Getting a puppy will be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you will ever do.To enjoy all the benefits of having a dog, it is vital you take the steps to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
While it’s exciting bringing a new puppy home, remember the environment is new and your pup may be very apprehensive or scared. Act calm, not too rowdy and provide a warm, soft and cosy area for your pup to feel secure. Certainly, a toy or two will help in these early days, as well as an item with familiar scents i.e. a towel/blanket that smells like your pup’s mother.
What to feed & how often?
Feed your pup their current diet for the first week before aiming to integrate a premium quality puppy food. Wet food is fine but it is also beneficial to feed a high quality kibble too, as it’s much better for your pup’s teeth! Keep the diet consistent as transitional diarrhoea can occur.
Feed your pup four times per day until 12 weeks of age, then three times daily until they’re five - six months old. Once or twice a day is fine from then on.
Premium puppy food is recommended as it is full of the right nutrients in the right proportions, unlike many supermarket foods. The quality of your pup’s food can be reflected in the condition of their coat and overall health.
Keep your pup on a puppy or growth diet until they're 12 months of age before switching to an adult dog food. Large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Ridgebacks, Great Danes etc. should stay on puppy food until 18 months old
There are certain foods that are dangerous (and occasionally fatal) to dogs and should be avoided in their daily diet. These include: cooked bones, onions, grapes, sultanas, avocado, lily plants, coffee/ tea, alcohol, chocolate and too much high energy human food such as barbecued or cured meats.
Avoid feeding your puppy table scraps, particularly right from the table. This can lead to behavioural problems like begging or stealing from the table. Additionally, since table scraps are usually high in calories, they may cause unwanted weight gain.
After a pup is weaned from their mother, there is no need to give milk. Fresh water is far better and helps with digestion.
Get your pup vaccinated
Excluding taking your puppy to the vet and to puppy pre-school classes in a controlled environment, it’s a good idea to keep your pup away from dog parks and unknown dogs who may not be fully vaccinated. As it is important to socialise your puppy as much possible between 8 – 16 weeks of age, ensure you expose your pup to a multitude of environments, sights and sounds at home and other safe environments and only introduce other dogs who you know are fully vaccinated.
If your local PETstock store offers a PETstock VET service you can get your pup vaccinated conveniently in store.
The first vaccination is generally given at six - eight weeks of age, 12 weeks for the second vaccination and 14 - 16 weeks of age for the final vaccination. Boosters are then recommended yearly.
Grooming
Whether your puppy has short or long hair, it is recommended to start the grooming process as early as possible. It’s important to spend time daily, softly brushing your pup’s coat and touching them all over their body. By focusing on the ears, tail, feet and toes, your pup will learn early to enjoy the handling process which teaches them to enjoy grooming for their lifetime. Not only does this keep your pup’s coat healthy, it also creates a lasting bond between you both and it’s a great way to monitor your puppy’s wellbeing
Gently brush your pup while they’re relaxed and as part of your daily routine. Have fun and reward with positive reinforcement.
Worming
Your puppy should be treated for intestinal worms every two weeks until 12 weeks of age, then every four weeks until six months of age. After six months, worming should continue every three months for life.
The most common intestinal worms include roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and whipworm.
‘All wormers’ are a good way to protect your pup from all types of intestinal worms. Remember, worms can transfer from dogs to humans, so be diligent - especially if you have children.
Protect against fleas
Fleas carry tapeworm and can cause severe scratching and allergic reactions, known as flea allergy dermatitis.
Use a good quality flea control product on a monthly basis, all year round. You can start from six - eight weeks of age and continue for life. There are many different treatments available which cover fleas, including combination products, which can also cover heartworm, ticks and worms.
PETstock team members will be able to recommend a suitable product for your puppy.
Heartworm
Heartworm is a parasite that lives in the heart and lungs of dogs and is spread by mosquitos. This disease is usually fatal without treatment and contrary to popular belief, is present Australia wide. It is vital to protect your dog against heartworm. Prevention comes in the form of yearly injections or monthly tablets, chewables and spot-ons.
Most ‘all wormers’ do not prevent heartworm, so check carefully and ensure your dog is protected.
Microchipping
A microchip is a permanent identification device implanted under the skin, allowing a quick and easy return if your puppy ever gets lost.
Pet microchipping is mandatory in most Australian states, so ask a petstock staff member or your local council if this is a requirement in your area.
Your pup can be microchipped at any age but the earlier the better. Microchipping is quick and easy, causing very little discomfort.
It’s essential to inform the microchip registry if you move, or your contact number changes. As well as microchipping, it’s a good idea to purchase an I.D tag for your puppy’s collar, engraved with their name and your contact number. This will also increase their chance of finding their way home if they ever get lost!
Training
Training should start as early as possible (usually after the first vaccination) and is vital for a happy and healthy relationship between you and your pet. Puppies are fast learners, when trained using consistency and positive reinforcement. Ensure you are giving your pup opportunities to learn and socialise during their developmental stage of life.
De-sexing
Due to various health and behaviour problems it is highly recommended your puppy is de-sexed at five - six months of age. De-sexing can help reduce the risk of health problems such as mammary cancer and uterine infections particularly in female dogs. De-sexing will not change the personality of your puppy.
Chat with your local PETstock team about enrolling in Puppy Pre-School today. It’s a great, fun way to socialise and train your pup in a group.
