Puppy Care Guide - Everything You Need to Know

Our handy puppy care guide covers everything you need to know about how to keep your puppy healthy and happy. We cover everything from vaccination schedules and deworming to keeping your puppy safe and secure, helping them grow into a confident canine.  

Before bringing your new puppy home, it’s important to get your home ready for your new arrival. This means making sure you have everything from beds to bowls and toilet training.

- Bed and crate

Top of the list on our puppy care guide is providing a cozy, safe space where your puppy can rest and feel secure. A crate and a bed will provide a safe, comfortable space for your dog to relax, sleep, or retreat when they need downtime. Crates can help aid sleep and they are useful for unsupervised time whilst your puppy gets used to its environment.

If your puppy is anxious at bedtime, you can leave a light on nearby, but try not to go to them every time they make a noise. 

- Food and water bowls

Whether you’re getting your puppy from a breeder, a rescue centre, or a private home, reach out to them to learn what food your puppy has been eating whilst in their care. Keeping their diet consistent helps prevent stomach upsets from sudden changes. 

Choose sturdy, non-slip bowls and create a dedicated feeding area for your puppy. Make sure your puppy always has access to fresh drinking water.

- Toys and comfort items

Puppies need toys for teething and entertainment, as well as soft blankets to help them feel secure in their new home.

- Collar, lead, and identification tag

Your puppy is the newest member of your family, so make sure he or she is identifiable in case they run off or become separated from you. A lead and collar are also essential to help keep your puppy safe and to aid with training. 

- Puppy pads and toilet training

Puppies need help with toilet training, so have puppy pads set up at home to catch any accidents. It’s a good idea to have a designated toileting area outside, so your puppy doesn’t make a mess in a place that’s inconvenient for you and your family! 

A useful puppy care guide toileting top tip is to remember to take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up. Praise and reward them immediately when they go in the right spot. 

We know it can sometime be frustrating, but avoid punishment for accidents - consistent training and patience are the key to success!

- The great outdoors 

It can be tempting to rush outside with your new four-legged friend, but before venturing out, your puppy should visit the vet for vaccinations – it’s a vital part of our puppy care guide!

6-8 weeks old: First round of vaccinations and health check.

10-12 weeks old: Second round of vaccinations. Up-to-date flea and worm treatment.

12-16 weeks old: Safe to start outdoor walks, but begin in secure areas first.

- Socialising your puppy

Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, it’s really important to socialise them so they turn into a happy, well-adjusted dog who is comfortable and confident around other canines and pets. Puppies have a lot to learn from playing nicely to listening to basic commands, so it’s good to start early.    

- When should a puppy be neutered?

We recommend neutering your puppy at around 6 months old. If not previously microchipped, this can be done during the procedure. At Jurassic Vets, we’ll ensure your puppy is health-checked, flea and worm treatments are up to date, and their weight is monitored.

- Finding the right vet

It’s tempting to choose a vet based on convenience, but the best choice is one that offers high-quality care. Do some research and ask fellow pet owners to help you find a trusted practice.

At Jurassic Vets, we serve pet owners across Colyton, Seaton, Axminster, Sidmouth, and beyond. We’re proud to be the only practice in Sidmouth to hold an RCVS Practice Standards inspection at the prestigious level of Small Animal General Practice.

We hope you find our puppy care guide useful. From your puppy’s first weeks to their first year (and every year after!), Jurassic Vets is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a happy and healthy start for both you and your new canine companion.