Puppy Care
Does My Puppy Need Vaccinations?
Yes, vaccinations are an essential part of keeping puppies healthy. Newborn puppies receive temporary protection from their mother, but this protection gradually decreases over time. Because maternal immunity can interfere with vaccines, puppies typically receive a series of vaccinations every 2–3 weeks until they are around 4 months old. This schedule helps ensure they develop strong protection against common infectious diseases. Until the vaccination series is complete, puppies should avoid contact with unvaccinated dogs or dogs with an unknown vaccination history to reduce the risk of infection.
Can Puppies Get Worms?
Yes, intestinal worms are common in young puppies and can be passed from the mother before or shortly after birth. Because of this risk, puppies are often given deworming medication during their first weeks of life. Veterinarians may also recommend regular fecal examinations every few weeks to check for parasites. Testing is usually continued until repeated results show no evidence of worm infections.
What Should You Feed Your Puppy?
Good nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development. Puppies require specially formulated puppy food that provides the right balance of calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Most puppies transition to adult food between 9 and 12 months of age, although large and giant breeds may continue growing for up to 2 years and may need puppy diets for longer. Young puppies should be fed several small meals throughout the day to support their rapid growth. As they get older, feeding frequency can gradually be reduced. Most adult dogs thrive on one or two meals daily.
How Do You Train a Puppy?
House training should begin as early as possible. Take your puppy outside regularly, especially after meals, naps, and playtime, and reward it for using the correct bathroom area. With consistency and patience, most puppies learn this routine within a few weeks. Puppies should also be taught basic commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come." Early socialization is equally important. Introducing your puppy to different people, animals, and environments during the first few months of life can help build confidence and encourage good behavior. Training classes, books, and other resources can provide valuable guidance. Many puppy classes welcome vaccinated puppies from around 8 weeks of age. Training not only teaches good habits but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.