First-Time Dog Owner Checklist India 2026

You just said yes to a dog, and now there's a small animal in your house and a very long list of questions in your head.

This checklist is everything you actually need in your first month with a new dog in India. This is specific built for Indian pet parents, Indian brands, Indian weather, and the very particular experience of figuring this out for the first time.

Let's start.

What's in This Guide

• The first 24 hours — what to set up before your dog arrives
• Food and feeding — what to buy, how much to give, what to avoid
• Grooming essentials — shampoo, nail care, wipes
• Accessories — collar, leash
• Toys — what to get, what to skip
• Vet essentials — vaccines, deworming, the first appointment

1. The First 24 Hours

The first 24 hours matter more than any product you buy. Your new dog is in a completely unfamiliar environment. Everything smells different. The sounds are different. You are a stranger to them.

Your job in the first day is not to play. It's to make them feel safe.

Set up a "safe space" before they arrive

Pick one corner of one room — preferably quiet, away from the main door — and make it theirs. A bed or thick blanket, a water bowl, one toy. That's it. Don't move it for the first two weeks. Consistency is everything when a dog is settling in.

If you're bringing home a puppy, the safe space should be somewhere you can hear them at night. Separation anxiety is real in the first few days — being close matters.

Things to do before your dog comes home

• Remove anything from floor level that can be chewed — cables, shoes, plants, small objects
• Identify the nearest vet and save their number (you will need this faster than you expect)
• Buy food before bringing them home — do not figure this out on arrival day
• Tell your building society or landlord if required — better to sort this early
• Have a water bowl ready and filled

2. Food and Feeding — The Biggest Question

Food causes more confusion for first-time dog owners than anything else. So let's be direct.

Dry food vs wet food vs treats — what's the difference?

Dry food — the foundation of most dogs' diets. Long shelf life, easy to store, and most complete nutrition formulas are dry. Good for dental health too.

Wet food / gravy — higher moisture content, more palatable for picky eaters, and easier to eat for puppies and seniors. Use as a topper over dry food or as a standalone meal.

Treats — not a meal replacement. Used for training, bonding, and rewards. Should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake.

What to buy first

For most first-time dog owners in India, we recommend starting with a good dry food as the base, adding wet food or gravy a few times a week, and having treats ready for training. Here is what actually works — see also our guide on whether JerHigh is safe for puppies:

How much should you feed a puppy?

This depends entirely on your dog's weight, breed, and the specific food you're using. Every food has a feeding guide on the packet — start there. A general rule for puppies:

• 2-4 months: 4 small meals a day
• 4-6 months: 3 meals a day
• 6 months+: 2 meals a day

Do not free-feed (leaving food out all day). Scheduled meals help with house training because you can predict when they need to go to the bathroom.

What to absolutely never feed your dog

3. Grooming Essentials

Dogs in India need regular grooming — not for aesthetics, but for health. Delhi NCR summers are brutal, ticks are common, and most Indian dogs (especially Indies) develop skin issues without proper care. The good news is that month-one grooming is simple.

The three things you actually need

A good dog shampoo

Use a dog-specific shampoo — human shampoo has the wrong pH for dog skin and causes dryness and irritation over time. For first-time owners, we recommend starting with an anti-tick shampoo since tick prevention is a genuine health concern in Delhi NCR, not just a precaution.

For puppies under 12 weeks: OMD Shampoo Cat & Puppy variant — specifically formulated for young, sensitive skin

For adult dogs: Bio Clean Anti-Tick Shampoo 200ml — natural formula, effective tick prevention, safe for regular use

How often to bathe: Once every 2-4 weeks for most Indian dogs. More frequently if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or picks up strong odours. New to bath time? Read how to bathe a puppy in India.

Nail cutter

This one surprises most first-time owners. Dog nails grow continuously and if left too long, they curl and cause pain and posture problems. Most dogs need their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks.

A professional nail cutter designed for dogs is worth the investment over using human nail clippers. Cut only the tip — avoid the quick (the pink blood vessel inside the nail). If you're nervous, ask your vet to show you once.

Pet wipes

Pet wipes are not optional in India — they are essential. After every walk, your dog's paws have been in contact with dust, bacteria, heat, and whatever else is on Delhi's streets. A quick paw wipe after every outdoor trip is one of the simplest things you can do for your dog's health.

Keep a pack by the door. Use one after every walk. Your floors will also thank you.

4. Accessories — What You Need and What Can Wait

Needs on day one

Leash

For puppies, a standard 4-6 foot flat leash is perfect. Retractable leashes are not recommended for puppies — they teach bad leash habits and give you no control. A simple leash with a comfortable grip is all you need.

Food and water bowls

Stainless steel or ceramic. Avoid plastic — it scratches easily and bacteria collect in the scratches. Two bowls: one for food, one for water. Water bowl stays filled at all times.

Things that can wait until month two

• Harness (useful but not urgent in month one)
• Dog clothes (unless it's genuinely cold)
• Fancy food bowls with stands
• Automatic feeders
• Multiple leashes

5. Toys — Keep It Simple

Dogs need toys for three reasons: mental stimulation, physical exercise, and something appropriate to chew on that isn't your furniture. Month one does not require a toy collection. It requires one or two good options.

What to start with

One chew toy — something appropriate for their age and chew strength. For puppies, soft rubber or latex is ideal. For adult dogs, harder rubber or rope toys.

One interactive toy — something that moves unpredictably. A simple ball is enough. The Egg Ball is a good starting option — its irregular shape makes it bounce unpredictably, which keeps dogs engaged much longer than a round ball.

What to avoid in month one

• Toys with small parts that can be swallowed
• Squeaky toys for heavy chewers — they will remove the squeaker and potentially swallow it
• Too many toys at once — rotate them to keep things interesting

6. Vet Essentials — The Non-Negotiables

This section is not optional. Skipping vet care in month one is the most common and most consequential mistake new dog owners make in India.

First vet appointment

Within the first week — ideally within the first 72 hours. Even if your dog looks completely healthy. The vet will:

• Check for parasites (internal and external)
• Assess overall health and weight
• Start or continue the vaccination schedule

Core vaccines for dogs in India

Deworming schedule

Puppies should be dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, then monthly until 6 months, then every 3 months for life. Your vet will advise the specific dewormer. Do not skip this — intestinal worms are extremely common in Indian dogs and cause serious health issues if untreated.