Cuddler offers your pet an incredibly soft and snuggly place to rest their head, so naptime is always a good time.
11. Dog Crate
Dog crates are essential for several reasons—because they make a safe spot for the puppy, can aid with house training, and be used as a place to keep your dog contained when you leave home. Particularly when your Havanese is a puppy, a dog crate will come in handy. While you want to ensure your pet fits comfortably into any crate, you also don’t want it to be too large, as that may encourage them to use a corner as a bathroom. We like the MidWest crate because it’s fairly basic and comes in several sizes, so you’ll find one that fits your dog!
12. Playpen
Why have a playpen? Because a playpen offers your pup a safe, contained space to play, in or out of the home, without the risk of being injured or running off. For example, if you’re working from home and can’t keep an eye on your dog at all times, you can plop them into a doggie playpen in the same room as you. That way, everyone is happy! The EliteField playpen provides enough room for your dog to lay or play with toys and is easy to clean.
Cleaning Supplies
13. Potty Pads
Potty pads are beneficial to have around when house training your puppy. Puppies need to go to the bathroom often, and they won’t always let you know they have to go in time to take them outside. Scattering a few potty pads around and training them to use those as well (at least temporarily) can help keep your floors and carpets clean. Your dog’s crate can also come in handy during potty training, as you can keep them there when you aren’t around to supervise.
14. Odor & Stain Remover
Accidents will happen during potty training (and even outside potty training), so you’ll need a powerful odor and stain remover on hand to help clean them up. You’ll need something that can be used on different floor types (carpet, tile, etc.) and something that cleans well. It will also need to be safe to use around pets—which pet odor and stain removers should be.
Grooming Supplies
15. Brush & Comb
- Our Pick: FURminator Dual Dog Brush, Gray
The Havanese has a long, silky coat that will require some upkeep, so investing in a good brush and comb, like the above, will help immensely. A dual brush will let you remove tangles and knots, as well as keep your pup’s coat shiny and smooth. And if there are mats or tangles you can’t get out with a brush, a comb will likely do a better job. You’ll want to brush your Havanese at least once or twice a week (but more is good too, as it promotes bonding between you!) and comb them out before baths.
16. Shampoo
Your Havanese puppy will have sensitive skin, so shampoos with natural ingredients will be better for it. And you’ll want a cleanser that’s gentle, so it doesn’t strip your pup’s coat of essential oils. Oatmeal and aloe are both excellent choices for skin that’s sensitive, and Earthbath is soap-free so it’s gentler. Just don’t bathe your dog too often, as it’s bad for their skin and coat! You might want to add a conditioner to your bath time routine as well, but it’s not essential.
17. Nail Clippers
Trimming your dog’s nails may end up being something you decide to let a groomer or the vet do. But if you’re a brave soul and are up for the task, you’ll need a good pair of nail clippers! Getting a professional quality pair like the Safari will make your job easier. Ensuring you’re getting a size meant for smaller nails will be helpful too. You’ll also want to look at any safety features nail clippers might have (like an anti-slip grip).
18. Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Our Pick: Jasper Finger Dog & Cat Toothbrush
Many people don’t think about it, but dental care in animals is just as critical as dental care in people. Pets often develop periodontal issues that can lead to further health problems, such as issues with vital organs if teeth aren’t taken care of. That’s why it’s necessary to invest in a good toothbrush and toothpaste for your pup. You can go with a regular toothbrush, but we find the finger toothbrushes are a little easier to work with for both you and your dog. And when it comes to toothpaste, make sure you use a doggie one and not a human one! Doggie toothpaste will have a savory or meaty flavor your dog will enjoy.
Conclusion
Bringing a puppy into your life is always a blast, but it also requires a lot of stuff. Even just covering the essentials you’ll need will mean a long trip to the nearest pet store. The list above should help while you’re shopping for the basics—so long as you get the items on this list, your Havanese puppy will be quite happy!
Featured Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock
