Puppy Health Checklist: What to Expect When You Bring Your Puppy Home
Bringing Home Your New Puppy: A Health Checklist
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it also comes with responsibilities to ensure they grow into a healthy and happy companion. From vaccinations and nutrition to grooming and training, this guide covers everything new puppy owners need to know.
1. Schedule a Vet Visit
Your puppy’s first vet visit is crucial for establishing their health and wellness plan. During this visit, your vet will:
Conduct a physical exam.
Administer any necessary vaccinations (see below).
Check for parasites and discuss deworming.
Offer advice on spaying/neutering and microchipping.
Tip: Bring any health records provided by your breeder to help your vet understand your puppy’s medical history.
2. Follow the Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations protect your puppy from common diseases. Here’s a general timeline:
6–8 Weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, and Bordetella (Missouri Bernese and Bernedoodles provides these!).
10–12 Weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis (or what your veterinarian recommends).
14–16 Weeks: Rabies and final boosters for other vaccines.
Your vet may adjust this schedule based on your puppy’s breed, health, and environment.
3. Feed a High-Quality Diet
Proper nutrition is critical for your puppy’s growth and development.
Choose a puppy-specific formula tailored to their size and breed.
Stick to the feeding schedule recommended by your breeder or vet.
Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can lead to joint issues.
Tip: Transition gradually to new food if you’re switching from what your breeder provided.
4. Establish a Grooming Routine
Regular grooming is essential for your puppy’s health and comfort.
Brushing: Start brushing your puppy’s coat daily to prevent mats and reduce shedding.
Bathing: Bathe your puppy every 4–6 weeks using a gentle puppy shampoo.
Nail Trimming: Trim their nails every 2–4 weeks to avoid overgrowth.
Teeth Cleaning: Begin brushing your puppy’s teeth with a dog-friendly toothpaste.
Tip: Make grooming a positive experience by rewarding your puppy with treats and praise.
5. Begin Training and Socialization
Start training and socializing your puppy early to ensure they grow into a well-behaved adult dog.
Basic Commands: Teach sit, stay, and come using positive reinforcement.
Crate Training: Create a safe space where your puppy can rest and feel secure.
Socialization: Expose your puppy to new people, environments, and other animals to build confidence.
Tip: Enroll in a puppy training class for additional guidance and support.
6. Provide Safe Toys and Chews
Puppies love to chew, so offer them appropriate toys and chews to satisfy this natural behavior.
Choose toys made from non-toxic, durable materials.
Rotate toys to keep your puppy engaged and stimulated.
7. Monitor Their Health
Keep an eye on your puppy’s behavior and physical condition to catch any issues early.
Look for signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Keep their ears clean and watch for signs of ear infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Maintain a record of your puppy’s growth and vet visits.
8. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Before bringing your puppy home, remove hazards like:
Electrical cords and toxic plants.
Small objects that could be swallowed.
Chemicals and cleaning products.
Create a designated puppy area with their bed, toys, and water bowl.
Bringing a puppy home is a joyful experience, but it also comes with important responsibilities. By following this health checklist, you’ll set your puppy up for a lifetime of happiness and health. At Missouri Bernese and Bernedoodles, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us if you have questions or need advice about caring for your new Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog puppy!