Paws, Play & Protection: Your New Puppy Starter Guide From PEAK VETS
Your Puppy’s First Months: A Complete Health Guide from Peak Vets
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone—and a big responsibility. Those first few months play a vital role in shaping your puppy’s health, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.
At Peak Vets, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s everything you need to know to give your puppy the best possible start in life.
🐾 Nutrition: Fueling Healthy Growth
A high-quality diet is the foundation of your puppy’s development.
Choose a premium puppy food that’s specifically formulated to provide the right balance of protein, fats, and essential nutrients. Different breeds have different needs, so if you’re unsure what to feed, our team is always happy to help.
Feeding guidelines:
- Under 6 months: 3–4 small meals per day
- Over 6 months: 2 meals per day
And don’t forget—fresh, clean water should always be available.
💉 Vaccinations: Protecting Against Serious Diseases
Vaccinations are essential to safeguard your puppy from life-threatening illnesses.
Core vaccines protect against:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Hepatitis
- Parainfluenza
- Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica)
Vaccinations typically begin at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, then annual vaccines from there.
Staying on schedule is key to keeping your puppy protected.
🦟 Parasite Prevention: Start Early, Stay Protected
Puppies are especially vulnerable to parasites, which can impact their growth and health.
Worming, flea, and tick prevention should begin early and continue regularly. Our team can recommend the most appropriate products based on your puppy’s age, size, and lifestyle.
For long-term protection, we often recommend:
- SR-12 – a once-yearly injection to protect against heartworm
- Bravecto Quantum – a convenient 12-month flea and tick solution
- Tri-monthly intestinal all wormer
These options make parasite prevention simple and effective.
🐶 Socialisation & Training: Setting the Right Foundations
Early socialisation helps your puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
Introduce them gradually to:
- New people
- Different environments
- Other vaccinated, friendly pets
- Sights and sounds
Positive early experiences can prevent behavioural issues later in life.
✂️ Grooming: Healthy Habits Start Young
Getting your puppy used to grooming early makes life easier for both of you.
- Brushing: Helps prevent matting and reduces shedding
- Bathing: Only as needed—avoid overdoing it
- Ear cleaning: Check regularly and use vet-approved products
- Nail trimming: Keep nails short and introduce gradually with positive reinforcement
🦴 Teething: Managing the Chew Phase
Teething usually occurs between 3–6 months of age and can be uncomfortable for your puppy.
Provide safe, durable chew toys to:
- Soothe sore gums
- Prevent destructive chewing
If your puppy seems particularly uncomfortable or is chewing excessively, get in touch with us for tailored advice.
🩺 Regular Check-Ups: Staying on Track
Routine vet visits are essential during your puppy’s early months.
We recommend check-ups every 3–4 weeks until around 16 weeks of age. These visits allow us to:
- Monitor growth and development
- Administer vaccinations
- Keep parasite prevention up to date
- Preventative care blood profile
We’ll also guide you on the best timing for desexing, which is often around 6 - 12 months but can vary depending on breed and individual health.
🧠 Emotional Wellbeing: Raising a Confident Dog
Your puppy’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.
To help prevent separation anxiety:
- Start with short periods of alone time
- Gradually increase duration
- Positive reinforcement
Provide a calm, structured environment with plenty of play, enrichment, and interaction. A stimulated puppy is a happy puppy.
🐕 Growing Up: Transitioning to Adult Care
As your puppy matures, their needs will evolve. Diet, exercise, and healthcare routines will all change over time.
At Peak Vets, we’re here for the long haul—helping you navigate every stage from playful puppy to healthy adult dog.
We’re Here to Help
If you ever have questions or concerns about your puppy’s health, behaviour, or development, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Peak Vets team.
Your puppy’s journey starts here—and we’re proud to be part of it.
