FIND A VETERINARIAN
Choose a veterinarian before bringing your puppy home and schedule your puppy’s first visit within 10 days of pickup.
FIRST VET VISIT
Bring your puppy’s health records and a fresh stool sample to the first appointment. Your puppy will already have started age appropriate vaccinations and parasite prevention. Your veterinarian can help you establish a schedule for future vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine care.
ESTABLISH A BATHROOM ROUTINE
Consistency is important when house training your puppy. Choose a designated area outside and take your puppy there frequently, especially after waking, eating, drinking, playing, and before bedtime. Using the same area and command each time, along with plenty of praise, can help your puppy learn the routine.
ESTABLISH A FEEDING ROUTINE
Young puppies should eat regularly throughout the day. We recommend starting with 3 to 4 small meals per day and maintaining the same food and feeding schedule your puppy was accustomed to before going home.
A young puppy may eat less when excited, stressed, or adjusting to a new environment. It is important to watch for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), including unusual weakness, extreme sleepiness, trembling, unsteadiness, disorientation, or collapse. If your puppy is refusing food, showing these symptoms, or otherwise seems unwell, contact your veterinarian promptly.
