# New puppy shopping list for Canada: what you need in the first month URL: https://pawtrace.ca/new-puppy-shopping-list-canada/ Updated: 2026-10-24 The short answer On day 1 you need a short list: a crate or pen, a bed, two bowls, the food your puppy already eats, a collar or harness with an ID tag, a leash, poop bags, a cleaner for accidents and a few safe chews. In the first month, add grooming tools, a first-aid kit, a city licence, the microchip in your name and, in Ontario, a rabies shot once your puppy is three months old. Choose a bed for your puppy’s adult size, stainless steel bowls (the Ontario SPCA calls them durable and hygienic), and a slow feeder if your puppy gulps. Ask your vet before buying a raised bowl for a large or deep-chested puppy, because the sources differ. Winter gear and bigger items can wait until you know your dog. Print the table below and tick items off. Quick highlights - OVMA’s 2026-27 Ontario averages put a crate, bed, toys, collar and leash, and bowls at $447 in total. - The Ontario SPCA calls stainless steel bowls durable and hygienic. - In Ontario, every dog three months or older must be immunized against rabies. - Ask your vet before buying a raised bowl for a large or deep-chested puppy: the sources differ. PawTrace is not a vet or a law firm. This guide shares what we found in the sources listed below; ask your vet or a lawyer about your own situation. Photo: [Brixiv / Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-short-coated-dog-9032928/) ### Key takeaways - Buy the day 1 items before pickup. Spread the rest over the first month, so you buy for the dog you have, not the dog you imagined. - The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) puts the 2026-27 Ontario average for a crate, bed, toys, collar and leash, and bowls at $447 in total. - The Ontario SPCA says stainless steel bowls are durable and hygienic, and that plastic can harbor bacteria and develop scratches over time. - Raised bowls are disputed. Cornell and the Merck Veterinary Manual (both U.S.) advise avoiding them for high-risk dogs, and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (U.S.) calls the link suggested only. Ask your vet. - ID comes in layers: a tag with your phone number, a microchip registered in your name, and, in Ottawa, a city registration tag worn on the collar or harness. - In Ontario, every dog three months of age or older must be immunized against rabies. Keep the certificate your vet gives you. - In the car, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) strongly encourages a secured rigid container, or a crash-tested seatbelt and body harness where a container is impractical. ### How to use this list Pet stores sell far more than a puppy needs. This list sorts gear into three groups. **Day 1** items keep your puppy safe, fed and identified from the moment you get home. **First month** items you add as routines settle. **Later** items depend on your dog’s size, coat and habits, so wait until you see them. We name no brands and link no shops. Ask your vet before you buy anything that touches your puppy’s health, such as food, chews, coats and first-aid supplies. ### Sleeping and crate - **Crate or pen (day 1).** A crate gives your puppy a safe place to sleep and rest when you cannot watch. A crate with a divider can grow with a puppy that will be large. A pen or baby gates give a bigger safe zone for daytime. Our guide to [crate training without tears](https://pawtrace.ca/crate-training-without-tears/) shows how to make it a calm space, not a punishment. - **Bed or washable blankets (day 1).** Puppies chew bedding. Start with old towels or a washable blanket, and buy a better bed once the chewing stage passes. When you do, see the bed advice below. - **Something familiar (day 1).** Ask the breeder or shelter for a blanket or towel from the litter. See [the first 72 hours: bringing your puppy home](https://pawtrace.ca/the-first-72-hours-bringing-your-puppy-home/). ### Beds, bowls and slow feeders #### Beds The Ontario SPCA advises choosing a bed for your puppy’s future adult size, and one that is washable and durable ([Ontario SPCA, January 5 2024](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/the-paw-fect-start-7-must-haves-for-your-new-puppy/)). Ask the breeder or your vet what adult size to plan for. #### Bowl materials | Material | What a source says | Source | Stainless steel | Durable and hygienic. | Ontario SPCA, January 5 2024 | Plastic | “Can harbor bacteria and develop scratches over time.” | Ontario SPCA, January 5 2024 | Ceramic, silicone or other materials | We found no Canadian vet source, so we make no claim. | none The Ontario SPCA says to scrub bowls daily. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives a schedule: clean after every use for wet food, and every day for dry food and water, and bowls can go in the dishwasher if the label says they are dishwasher safe ([CDC (U.S.), February 18 2026](https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/cleaning-and-disinfecting-pet-supplies.html)). Both say to wash them regularly. #### Bowl size We found no Canadian vet source that sets bowl dimensions, so we give none. Our analysis: choose bowls that are easy to wash and hard to tip, one for water and one for food, and check them again as your puppy grows. #### Slow feeders Cailin Heinze, a veterinary nutritionist (VMD, DACVIM Nutrition) writing for Tufts University, says fast eating can increase choking and swallowed air, and may be a risk factor for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV, or bloat). Her suggestions are slow-feed bowls and food-dispensing toys, with supervision for feeding toys ([Tufts Petfoodology, March 23 2021](https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2021/03/23/putting-the-brakes-on-a-chowhound/)). The Ontario SPCA also names slow feeders for dogs that gulp, advises splitting the day’s food into several smaller portions, and says to give time to digest before exercise ([Ontario SPCA, May 12 2025](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/what-is-bloat-and-why-is-it-so-dangerous-for-dogs/)). #### Raised bowls and bloat: what the sources say Bloat is an emergency. The Ontario SPCA says it most commonly affects large male dogs with deep chests. On raised bowls, the veterinary sources do not agree. | Source | What it says on raised bowls | Cornell University (U.S.), updated April 2025 | Lists “Using a raised food bowl” as a risk factor and advises “Avoid raised food bowls”. It also lists eating too quickly as a risk factor, advises two or more meals, and says to limit activity after meals. | Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.), full review August 2025 | Says recommendations for owners of high-risk breeds may include “avoiding elevated feed bowls” and feeding multiple small meals. It lists rapid eating and once-daily feeding among factors associated with GDV. | American College of Veterinary Surgeons (U.S.) | Says it “has also been suggested” that elevated feeding may increase the incidence, which is not the same as established. For dogs after GDV surgery, it describes long-term dietary management of “multiple small meals (2-3) per day”. | Ontario SPCA, May 12 2025 | Its bloat post does not mention bowl height, and recommends slow feeders for gulpers and smaller portions through the day. A separate Ontario SPCA new-puppy post (January 5 2024) mentions elevated feeding stations only as a way to prevent spills and make cleaning easier. Because the sources differ, do not buy a raised bowl for a large or deep-chested puppy without asking your vet first. Our guide to [bloat (GDV) in dogs, the 2-hour emergency every big-dog owner must know](https://pawtrace.ca/bloat-gdv-in-dogs-the-2-hour-emergency-every-big-dog-owner-must-know/) covers the warning signs and what to do. To choose food, see [how to choose dog food in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/choosing-dog-food-types-canada/). ### Feeding - **Two bowls (day 1).** One for food and one for water. See the bowl advice above. - **The food your puppy already eats (day 1).** Ask the breeder or shelter for the name of the food and the feeding amounts, and buy that food before pickup. Talk to your vet before you switch foods. Our guide [what your puppy should eat, and how much](https://pawtrace.ca/what-your-puppy-should-eat-and-how-much/) covers portions and changes. - **A measuring cup and a sealed food container (day 1).** Measuring each meal keeps portions steady. A sealed container keeps food fresh and out of reach. - **A slow feeder, if your puppy gulps (first month).** See the sources above, and ask your vet if you are unsure. - **Small training treats (first month).** Training starts at home. Count treats as part of the daily food amount, and ask your vet how much is too much. ### Walking and ID A lost puppy is found faster when it carries more than one form of ID. Set up every layer in the first month. - **Collar or harness, and a leash (day 1).** A flat collar holds the ID tags. A harness is another option for walks. The Ontario SPCA says you should be able to fit two fingers under the collar or harness. Check the fit each week, because puppies grow fast. Our collar and harness guide is [collar, harness or head halter](https://pawtrace.ca/collar-harness-or-head-halter/). - **ID tag with your phone number (day 1).** A tag lets anyone who finds your puppy call you without a scanner. - **Microchip registration in your name (first week).** The CVMA supports microchips that meet the ISO 11784 and 11785 standards. It says the chip number must be linked to a reliable database whose information is kept up to date, and recommends scanning chipped animals once a year to check the chip works. Ask the breeder or shelter for the chip number and the registry, then transfer it to your name. OVMA’s 2026-27 Ontario average for a microchip is $140, if your puppy does not have one. Our guide to [microchipping in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/microchipping-in-canada-registries-and-why-updating-matters/) explains the registries. - **City licence or registration (first month).** Check your city’s rules. Our guide to [dog licences in Canada’s big cities](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-licences-in-canadas-big-cities/) compares seven of them. - **Poop bags (day 1).** Keep a roll on the leash and a spare in your coat pocket. #### Ottawa example: registering your puppy The City of Ottawa requires cat and dog owners to register their pets and renew each year. You receive a numbered metal tag, which must be worn on your pet’s collar or harness, in particular outside your home. You can register online through My ServiceOttawa or in person at a client service centre. For fees effective January 1 2026, the city lists $22 for a cat or dog under 6 months of age that is not sterilized, $22 for one 6 months or older that is sterilized, and $42 for one 6 months or older that is not sterilized ([City of Ottawa, registration fees](https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/animals-and-pets/pet-registration/registration-fees), seen October 23 2026). Other fees are on the same page. Other cities set their own fees. For the full first-year budget, including vet care, classes and insurance, see [how much a puppy costs in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/how-much-does-a-puppy-cost-in-canada/). ### Grooming - **A brush or comb for your puppy’s coat (first month).** Ask the breeder, your vet or a groomer which type suits the coat your puppy will grow. - **Nail trimmer (first month).** Short, calm sessions teach your puppy to accept paw handling. Ask your vet to show you how far to trim. - **Dog toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs (first month).** Ask your vet which products to use. See [dental care for dogs](https://pawtrace.ca/dental-care-for-dogs-brushing-chews-and-cleanings/). - **Dog shampoo and an old towel (later).** Bathe your puppy only when needed, with a shampoo made for dogs. Ask your vet how often. - **A groomer (later, for long or curly coats).** Book a short, gentle first visit. See [choosing a groomer: questions to ask and red flags](https://pawtrace.ca/choosing-a-groomer-questions-to-ask-and-red-flags/). ### Cleaning - **A cleaner made for pet urine, and paper towels (day 1).** Accidents will happen. Clean them fully so the smell does not draw your puppy back to the same spot. Our guide to [house training](https://pawtrace.ca/house-training-that-actually-works/) sets out a routine. - **Old towels for wet paws (day 1).** Keep them by the door. In winter they double as salt wipes. - **A lidded garbage bin (day 1).** Puppies can reach open bins, and some foods are toxic to dogs. ### Toys and chews Puppies chew, and teething makes it stronger. Start with three or four toys of different kinds, such as a rubber chew with some give, a food-stuffing toy and a soft toy for carrying. The Ontario SPCA advises rubber toys at least twice the size of the puppy’s mouth, and rotating toys to keep them interesting. Watch your puppy with any new item. Skip anything small enough to swallow, and anything too hard to dent with a thumbnail. Our [teething survival kit](https://pawtrace.ca/teething-survival-kit-what-puppies-should-chew-and-what-to-bin/) lists what to give and what to bin, [safe chews and bones for dogs](https://pawtrace.ca/safe-chews-and-bones-for-dogs/) covers edible chews, and [dog toys by age, size and chewing style](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-toys-by-age-size-chewing-style/) helps you choose. Ask your vet before you give any edible chew. ### Safety and puppy-proofing - **Baby gates (day 1).** Close off stairs and the rooms you have not puppy-proofed yet. - **Cord covers or clips, and cupboard latches (day 1).** Lift cables, medicines and cleaning products out of reach. - **A safe way to travel by car (day 1).** The CVMA says secured rigid containers are strongly encouraged, and that where they are impractical, crash-tested seatbelts and body harnesses are strongly recommended. It advises placing the pet in the rear of the passenger compartment because of airbag risk, and opposes unsecured pets in open conveyances, including pick-up truck beds ([CVMA, May 16 2024](https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/transport-of-dogs-and-cats/)). See [dog car safety in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-car-safety-canada/). - **A yard check (first week).** Walk the fence and gates for gaps, and store antifreeze and rat or mouse bait out of reach. Our guide to [puppy-proofing a Canadian home and yard](https://pawtrace.ca/puppy-proofing-a-canadian-home-and-yard/) walks through every room. If your puppy swallows something worrying, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. ### Canadian-winter gear A puppy that comes home in the fall will meet its first Canadian winter within weeks. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society gives this cold-weather advice: - Puppies and short-coated dogs are vulnerable in the cold, and some dogs may benefit from a sweater or coat as an extra layer. - Even a dog with a thick coat needs watching outside. Holding up paws or shivering are early signs of cold. - Keep walks short in extreme cold, and choose routes that loop past your home. - Wipe paws and the underside with a damp towel after walks on salted sidewalks or roads. Salt and de-icers can irritate and burn paws and can cause illness if licked off. - Watch for antifreeze leaks in your driveway. Antifreeze tastes sweet and can be fatal if swallowed. So the winter list is short: a coat if your puppy is small or short-coated, a towel by the door, and a reflective leash or collar light for dark evening walks. Boots are optional. Let your puppy try them indoors first. Ask your vet whether your puppy needs a coat. More in [winter with a dog: paws, salt, cold and dark walks](https://pawtrace.ca/winter-with-a-dog-paws-salt-cold-and-dark-walks/). ### First-aid and emergency kit The Government of Canada’s emergency preparedness page for pets lists a carrier or crate, a leash or harness, food and water for at least 72 hours, bowls, medications with dosage instructions, your vet’s contact details, bags and paper towels, a pet first-aid kit, blankets, toys and your pet’s file. The Government of Alberta’s pet preparedness page lists what to put in the first-aid kit itself. A starter version, built from that list: - gauze squares, a gauze roll and adhesive tape; - a stretch bandage or vet wrap, and a no-stick sterile wound dressing; - sterile saline rinse, antiseptic wipes and antibacterial soap; - bandage scissors, tweezers and protective gloves; - a muzzle, a penlight, instant cold packs and a blanket for transport. Alberta’s list also includes 3% hydrogen peroxide. Use it only if a vet tells you to. Never make your puppy vomit on your own. Tape your vet’s number and the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital’s number inside the lid. Ask your vet to go through the kit with you at the first visit. See [building a dog first-aid kit in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-first-aid-kit-canada/) and [emergency signs every owner should know](https://pawtrace.ca/emergency-signs-every-owner-should-know/), and use [Find a vet](https://pawtrace.ca/find-a-vet/) to locate clinics near you. ### Documents to keep Keep one folder, paper or digital, with: - the purchase contract or adoption agreement, and the receipt; - vaccination and deworming records from the breeder, shelter or vet; - the rabies certificate. In Ontario, every dog three months of age or older must be immunized against rabies. The vet issues a signed certificate with the date the next shot is due, plus a rabies tag; - the microchip number, the registry’s name and proof the chip is in your name; - the city licence or registration receipt; - your pet insurance policy, if you buy one; - the breeder’s or shelter’s contact details, and a recent photo of you with your dog. If your puppy came with a PawTrace passport, keep it with these records. Our guide on [how to read a puppy passport](https://pawtrace.ca/how-to-read-a-puppy-passport/) explains the labels. This section is general information, not legal advice. ### What the basics cost We found no Canadian source that publishes price ranges for puppy gear. OVMA publishes provincial averages. These are the gear lines from its 2026-27 puppy figures: | Item | OVMA 2026-27 average (Ontario) | Crate | $181 | Toys | $85 | Bed | $79 | Collar and leash | $57 | Bowls | $45 | **Gear total** | **$447** | Microchip | $140 | Food, first year | $866 | Obedience classes | $565 Source: OVMA, annual cost of owning a puppy, 2026-27 (first-year total $5,245 for a male and $5,142 for a female puppy). OVMA notes these costs represent a provincial average. Its list does not include gates, an ID tag, grooming tools, cleaning supplies, winter gear or a first-aid kit. ### Printable checklist: day 1, first month, later | Category | Day 1 | First month | Later | Sleeping and crate | ☐ Crate or pen ☐ Washable blankets ☐ Blanket that smells of the litter | ☐ Crate divider, if needed | ☐ Sturdier bed sized for the adult dog ☐ Larger crate, if your dog outgrows it | Feeding | ☐ Two bowls (stainless steel suggested by the Ontario SPCA) ☐ Current food ☐ Measuring cup ☐ Sealed food container | ☐ Training treats ☐ Slow feeder, if your puppy gulps ☐ Feeding plan from your vet | ☐ Adult food, when your vet advises ☐ Ask your vet before any raised bowl | Walking and ID | ☐ Collar or harness ☐ Leash ☐ ID tag with your phone number ☐ Poop bags | ☐ Microchip in your name ☐ City licence or registration ☐ Rabies shot from three months (Ontario) | ☐ Larger collar or harness as your puppy grows | Grooming | — | ☐ Brush or comb ☐ Nail trimmer ☐ Dog toothbrush and toothpaste | ☐ Dog shampoo ☐ Groomer, for long or curly coats | Cleaning | ☐ Pet urine cleaner ☐ Paper towels ☐ Old towels ☐ Lidded garbage bin | — | — | Toys and chews | ☐ Three or four safe toys | ☐ Teething chews your vet approves | ☐ Swap toys as your dog’s chewing changes | Safety | ☐ Baby gates ☐ Cord clips and cupboard latches ☐ Car crate or seatbelt harness | ☐ Yard and fence check ☐ Antifreeze and bait stored away | — | Winter | ☐ Towel by the door | ☐ Coat, if small or short-coated ☐ Reflective leash or collar light | ☐ Boots, if your dog accepts them | First aid | ☐ Vet and emergency hospital numbers | ☐ First-aid kit ☐ 72-hour emergency kit | ☐ Restock the kit each year | Documents | ☐ Contract or adoption agreement ☐ Vaccination and deworming records | ☐ Microchip transfer proof ☐ Licence receipt ☐ Insurance policy, if any | ☐ Rabies certificate, renewed by the due date PawTrace new puppy checklist, October 2026. Print this page and tick items off. ### Myth vs fact | Myth | Fact | You need everything before the puppy comes home. | Day 1 needs a short list. Grooming tools, winter gear and a better bed can wait until you know your dog. | A microchip is all the ID a dog needs. | A chip helps only if the number links to current owner details, and someone needs a scanner to read it. A tag with your phone number works for anyone. Ottawa also requires the city tag to be worn. | Plastic and steel bowls are the same. | The Ontario SPCA says stainless steel is durable and hygienic and that plastic can harbor bacteria and develop scratches over time. | A raised bowl is always better for big dogs. | Cornell and Merck (both U.S.) advise avoiding raised bowls for high-risk dogs, and ACVS (U.S.) calls the link suggested only. Ask your vet. | The rabies shot is optional in Ontario. | Ontario Regulation 567 requires every dog three months of age or older to be immunized against rabies. The only exemption is a vet’s signed statement that a medical condition prevents safe immunization, with the dog kept from exposure to rabies. | A thick coat means no winter worries. | The Ontario SPCA says even thick-coated dogs need watching in the cold, and salt can burn any dog’s paws. | Any chew from a pet store is safe for a puppy. | Some chews are too hard for puppy teeth or small enough to swallow. Ask your vet, and see our teething guide. ### Frequently asked questions What do I need on the first day with a new puppy? A crate or pen, washable bedding, two bowls, the food your puppy already eats, a collar or harness with an ID tag, a leash, poop bags, a cleaner for accidents, baby gates and a few safe toys. Add a safe way to travel home in the car. How much does puppy gear cost in Ontario? OVMA’s 2026-27 Ontario averages total $447 for a crate, bed, toys, collar and leash, and bowls. Its list leaves out gates, ID tags, grooming tools, cleaning supplies and winter gear. What bowl material should I choose? The Ontario SPCA says stainless steel bowls are durable and hygienic, and that plastic can harbor bacteria and develop scratches over time. We found no Canadian vet source on other materials. Should my puppy use a raised bowl or a slow feeder? Tufts and the Ontario SPCA name slow feeders for dogs that gulp. On raised bowls the sources differ: Cornell and Merck (U.S.) advise avoiding them for high-risk dogs, and ACVS (U.S.) calls the link suggested only. Ask your vet, especially for a large or deep-chested puppy. How much does it cost to register a puppy in Ottawa? For fees effective January 1 2026, the City of Ottawa lists $22 for a puppy under 6 months that is not sterilized, $22 for a dog 6 months or older that is sterilized, and $42 for a dog 6 months or older that is not sterilized (seen October 23 2026). Registration renews each year. When does my puppy need a rabies shot in Ontario? Ontario requires every dog three months of age or older to be immunized against rabies. Ask your vet to fit it into the puppy vaccine schedule, and keep the certificate. How should my puppy travel in the car? The CVMA strongly encourages a secured rigid container, and where that is impractical, a crash-tested seatbelt and body harness, placed in the rear of the passenger compartment. It opposes unsecured pets in pick-up truck beds. Does my puppy need a winter coat? The Ontario SPCA says puppies, short-coated dogs and older dogs may benefit from a sweater or coat. Ask your vet whether your puppy needs one, and watch for shivering or lifted paws on walks. What papers should I get when I pick up my puppy? A written contract or adoption agreement, vaccination and deworming records, the microchip number and registry, and the breeder’s or shelter’s contact details. Ask for the name of the food and the feeding amounts as well. Should I buy a big crate my puppy can grow into? A crate with a divider lets you start small and open it up as your puppy grows. Our crate training guide explains how to set it up. ### Keep reading - [The first 72 hours: bringing your puppy home](https://pawtrace.ca/the-first-72-hours-bringing-your-puppy-home/) - [How much does a puppy cost in Canada?](https://pawtrace.ca/how-much-does-a-puppy-cost-in-canada/) - [Puppy-proofing a Canadian home and yard](https://pawtrace.ca/puppy-proofing-a-canadian-home-and-yard/) - [Teething survival kit: what puppies should chew, and what to bin](https://pawtrace.ca/teething-survival-kit-what-puppies-should-chew-and-what-to-bin/) - [Crate training without tears](https://pawtrace.ca/crate-training-without-tears/) Need help from a vet? [Find a vet near you](https://pawtrace.ca/find-a-vet/). ### Sources All links were checked on October 23 2026. - [Ontario Veterinary Medical Association: annual cost of owning a puppy and a dog, 2026-27 (PDF)](https://www.ovma.org/getmedia/0be8d20a-759e-47b9-9b16-1607903774fe/OVMA-CostofCare-Canine.pdf?ext=.pdf) - [City of Ottawa: pet registration fees (fees effective January 1 2026; seen October 23 2026)](https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/animals-and-pets/pet-registration/registration-fees) - [City of Ottawa: cat and dog registration](https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/animals-and-pets/pet-registration) - [Ontario Regulation 567: Rabies Immunization (e-Laws currency date October 21 2026; read October 23 2026)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900567) - [Canadian Veterinary Medical Association: microchip animal identification in small (companion) animals, position statement (March 1 2022)](https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/microchip-animal-identification-in-small-companion-animals/) - [Canadian Veterinary Medical Association: Transport of Dogs and Cats, position statement (May 16 2024)](https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/transport-of-dogs-and-cats/) - [Ontario SPCA: The Paw-fect Start, 7 must-haves for your new puppy (January 5 2024)](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/the-paw-fect-start-7-must-haves-for-your-new-puppy/) - [Ontario SPCA: What is bloat and why is it so dangerous for dogs? (May 12 2025)](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/what-is-bloat-and-why-is-it-so-dangerous-for-dogs/) - [Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: urges caution in cold weather to keep animals safe (January 10 2022)](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/the-ontario-spca-and-humane-society-urges-caution-in-cold-weather-to-keep-animals-safe/) - [CDC (U.S.): Cleaning and disinfecting pet supplies (February 18 2026)](https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/cleaning-and-disinfecting-pet-supplies.html) - [Tufts Petfoodology: Putting the brakes on a chowhound (March 23 2021)](https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2021/03/23/putting-the-brakes-on-a-chowhound/) - [Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.): Gastric dilation and volvulus in small animals (full review August 2025)](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/surgical-problems-of-the-gastrointestinal-tract-in-small-animals/gastric-dilation-and-volvulus-in-small-animals) - [Cornell University (U.S.): Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat (updated April 2025)](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/gastric-dilatation-volvulus-gdv-or-bloat) - [American College of Veterinary Surgeons (U.S.): Gastric dilatation-volvulus](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/gastric-dilatation-volvulus/) - [Government of Canada: emergency preparedness for pets and service animals (modified February 16 2026)](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-planning-resources/animals.html) - [Government of Alberta: pet preparedness](https://www.alberta.ca/pet-preparedness) General information only. This guide is not veterinary advice or legal advice. Ask your vet before you buy anything that touches your puppy’s health. Written by the PawTrace Team.