Everything you need to know to give your furry friend the best life possible!
A healthy diet is the foundation of a happy puppy! Here's what you need to know about feeding your new best friend.
Puppies under 6 months should eat 3-4 times daily. After 6 months, transition to 2 meals per day. Consistency is key - feed at the same times each day!
Follow the guidelines on your puppy food package based on age and weight. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and joint problems later in life.
Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Puppies need about 1/2 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.
Never feed chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, or macadamia nuts. These are toxic to dogs!
Start training early! Puppies are like little sponges, ready to absorb everything you teach them.
Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed. Praise enthusiastically when they go in the right spot!
Use treats, praise, and play as rewards. Never punish mistakes - redirect to the correct behavior instead. Puppies respond best to encouragement!
Start with "sit," "stay," "come," and "down." Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun. End on a positive note!
Expose your puppy to different people, animals, sounds, and environments between 3-16 weeks. This builds confidence and prevents fear-based behaviors.
A crate should be a safe haven, not punishment. Make it cozy with blankets and never force your puppy inside. They'll learn to love their den!
Every puppy learns at their own pace. Some master commands quickly, others need more time. Stay consistent and celebrate small victories!
Keep your puppy healthy with regular vet visits and preventive care.
Puppies need a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks. Core vaccines include distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies. Follow your vet's schedule!
Start flea, tick, and heartworm prevention early. These parasites can cause serious health issues. Your vet can recommend the best products.
Schedule vet visits every 3-4 weeks until your puppy is 16 weeks old, then annually. Early detection of issues means better outcomes!
Start brushing teeth early to prevent dental disease. Use dog-specific toothpaste (never human!) and provide dental chews for healthy gums.
Watch for lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or behavioral changes. When in doubt, call your vet!
Discuss timing with your vet, typically around 6 months. This prevents unwanted litters and can reduce certain health risks and behavioral issues.
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy! Here's how to keep your pup active and happy.
A good rule: 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. A 3-month-old puppy needs about 15 minutes of activity per session.
Mix it up with fetch, tug-of-war, hide and seek, and puzzle toys. Different activities engage different parts of your puppy's brain and body!
Mental exercise is just as important as physical! Use puzzle feeders, training sessions, and sniff walks to tire out that busy puppy brain.
Puppies need to chew! Provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy this urge and protect your furniture. Avoid cooked bones - they can splinter.
Regular grooming keeps your puppy looking and feeling their best!
Bathe your puppy once a month or when dirty. Use lukewarm water and puppy-specific shampoo. Too frequent bathing can dry out their skin.
Brush regularly based on coat type - daily for long coats, weekly for short coats. This removes loose fur, prevents mats, and distributes natural oils.
Trim nails every 2-4 weeks. If you can hear clicking on hard floors, they're too long! Use proper nail clippers and reward your pup afterward.
Check ears weekly for redness, odor, or discharge. Clean with a vet-approved solution if needed. Floppy-eared breeds need extra attention!
Make sure you have everything ready before bringing your new puppy home!
Now that you know how to care for a puppy, why not browse our gallery of adorable pups for some inspiration?