Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time filled with cuddles, playtime, and the beginning of a beautiful bond. But keeping your puppy healthy and helping them thrive requires more than belly rubs and chew toys. It means giving them the right foundation — from nutrition to socialization — so they grow into happy, confident adult dogs.
Here are 10 must-know tips to help your puppy stay healthy, active, and full of life.
One of the first things you should do after bringing your puppy home is schedule a checkup with a trusted veterinarian. This visit ensures your puppy is developing normally, identifies any early health concerns, and helps you plan vaccinations and deworming schedules.
Pro Tip: Bring any records the breeder or shelter provided so your vet can see what’s already been done.
Puppies grow fast — and they need nutrient-rich food to support that growth. Choose a premium puppy food appropriate for their breed size and age. Avoid table scraps and stick to portion guidelines to prevent obesity.
Pro Tip: Look for puppy foods with real meat as the first ingredient, along with DHA for brain development and calcium for bone strength.
Hydration is crucial for your pup’s digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Always have a clean bowl of fresh water accessible, and wash the bowl regularly to avoid bacteria buildup.
Puppies need a series of vaccinations to protect them from serious illnesses like parvo, distemper, and rabies. They also need regular deworming treatments to fight off intestinal parasites.
Pro Tip: Ask your vet to create a customized vaccine and parasite prevention plan based on your location and lifestyle.
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in adult dogs, but it starts early. Introduce your puppy to teeth brushing with a finger brush and dog-safe toothpaste. You can also use dental treats, toys, and vet-recommended rinses.
Exercise helps your puppy burn off energy, stay lean, and develop strong muscles. For most breeds, short walks and indoor play sessions work well. Just be mindful of over-exercising large-breed pups, as their joints are still forming.
Pro Tip: Interactive toys, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek games are great ways to engage your puppy mentally and physically.
Whether your pup has long fur or a short coat, grooming is essential. Brush their coat regularly to remove dead hair and prevent mats. Don’t forget nail trims, ear cleaning, and baths when needed.
Pro Tip: Start slow and make grooming a positive experience with treats and praise.
The critical socialization window for puppies is between 3 and 14 weeks. During this time, introduce them to new people, friendly dogs, sounds, textures, and experiences.
Pro Tip: Enroll in puppy kindergarten classes or take short, controlled trips to pet-friendly places.
Like toddlers, puppies will chew, lick, and explore everything. Keep electrical cords, household cleaners, small toys, and anything sharp out of reach. Use baby gates to keep them in safe areas of your home.
Routine creates comfort. Regular feeding times, potty breaks, playtime, and bedtime help your puppy feel secure. Pair structure with affection, and you’ll raise a confident, bonded companion.
Pro Tip: Cuddles, belly rubs, and talking to your puppy build trust — they thrive on love and consistency.
For the first 6 months, your puppy may need multiple vet visits for vaccinations, checkups, and growth monitoring. After that, most healthy puppies see the vet once a year unless issues arise.
Start basic training as early as 8 weeks old. Use positive reinforcement methods like treats, toys, and praise to teach simple commands like “sit” and “come.”
Signs include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, lethargy, or unusual behavior. If your puppy seems “off,” it’s always best to consult your vet.
Small and medium breeds usually switch at around 12 months, while large breeds may continue puppy food until 18–24 months. Your vet can guide you based on your dog’s development.
Most premium puppy foods are formulated to meet nutritional needs. However, in some cases (like picky eaters or medical conditions), your vet may recommend supplements.
Raising a healthy puppy doesn’t require perfection—it just takes awareness, love, and consistency. By following these 10 tips, you’re laying the foundation for a happy, thriving dog who will reward you with unconditional love for years to come.
Waggs to Riches is the best!! The puppies are adorable and store is clean
~ Max Cortese