New Puppy Guide

Bringing a puppy home is an exciting and rewarding experience! To help you get started, here’s a guide covering essential aspects of puppy care.

Feeding & Nutrition

A balanced diet is crucial for your puppy’s growth and overall health. Puppies require different nutrients than adult dogs, so feeding them high-quality, puppy-specific food is essential. We recommend premium dry food as the foundation of their diet, supplemented with high-quality canned food or cooked/raw meats.

Feeding Schedule:

  • 6-12 weeks old: Feed 3-4 times daily.

  • 3-6 months old: Feed 2-3 times daily.

  • 6 months and older: Feed twice daily.

Avoid feeding puppies toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and cooked bones, which can cause serious health issues. Always introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive upset.

Parasite Prevention

Puppies are susceptible to intestinal worms, fleas, ticks, and mites. Regular prevention is key to keeping them healthy.

Worming Schedule:

  • Every 2 weeks from 2 to 12 weeks of age

  • Monthly from 3 to 6 months

  • Every 3 months for adult dogs

Flea, Tick, and Mite Prevention:

  • Fleas cause severe itching, allergic reactions, and can transmit tapeworms.

  • Ticks (especially paralysis ticks) can cause life-threatening paralysis.

  • Mites lead to skin infections, ear infections, and hair loss.

For complete protection, we recommend monthly flea, tick, and mite treatments such as:
✔️ Bravecto (chew or spot-on) – provides 3 months of flea and tick protection
✔️ NexGard (chewable tablet) – monthly flea and tick control
✔️ Advocate or Revolution (spot-on treatment) – covers fleas, mites, and some worms

For personalized parasite prevention, consult Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are crucial to protecting your puppy from serious and potentially fatal diseases. In Australia, the core vaccines protect against Parvovirus, Distemper, and Hepatitis (C3 vaccine). Additional vaccines may include protection against Kennel Cough and Leptospirosis.

Recommended Vaccination Schedule:

  • 6-8 weeks

  • 10-12 weeks

  • 14-16 weeks

  • Annual boosters thereafter

For tailored vaccination advice, book an appointment with Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic.

Socialisation & Training

Early socialisation is key to raising a well-adjusted dog. Expose your puppy to different people, places, and animals in a positive way. Enrolling in a puppy preschool class can help with basic training and confidence-building.

Puppies learn best through positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime. Training should be consistent, short, and fun to keep your puppy engaged.

Toilet Training

Toilet training requires patience and consistency. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, sleeping, and playing. Reward them when they go to the toilet in the right spot. Avoid punishment for accidents—consistency and positive reinforcement work best.

If you need guidance on toilet training, Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic is happy to assist.

Microchipping & Registration

Microchipping is compulsory in Australia and helps identify your puppy if they ever get lost. Your vet will check if your puppy is microchipped and ensure your contact details are up to date.

All dogs must also be registered with your local council. Some councils have specific regulations regarding off-leash areas and dog curfews, so check with your local authority.

For microchipping services, contact Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance helps cover unexpected medical costs and ensures you can provide the best care for your puppy without financial stress. Compare different policies and read the fine print carefully to choose the best option for your needs.

If you need help understanding pet insurance options, Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic can provide general guidance.

Desexing (Spaying/Neutering)

Desexing your puppy is strongly recommended to prevent unwanted litters and reduce health risks such as reproductive cancers and behavioral issues.

Recommended Age for Desexing:

  • Small to medium breeds: 4-6 months

  • Large breeds: 6-12 months (consult your vet for specific recommendations)

For expert advice on desexing, Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic can assess the best timing based on your puppy’s breed and lifestyle.

Creating a Puppy-Friendly Home

To help your new puppy settle in, ensure you have these essentials:

  • A comfortable bed in a quiet area

  • Food and water bowls

  • A well-fitted collar and ID tag

  • A leash and harness for walks

  • Chew toys to prevent destructive behavior

  • Puppy-safe treats for training

  • A secure crate if crate training

If you need personalized recommendations, Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic is here to help.

Final Advice

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with learning and bonding. If you have any further questions, Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic is here to provide expert guidance on nutrition, training, and health care.

📞 Contact Your Neighbourly Vet – The Mobile Vet Clinic today for convenient, professional care at your doorstep! 🚑🐶