Congratulations on the new family member — a puppy! This is not only a joy but also a great responsibility. To ensure your little one grows up healthy, happy, and well-socialized, it’s essential to provide proper care and upbringing from the very first days of life. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of puppy care, based on scientific research and expert recommendations.

 

When is the Best Time to Bring a Puppy Home?

The optimal age for weaning a puppy from its mother is 8–10 weeks. This is the period when the formation of immune protection through the mother’s milk is completed, and the critical phase of primary socialization with siblings also ends.
If a puppy is taken too early (4–6 weeks), it can affect its behavior:

If a puppy is left without human contact for too long, it may become withdrawn, cautious, and develop a high level of distrust toward strangers.

Thus, the period of 8–10 weeks is considered ideal: the puppy is still flexible enough to adapt but is no longer entirely dependent on its mother.

 

The First Days in a New Home: Adaptation and Support

Moving to a new home is a huge stress for a puppy, even if it seems cheerful and playful. The little one has just lost everything familiar: the scent of its mother, the fur of its siblings, the rhythm of its previous life. It’s highly likely that the first nights will involve crying, whining, or searching for its mother.

 

What Helps Reduce Stress?

Create a Sense of Security:

Set up a cozy sleeping area — in a corner, away from drafts and noise. It’s best if this is a permanent, "own" space. A basket, bed, or even a box with a soft blanket are great options.

 

Imitate Familiar Scents:

Ask the breeder for a towel or toy with the "home scent" — this significantly reduces anxiety levels. If that’s not an option, place an old sweater of yours in the bed: the owner’s scent is soothing.

 

Heartbeat Sound and Warmth:

Puppies fall asleep when they hear a heartbeat. There are special toys that mimic a heartbeat, or you can place a heating pad (carefully, not too hot!) or a bottle with warm water nearby.

 

Routine Like in a Kindergarten:

In the first days, establish a clear schedule for feeding, toileting, play, and sleep. This provides a sense of predictability and safety. Avoid rushing into loud introductions, visits, or loud music.

 

Games Instead of Tears:

Active play throughout the day helps relieve stress, excitement, and physical tension. A tired and happy puppy will fall asleep faster and more soundly.

 

Scientific Fact:

Research (Serpell & Jagoe, 1995) has shown that establishing early positive contact with a human within the first 1–2 weeks after moving ensures better adaptation, fewer stress reactions in adulthood, and stronger social attachment to the owner.

 

The most important thing is to be there. Your calm demeanor, soft voice, and gentle touches will help the puppy adapt. In return, you’ll gain trust that will last a lifetime.

 

Information from the Previous Owner

Before bringing a puppy home, it’s important to obtain the following information from the previous owner:

 

Protection from the Start: Modern Vaccination, Deworming, and Parasite Control Schedule

The best care for a puppy is not only love and attention but also timely disease prevention. The puppy’s immune system is still developing, so it’s crucial to perform deworming, administer basic vaccinations, and start regular protection against external parasites. All of this is an integral part of a healthy start to life. Let’s explore when and how to act to provide your puppy with a reliable immune shield for years to come.

Vaccination and Deworming Schedule for Puppies

 

Notes:

 

Triple vs Double Vaccination: Which to Choose?

Modern recommendations from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) support a triple vaccination schedule for puppies, including vaccine administration at 6, 9, and 12 weeks, with subsequent boosters annually thereafter.

Advantages of the Triple Schedule:

The double schedule may be used in some cases but is less effective, especially if the first vaccination was given after 8 weeks.

 

Deworming: When and How Often?

Deworming is a crucial part of puppy care, as they can be infected with worms before birth or through the mother’s milk.

Recommended Deworming Schedule:

 

 

Parasite Control: Important Points

Parasite control, such as for fleas and ticks, should be regular, especially in warm months. The choice of product depends on the puppy’s age, weight, and health condition. Always consult a veterinarian before using any products.

 

 

 

 

After completing the vaccination quarantine (10 days after the last initial vaccination), you can start introducing the puppy to hygiene routines: bathing, drying, and brushing. These procedures help maintain cleanliness and foster trust between you and your pet.

 

 

Toilet Training

During the first few weeks, you can train the puppy to use a pad or go outside. After feeding, the puppy usually needs to go to the toilet within 15–30 minutes. It’s important to praise and reward it for correct behavior to build a positive association.

 

 

Socialization and Training

The critical period for puppy socialization is from 3 to 14 weeks. During this time, they actively explore the world and form attitudes toward people, animals, and various situations. Studies show that early socialization reduces the risk of fear and aggression in the future. Participation in specialized puppy classes is recommended, where they can interact with other animals and people in a controlled environment.

 

Nutrition and Development: Foundations of a Healthy Start

Proper nutrition is the foundation of your puppy’s health and harmonious development. From the first feeding to transitioning to an adult diet, each stage has its own peculiarities and needs. Let’s explore the key aspects of this journey.

 

Artificial Feeding for Orphan Puppies

If you’re caring for a puppy without a mother, it’s important to ensure proper nutrition. Use special milk replacers for puppies, available at veterinary pharmacies. Feed the little one every 2–3 hours, gradually increasing the interval to 4 hours. Monitor weight gain: it should increase by 5–10% of the initial weight daily. Stool should be soft, without signs of diarrhea or constipation.

 

Weaning from 3 to 6 Weeks

Starting at 3 weeks, introduce weaning food: soft porridges with water or special puppy purees. Initially, mix them with milk, gradually increasing the proportion of solid food. By 6 weeks, the puppy should fully transition to solid food.

 

Transition to Dry Food

From 6 weeks, begin a gradual transition to dry food. Initially, mix it with water or wet food, gradually increasing the proportion of dry food. Choose a food specifically designed for puppies, considering their age and size.

 

Puppy Nutritional Needs: Calorie Calculation

To feed a puppy properly, it’s important to understand its energy needs — the number of calories (kcal) the little one should receive daily. This determines how much food or home-cooked meals to give to ensure healthy growth and development without the risk of overfeeding or underfeeding.

Most commercial food packaging lists the recommended daily amount in grams or cups, along with its energy value — calories per 100 grams. However, these recommendations are often approximate, as each puppy is unique: weight, activity level, breed, and health condition affect its energy needs.

Therefore, the exact amount of food is best calculated individually using the Birmingham E. formula:

Daily Need (kcal)= 70 × body weight (kg)0.75
This formula helps determine the basic energy need for maintaining the puppy’s life at rest. You can use it as a starting point, adding energy expenditures for physical activity.

For example, for a 3 kg puppy, the daily need is approximately 210 kcal (70 × 30.75 ≈ 210). Knowing the food’s calorie content, you can calculate the required amount to meet this need.

This approach ensures balanced nutrition, supports healthy weight gain, and promotes your pet’s healthy development.

 

Recommended Macronutrients

To ensure optimal growth and development, it’s equally important to properly balance the puppy’s diet with key nutrients — proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Each of these macronutrients plays a unique role in sustaining life, providing energy, and building a healthy immune system.

 

Feeding Frequency from 1 to 12 Months

After 12 months, you can switch to an adult feeding schedule.

 

Feeding Tips

 

 

If you opt for feeding with home-cooked food, ensure comprehensive nutritional support. A home diet is rarely fully balanced in all essential micro- and macronutrients, so veterinary experts recommend daily supplements of vitamin-mineral complexes, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids. These additives promote a healthy immune system, proper development of the musculoskeletal system, digestive health, and glossy fur. Before choosing specific products, consult a veterinarian or dietitian to avoid deficiencies or overfeeding.

 

 

Weight Gain Monitoring for Puppies from 2 to 12 Months

After 2 months, puppies continue to grow and develop actively, so regular weight monitoring remains necessary. Key aspects of weight control from 2 to 12 months:

 

Table of Average Weight Gain (g/day) for Puppies from 2 to 12 Months

 

Practical Tips:

 

Emotional Bond and Attention

The most important thing is your attention, love, and care. Puppies need communication, play, and training. Don’t leave them alone for long periods, as this can lead to anxiety and other behavioral issues. Remember that your pet is part of your family, and your attitude determines its happiness and health. Don’t hesitate to seek help from veterinarians, dog trainers, and experienced pet owners. Your puppy deserves the best!