Back Bay Veterinary Clinic

Knowing what to buy for your new puppy can feel overwhelming. Here are a few items we commonly recommend:

Dog Tag

A dog tag attached to your pet’s collar or harness is highly recommended. If your puppy were ever to wander off, having a tag with their name and your phone number can make reunification much faster.

Harness

We recommend harnesses for all ages and breeds, as they provide better control and reduce neck strain. Harnesses are especially important for flat-faced and smaller breeds.

Leash

We recommend a traditional leash that provides consistent control and helps you guide your puppy confidently in a busy city environment. Retractable leashes can be harder to manage and create a number of safety concerns.

Cold Weather Gear

Many dogs appreciate a jacket during the colder Boston months. All dogs are different, and some may benefit from an extra layer even if you would not expect it.

Booties or paw balm can help protect their paws in the winter months by keeping them from salt and de-icer on sidewalks and roads.

Toys

Dog toys are great enrichment for your puppy. We advise supervising your puppy with any new toys so they don’t ingest any pieces, as that can cause gastrointestinal upset or even require surgery.

Use extra caution with toys that can be easily swallowed or broken into pieces, such as toys with squeakers, small balls, or shreddable rope toys.

When selecting new toys, keep in mind that if you cannot make a dent in a toy with your fingernail, it is too hard and may cause dental damage.

Proper nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development.

We recommend feeding a complete and balanced, grain-inclusive puppy diet and avoiding raw diets. Research has shown an association between grain-free diets and heart disease, and raw diets carry risks for both pets and people.

Please ensure your puppy’s food includes an AAFCO statement indicating it meets nutritional standards for growth. Once your puppy has established care with us, we are happy to review specific diet choices and make personalized recommendations.

One of the most important routines to establish with your new puppy is tooth brushing. Aim for daily brushing, but even a few times per week makes a meaningful difference. We are happy to demonstrate proper brushing techniques during your appointment.

When selecting dental products, we recommend consulting the Veterinary Oral Health Council's recommendation list.

Even with excellent dental care at home, dogs, especially small breeds, will need an anesthetic dental cleaning to maintain oral health below the gumline. We perform an oral exam with each wellness appointment and make individualized recommendations based on your pet's needs.

Gentle handling at home will make lifelong grooming much easier. Spend time touching and handling your puppy’s paws, toes, ears, and mouth while offering treats and praise. This helps your puppy feel comfortable with nail trims and routine care.

We are happy to show you how to safely trim your puppy’s nails, so you feel confident doing it at home. Regular nail trims prevent discomfort and support healthy posture and movement.

Socialization is important, but timing matters.

We cannot guarantee that vaccines will be administered at the first visit, as recommendations depend on your puppy’s age, history, and overall health. We encourage you to have a conversation with your veterinarian about what activities are appropriate at each stage.

Positive exposure to new environments, sounds, people, and experiences helps build confidence and resilience.

Training begins at home from day one.

Focus on positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience. Reward the behaviors you want to see more of and keep sessions short and positive. Avoid punishment-based techniques, as they can damage trust and create fear.

If questions come up along the way, we are always here to help guide you.

We are proud to practice Fear Free medicine.

Our goal is to create positive veterinary experiences from the very first visit. Puppies form lasting impressions early in life, and gentle, low-stress handling helps build confidence and trust.

During your puppy’s appointment, we move at their pace. We use positive reinforcement, treats, and thoughtful handling techniques to make visits as comfortable as possible. If your puppy feels worried or overwhelmed, we adjust. Your puppy’s emotional well-being matters just as much as their physical health.

If you ever have concerns about stress during visits, please let us know. We are always happy to work together to make appointments a positive experience.

In the Fear Free Happy Homes content library you can also find a collection of resources reviewed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists.

We strongly recommend pet insurance.

When researching long-term coverage, we recommend comparing companies and reviewing policy details carefully. The Pet Insurance Review website can be a helpful resource for comparing plans and reading client experiences.

We will automatically send a Trupanion 30-day trial offer to all pets under 3 years of age. There is no auto-renewal and no credit card required. The trial provides coverage with no waiting period while you explore long-term options. Be sure to enroll within 24 hours of your exam using the link provided.

A microchip is a small, rice-sized transmitter that can be scanned by any veterinarian or shelter to help reunite you with your pet if they get lost.

While a microchip can be placed during any appointment, we typically recommend placing it when your puppy is being spayed, neutered, or sedated. The needle used to place the chip is on the larger side, and most pets are more comfortable having it placed while under anesthesia/sedation.

For international travel, most countries require that a microchip be placed before the rabies vaccine.

If the microchip is placed in our clinic, we will register it for you with HomeAgain using your contact information on file. If your pet already has a microchip, please ensure it is registered and that your contact information is current.

We follow AAHA guidelines and suggestions from UCDavis for spay and neuter timing. Each puppy and family have their own unique circumstances. We look forward to discussing the best decision for your pet together.