This puppy health guide will help you keep your puppy healthy, safe, and growing strong from day one.
Looking for a puppy?
Take your puppy to the vet within 2–3 days of bringing them home.
Your vet will:
Trusted resource:
American Veterinary Medical Association Puppy Care
Vaccines protect your puppy from serious diseases.
Typical schedule:
Core vaccines protect against:
Full guide:
AAHA Vaccination Guidelines
This is VERY important for your puppy’s safety.
🚫 Avoid public places until:
This gives your puppy time to build full immunity.
These places can carry dangerous diseases like:
Learn more:
AKC Puppy Vaccination Guide
Trusted info:
CDC Healthy Pets Dogs
Your vet may recommend:
Learn more:
American Heartworm Society
Parasite prevention is important, but it is also important to use it safely.
Before giving your puppy any flea, tick, or heartworm medication, please take time to research possible side effects and talk with your veterinarian.
Some puppies may be sensitive to certain medications.
Most puppies do well, but in rare cases, side effects can include:
Certain flea and tick medications have been linked to neurologic side effects in some dogs.
Learn more from the FDA Flea and Tick Product Safety Alert
Trusted guidance:
American Veterinary Medical Association Parasite Prevention
We recommend:
Every puppy is different, and what works for one may not be best for another.
If you notice anything unusual after giving a medication, contact your vet right away.
It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to your puppy’s health.
👉 Nutrition guide:
Tufts Puppy Nutrition Guide
Learn more:
American Veterinary Dental College
Call your vet if your puppy has:
☐ Schedule vet visit (within 2–3 days)
☐ Stay on vaccination schedule (6, 8, 12 weeks)
☐ Start parasite prevention
☐ Avoid public places until fully vaccinated
☐ Wait 2 weeks after last shots
☐ Avoid dog parks & gas stations
☐ Use safe, clean potty areas
☐ Feed high-quality puppy food
☐ Feed 2–3 times daily
☐ Provide fresh water
☐ Start crate training
☐ Begin potty training
☐ Keep a consistent routine
☐ Brush regularly
☐ Clean ears weekly
☐ Trim nails
☐ Meet vaccinated dogs only
☐ Introduce new sounds at home
☐ Use positive experiences
After all vaccinations are complete and 2 weeks have passed.
Gas stations have a lot of dog traffic. Germs can live on the ground and make puppies sick.
Parvovirus is one of the most serious and can be deadly.
Within 2–3 days of coming home.
2–3 times per day on a regular schedule. If you choose to free feed, please watch your puppy does not become obese.