Bringing a Puppy Home
When it comes to caring for a puppy, there are ways to stay on track.
Creating your own ‘preparing for a puppy checklist’ is an effective way to ensure you have everything you need. In fact, before your new pup even enters your home, there are several puppy ‘must haves’ that will help them adjust to their new environment. This list can include everything from a food bowl and a collar and lead to puppy-proofing your house so that it is a safe, comfortable space for your puppy to grow.
Introducing a Puppy to a Dog or Cat
When introducing a puppy to an older dog, a gradual approach is best with a controlled introduction. Start by allowing them to sniff each other through a barrier, then slowly introduce face-to-face interactions, always supervising their body language closely.
For those looking to introduce a puppy to a cat, the process should be even more gradual, ensuring the cat has a safe space to retreat if uncomfortable.
Lastly, introducing a puppy to people will likely be a little easier as you can communicate with them, although it should still be done carefully to avoid overwhelming them.
Puppy Proofing
Puppy-proofing your home is essential to keeping your new furry friend safe. Start by securing a puppy-proof fence to prevent escapes and ensure they can't access hazardous areas. As your new furry friend will likely spend a lot of time outside, puppy-proofing the backyard will involve removing toxic plants, securing trash bins, and checking for any small gaps in the fence. Be aware of any puppy poison risks by storing household chemicals and medications out of reach.
Creating a safe environment will help your puppy explore and grow without unnecessary risks.
For more tips on the first night with your new puppy, check out our First Night with Puppy Guide.
Puppy Toilet Training
Effective puppy toilet training is the first step to a harmonious home life with your new furry friend. Here are some tips to get you started:
• Start Early: Begin toilet training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Remember, every puppy adjusts at their own pace.
• Use Puppy Training Pads: Puppy pads provide a temporary solution, giving your puppy a designated spot to relieve themselves.
• Create a Schedule: Establish a puppy toilet training schedule. Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, last thing at night, upon waking from a nap, and after eating or drinking.
• Follow a Feeding Schedule: A consistent puppy feeding schedule helps predict your puppy's toileting needs and track their digestive health.
• Use Dog Cues: Pair a verbal cue, like "go toilet," with your puppy’s bathroom trips to help them associate the command with the action.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats, play, or petting whenever they toilet in the designated spot to reinforce good behaviour.
• Be Patient: Toilet training can take anywhere from days to months. Consistency and patience are key.
For a comprehensive guide on house training a puppy, review our detailed Puppy Toilet Training article.
Puppy Health
Maintaining your puppy's health is essential from the moment they arrive in your home. Ensuring proper vaccinations, parasite control, and overall well-being are crucial steps in caring for your new furry friend.
Puppy Vaccination
Puppy vaccinations are necessary to protect your dog from serious infectious diseases. A puppy vaccination schedule can vary depending on the type of vaccine used, your puppy’s lifestyle and local disease conditions. The vaccination course typically starts from 6-8 weeks of age.
Vaccines are available for several important infectious diseases including canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis and canine cough (also known as kennel cough). Consult your vet for advice on when to vaccinate your puppy and puppy vaccination cost.
Parasite control
Regular parasite control is crucial for your puppy's health, including flea and tick treatment for puppies and protection from puppy worms.
NexGard SPECTRA® for Dogs provides the most complete parasite protection, all in one tasty, monthly chew. It provides protection against:
• Fleas and ticks.
• Mites in dog’s ears (Otodectes cynotis) and mites of the skin (Sarcoptes mites and Demodex mites).
• Lice.
• Heartworm
• Intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm and whipworm)
NexGard SPECTRA can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and 1.35 kg bodyweight.
Puppy Sickness
Being aware of signs of puppy sickness is one of the most important roles of a pet owner, as it will allow you to offer early intervention and treatment. Look out for signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy, which can be signs of common puppy illnesses caused by parasites or a viral or bacterial infection.
Remember that puppy car sickness is also very common; gradual acclimation to car rides can help reduce the likelihood of car sickness.
It’s best to contact your veterinary clinic if you have any concerns about your puppy’s health.
Desexing Puppy
Desexing your puppy can prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain health issues later in life. It is best to discuss the timing and benefits with your vet.
Puppy Sleep
Helping your puppy sleep well at night will help their development and your peace of mind as an owner. You may find they have some difficulty resting in their new environment, especially on the first night with the puppy.
• Create a Comfortable Bed: Ensure your puppy has a cozy and secure sleeping area. A well-padded puppy bed with soft blankets can help them feel safe and warm.
• Establish a Sleep Routine: Set a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your puppy that it's time to wind down. It could include a short walk, some quiet play, and even a calming cuddle.
• Crate Training: Crate training your puppy at night can provide them with a secure place to sleep. Start with the crate in your bedroom so they can sense your presence, which can reduce any ongoing puppy night crying.
• Exercise and Play: Ensure your puppy gets plenty of exercise during the day. Tired puppies are more likely to sleep soundly through the night, which makes it another, and often undervalued, part of puppy sleep training.
• Comfort and Reassurance: The first night with a puppy can be tough. Keep their sleeping area close to you and provide comfort if they become anxious.
• Monitor Sleep Patterns: New dog owners regularly wonder, ‘How long do puppies sleep for?’ The answer might surprise you, with some puppies sleeping up to 20 hours a day. Understanding how much sleep puppies need helps ensure they get adequate rest.
Review our detailed First Night with Puppy guide for more tips on helping your puppy sleep.
Playing With Your Puppy
Playing with your puppy is essential for their physical and mental development. Here are some tips for when you play with your puppy:
• Use Puppy Playpens: Puppy playpens provide a safe and contained area for your puppy to play in. They can help to prevent accidents and keep your puppy secure.
• Choose Safe Puppy Toys: Select appropriate puppy toys that are durable and safe for chewing. Avoid toys with small parts that can be swallowed.
• Gentle Handling: When handling puppies, always be gentle and avoid rough play that can lead to injury or fear.
• Structured Playtime: Incorporate regular puppy playing time into their daily routine to help expend energy and promote healthy growth.
• Stop Puppy Biting: To stop puppy biting when playing, redirect their attention to a chew toy whenever they try to nip at your hands or clothes. Consistent redirection helps them learn appropriate behaviour.
• Address Puppy Growling: If you notice your puppy growling when playing, it might be a sign of overexcitement or discomfort. Pause the play and let them calm down before resuming.
• Interactive Games: Engage in interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war, which can be great for bonding and exercise. Always use safe and sturdy toys for these activities.
If you would like more tips on exercising and playing with your puppy, explore our dedicated Dog Exercise article.
Puppy Feeding Guide
Proper nutrition and a consistent feeding process for your dog are vital for their growth and development.
How Much Do I Feed My Puppy?
Knowing how much to feed a puppy will guide you in managing their health and development needs. The amount of food your puppy needs will depend on their age, size, breed, and activity level. It will also depend on the type and quality of food you are feeding.
It's also important to consider how often to feed a puppy. Puppies have small stomachs and require more frequent meals compared to adult dogs. Puppies typically require 3-4 meals a day while adult dogs are typically fed once or twice a day.
Consult with your vet to develop a feeding plan for your puppy's specific needs.
What Do I Feed My Puppy With?
Deciding what to feed a puppy is another common query, especially as there are so many options available. Many human foods that are quite safe for us are toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues.
So, what can puppies eat? A well-balanced puppy diet supports healthy growth and development. The most convenient and simple option is to feed a high-quality commercial puppy food. These are formulated to provide the correct nutrients for balanced puppy nutrition.
Your veterinary clinic can provide further advice on the most appropriate diet for your growing puppy.
Puppy Feeding Schedule
Establishing a consistent puppy feeding schedule helps regulate their digestion and energy levels. Follow a regular routine to ensure they are fed at the same times each day. For more details on creating the most appropriate puppy feeding times each day, read our in-depth article on Feeding Dogs.
Puppy Grooming
Grooming is an important part of puppy care. It is vital you begin conditioning your puppy to be groomed right from the start. Gently familiarising your pup with having its ears, face, mouth and feet handled before trying to groom. Go slowly and use treats and praise to ensure your puppy forms a strong positive association with the grooming experience. This includes not only brushing, but bathing, nail and dental care.
When Can I start Grooming My Puppy?
Work to create a positive association with puppy grooming from an early age. Start handling your puppy gently and introduce grooming tools on a gradual basis to help them get used to the process and reduce anxiety.
The frequency of grooming largely depends on the breed and fur type:
• Short-haired breeds: Brushing once a week may be adequate.
• Long-haired breeds: Brushing daily can help prevent matting.
Consult your vet for specific grooming needs based on your puppy’s breed and fur type.
How Do I Groom My Puppy?
Grooming and cleaning your puppy is important to ensure they stay happy and healthy. The steps to do this include:
Clean Puppy Ears
You should check and clean your puppy’s ears each week to prevent build-up of wax and reduce the risk of infections. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and cotton balls to gently clean the outer part of the ear canal. It’s important not to insert cotton buds into the ears as these could cause damage.
Trimming Puppy Hair
Depending on your puppy’s breed, trimming their hair may be necessary. Many people opt to use dog groomers to keep their pet’s coat neat and tidy. It’s best to avoid cutting puppy hair too soon as it’s not safe to visit the groomer until they’re fully vaccinated. If you decide to trim the hair yourself, use blunt-nosed scissors or clippers designed for dogs and take care not to pull on the fur or catch the skin. It can be beneficial to let your pup get used to the sound of clippers before using them.
Cleaning Puppy Eyes
Some tips on how to clean puppy eyes are:
• Use a damp cloth or cotton ball.
• Gently wipe away any material or discharge from the corner of the eyes.
Some dogs will develop puppy tear stains which can be particularly noticeable on white dogs. This staining doesn’t usually bother the dog, but consult your vet if you notice swelling, redness or excessive discharge.
Brushing Puppy Teeth
Dog teeth are built differently from our own, and our pups regularly use their mouths for more than just eating. Establish a puppy dental care routine early on to ensure they maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Here’s how to brush puppy teeth:
• Use a dog-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Gently brush in circular motions.
• Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration.
Clean Puppy Paws
Regularly clean your puppy’s paws to remove dirt, debris or grass seeds. Check their paws (including between their toes and pads) for any wounds or signs of skin irritation. To clean the paws you can use a washcloth and warm water. You can also thoroughly clean them with warm water and a shampoo designed for puppies. Remember to dry the paws afterwards.
Cutting Puppy Nails
Regular nail trimming using puppy nail clippers can prevent nails becoming overgrown. Some tips for how to cut puppy nails are:
• Gently hold their paw.
• Trim the top of the nail, avoiding the quick (the sensitive part inside the nail).
• Reward your puppy with treats and praise after each nail if they are behaving well.
Your veterinary clinic can assist you with the best technique to cut your puppy’s nails safely.
Washing Your Puppy
As your puppy explores the new world around them, it’s inevitable that they’ll become dirty. Washing them is important to ensure their hygiene and overall health. Follow these steps on washing your dog to guarantee a safe and effective bath time for your little friend, every time:
1. Prepare the Bath Area
• Gather all necessary supplies, such as puppy shampoo, a cup for rinsing, towels, and some rewarding treats.
• Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot.
2. Brush Before Bathing
• Gently brush your puppy's coat to remove any mats or tangles.
3. Introduce Your Puppy to the Water
• Allow your puppy to explore the bath area and get used to the sound of running water.
• Use treats and calm verbal praise to create a positive association.
4. Wet Your Puppy
• Starting from the neck down, gently wet your puppy’s coat, avoiding the head area.
5. Apply Shampoo
• Use a small amount of puppy shampoo and gently massage it into their coat, working from the neck down to the tail.
• Be cautious around sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
• Carefully rinse all the shampoo from your puppy’s coat, ensuring no residue is left behind.
7. Dry Your Puppy
• Gently pat your puppy dry with a soft towel. Avoid using a hairdryer unless your puppy is comfortable with it and the temperature is suitable.
• Offer treats and praise throughout the drying process to keep the experience positive.
Puppy Socialising
An important part of responsible puppy care involves introducing your pup to new people, animals, places, sounds, smells and textures. Puppy socialising is part of any dog’s development and contributes to the type of adult dog they will become. It’s important to avoid taking your puppy to environments where it may be exposed to infectious diseases, such as dog parks, footpaths or beaches until it is fully vaccinated.
A few key ways to socialise your puppy in a safe and positive manner include:
Organise Safe Social Interactions:
• Arrange playdates with friends or family’s fully vaccinated dogs at your home or theirs.
• Ensure the dogs are social and enjoy the company of other dogs for a positive experience.
Learn Appropriate Interactions:
• Teach your puppy to interact politely with other dogs, including knowing when to play and when to be calm.
• Encourage calm behaviour around other dogs and discourage overexcitement.
Puppy School:
• Enrol in a puppy school to provide structured socialisation and training.
• A qualified force-free trainer can assist with socialisation and help your puppy learn appropriate behaviours.
Puppy Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can be distressing for both your puppy and your household. There are several different causes of anxiety in dogs, and as such, many different strategies to prevent and manage them:
Types of Puppy Anxiety:
• Separation Anxiety: Fear or distress when separated from their family or left alone.
• Social Anxiety: Fear of people or other dogs.
• Noise Anxiety: Fear of loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks.
Common Causes of Anxiety:
• Lack of socialisation.
• Changes in environment or routine.
• Previous traumatic experiences.
• Illness induced anxiety.
Tips to Prevent and Manage Puppy Anxiety:
• Gradual Alone Time: Start by leaving your puppy alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration to build their confidence and independence.
• Create a Safe Space: Provide a comfortable and secure area, like a crate or designated room, where your puppy can feel safe.
• Consistent Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, playtime, and sleep to give your puppy a sense of stability.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy for calm behaviour and provide toys or treats to keep them occupied when you are away.
• Exercise and Play: Ensure your puppy gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation to reduce anxiety levels.
• Socialisation: Control and positively expose your puppy to various environments, people, and animals.
If you are wondering how to treat puppy anxiety, your vet should be your first point of contact.
For more detailed information, visit our articles on Dog Anxiety, Dog Body Language, and Dog Behaviour.
Daily Puppy Schedule
We can all benefit from some robust and well-structured routines in our lives from time to time. Setting a daily puppy schedule can also help your furry friend’s development, health, and behaviour. A consistent routine:
• Establishes a sense of security which may help reduce anxiety.
• Helps with house training and other training routines.
• Ensures your puppy gets the right exercise, rest, and nutrition balance.
Activities to Include in Your Puppy Schedule:
• Feeding Times: Regular meals at the same times each day.
• Toilet Breaks: Frequent trips outside to help with house training.
• Exercise and Playtime: Physical activity and mental stimulation through games and training sessions.
• Training Sessions: Short, consistent training sessions to teach commands and good behaviour.
• Rest and Nap Time: Scheduled quiet times to ensure your puppy gets enough rest.
• Socialisation: Opportunities to meet new people and animals and experience different environments.
Introducing a consistent daily puppy schedule can help your puppy develop healthy habits, feel secure, and thrive in their new environment.
FAQs
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How to Take Care of Newborn Puppies Without a Mother
Knowing how to look after a puppy without a mother is a challenge, as puppies rely solely on milk for sustenance during the first few weeks of their life and need to feed every few hours. Fortunately, puppy milk replacers are available. Speak to your vet for further advice on hand rearing a puppy.
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How to Take Care of a Puppy When You Work
When you work outside of the home environment, puppy care can prove difficult. Putting measures in place can go a long way to help look after a puppy, including returning home on your breaks, asking a friend or neighbour to check in throughout the day, employing a puppy sitter or enrolling in doggy daycare (when your pup is old enough). Establishing consistent routines will help your puppy adjust to the times when you are away as they can anticipate your return and adapt to the situations presented to them. Whatever works best for you and your family will contribute to your puppy’s well-being.
It is best to leave your puppy with interesting things to do when they are home alone. Providing your puppy with enrichment will ensure that they are mentally stimulated and help to budget their time so that they spend as much time as possible engaged in positive activities. Creating a ‘treasure hunt’ by hiding pieces of their kibble all over is one exciting game for your puppy. Interactive food toys and novel things to chew and smell are also ideal.
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How Long Should a Puppy Drink Milk?
Puppies drink milk from their mother for the first several weeks of life. They typically start the weaning process around 3 to 4 weeks old, gradually transitioning to solid food. By 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies are fully weaned and eating solid food. There is no need to give puppies milk after they are weaned. The milk that people drink (e.g., cow’s or goat’s milk) is not suitable for dogs.
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How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone For?
When they’re freshly separated from their mothers and littermates, being alone in a new environment can create great anxiety in your pup. As such, build a safe and comfortable environment with access to water and activities to keep their independence growing. It’s best to gradually increase the length of time you leave your puppy alone. Gradual training and providing plenty of exercise before leaving can help your puppy adjust to being alone.
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How Long Do Puppies Teeth For?
Puppies usually start teething around 3 to 4 weeks of age – this is their first set of “milk teeth” or “baby teeth”. These baby teeth will start to fall out by 4-5 months of age, making way for the adult teeth.
Providing specially designed puppy teething toys are great to help ease the discomfort your pup might experience during the various puppy teething stages.
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Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?
As humans, we feed our babies a different diet to our own, and puppies also have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. It’s important to feed puppies a diet specifically formulated for their growth and development. The easiest way to do this is with a high-quality commercial puppy food.
Feeding your puppy the right food ensures that it receives the nutrients necessary for healthy growth, strong bones, and a robust immune system.
Puppies can be switched to adult dog food when they reach maturity, usually around one year of age, depending on the breed. Check with your veterinary clinic to find out when your puppy is likely to reach maturity.
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What are the Common Mistakes Puppy Owners Make?
Some example of mistakes that new puppy owners may make are:
• Inconsistent Training: Not sticking to a routine or mixed signals can confuse a puppy and slow down training progress.
• Lack of Socialisation: Missing the critical window for socialisation (3-14 weeks) can lead to behavioural issues.
• Overfeeding or Poor Diet: Not following proper feeding guidelines can lead to obesity or nutritional deficiencies.
• Neglecting Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Puppies need regular physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom-related behaviours.
• Ignoring Early Signs of Health Issues: Delaying veterinary visits for symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, or lethargy can lead to more serious health problems.
Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure your puppy grows into a well-adjusted, healthy adult dog.
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