Puppy Care Guide

Essential care practices for raising a healthy, happy puppy from day one.

Nutrition & Feeding

Choosing Puppy Food

Select food labeled "for puppies" or "for all life stages"
Look for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approval
Choose appropriate formula for your puppy's expected adult size
Consider breed-specific formulas for large or small breeds

Feeding Schedule

8-12 weeks: 4 meals per day
3-6 months: 3 meals per day
6-12 months: 2 meals per day
12+ months: 1-2 meals per day

Portion Control

Follow food package guidelines based on expected adult weight. Adjust portions based on body condition—you should be able to feel (but not see) ribs.

Foods to Avoid

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Macadamia nuts, avocado
Cooked bones (splinter risk)
High-fat foods, alcohol, caffeine

Grooming Basics

Brushing

Start early to get puppies comfortable with grooming. Brush frequency depends on coat type:

Short coats: Weekly
Medium coats: 2-3 times per week
Long/thick coats: Daily

Bathing

Bathe puppies only when necessary (every 4-6 weeks or when dirty). Use puppy-specific shampoo. Never use human shampoo.

Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 2-4 weeks. Start early to build tolerance. Stop before the quick (pink area inside nail).

Dental Care

Begin tooth brushing early with dog-specific toothpaste. Aim for daily brushing or at minimum 3 times per week.

Ear Cleaning

Check ears weekly for dirt, odor, or redness. Clean with vet-approved ear cleaner as needed.

Exercise & Play

Puppies need physical exercise and mental stimulation, but avoid over-exercising developing joints.

General Guidelines

Rule of thumb: 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily. So a 3-month-old puppy gets two 15-minute sessions.

Age-Appropriate Activities

8-12 weeks: Short play sessions, indoor games, gentle exploration
3-6 months: Leash walks, basic fetch, puppy playdates
6-12 months: Longer walks, swimming, agility basics
12+ months: Running, hiking, advanced activities (after vet clearance)

Mental Stimulation

Puzzle toys and treat dispensers
Hide-and-seek games
Training sessions (learning is mentally tiring!)
Sniff walks (let them explore smells)
Rotating toy selection

Socialization

The critical socialization window is 3-14 weeks. Expose your puppy to:

People: Different ages, genders, appearances
Animals: Vaccinated dogs, cats, other pets
Environments: Parks, streets, vehicles, buildings
Sounds: Vacuum, traffic, thunder recordings, music
Handling: Touching paws, ears, mouth, tail

Important: All experiences should be positive. Don't overwhelm your puppy. Go at their pace.

🎓 Socialization & Training Support: Need guidance on proper socialization techniques? Our recommended training program includes comprehensive socialization strategies.

Sleep & Rest

Puppies need 15-20 hours of sleep per day. Provide:

A comfortable, quiet sleeping area
Crate training for safe overnight rest
Consistent bedtime routine
Undisturbed nap times (especially important for children to understand)

Safety & Puppy-Proofing

Indoor Safety

Remove electrical cords or cover with cord protectors
Store cleaning products, medications, and chemicals in locked cabinets
Remove toxic plants (lilies, azaleas, sago palm, etc.)
Secure trash cans with locking lids
Block access to stairs until puppy is coordinated
Remove small objects that could be choking hazards

Outdoor Safety

Secure fencing (check for gaps puppies could squeeze through)
Remove toxic plants from yard
Store garden chemicals safely
Provide shade and fresh water
Never leave puppy unsupervised outdoors

Health Care Basics

Veterinary Schedule

First visit: Within days of bringing puppy home
Vaccinations: Series at 8, 12, and 16 weeks (DHPP, rabies)
Deworming: Multiple treatments starting at 2-3 weeks
Flea/tick prevention: As recommended by vet
Spay/neuter: Typically 6-9 months (discuss timing with vet)

Warning Signs to Watch For

Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
Vomiting or diarrhea (especially if bloody)
Lethargy or weakness
Difficulty breathing
Excessive scratching or skin irritation
Limping or difficulty moving

When in doubt, contact your vet. Early intervention prevents serious issues.

Supplies Checklist

✅ High-quality puppy food
✅ Food and water bowls
✅ Collar with ID tag
✅ Leash (4-6 feet for training)
✅ Crate (appropriate size)
✅ Comfortable bedding
✅ Variety of toys (chew, fetch, puzzle)
✅ Grooming supplies (brush, nail clippers, toothbrush)
✅ Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
✅ Training treats