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The Ultimate
Puppy Care Checklist:
From Feeding to Playtime
Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting moments in a pet owner’s life. However, raising a happy, healthy pup requires care, consistency, and love.
To make things easier, we’ve created the ultimate puppy care checklist to cover feeding, training, health, and playtime—everything your new furry friend needs to thrive!
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Puppy Care Essentials:
What Every Puppy Needs
Here’s a quick checklist of must-haves before bringing your puppy home:
✔ High-quality puppy food
✔ Food & water bowls
✔ Chew toys & interactive toys
✔ Comfortable bed & crate
✔ Leash, collar, & ID tag
✔ Training treats
✔ Grooming tools (brush, nail clippers, shampoo)
✔ Vet-recommended puppy vitamins
🐾 Pro Tip: Have everything set up before your puppy arrives to ensure a smooth transition!
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Step 1:
Feeding Your Puppy
the Right Way
1. Choose the Right Puppy Food
A puppy’s diet should include high-quality protein, fats, and essential nutrients for healthy growth. Options include:
✔ Dry kibble – Convenient and balanced
✔ Wet food – Tasty but best mixed with kibble
✔ Raw or home-cooked diets – Requires vet guidance
🐶 How often should you feed your puppy?
| Age | Meals Per Day |
|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 4 meals |
| 3-6 months | 3 meals |
| 6+ months | 2 meals |
🐾 Always provide fresh water and avoid toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol!
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Step 2:
Potty Training
& Housebreaking
Potty training is crucial for a stress-free home! Follow these steps:
✔ Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed.
✔ Choose a consistent potty spot to reinforce habits.
✔ Reward with treats and praise after successful potty breaks.
✔ Use crate training to prevent accidents when you’re not home.
🐾 Accident Tip: Clean up messes with an enzyme-based cleaner to remove odors and prevent repeat accidents.
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Step 3:
Puppy Playtime
& Mental Stimulation
Puppies need plenty of playtime to stay happy and healthy!
✔ Daily exercise – Short walks, indoor games, and fetch.
✔ Puzzle toys – Stimulate their minds and prevent boredom.
✔ Chew toys – Helps with teething and prevents destructive chewing.
🐶 Best Toys for Puppies:
🐾 Rope toys (for tug-of-war)
🐾 Squeaky toys
🐾 Treat-dispensing toys
🐾 Tip: Socialization is key! Introduce your puppy to new people, pets, and environments early to prevent fearfulness and anxiety.
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Step 4:
Grooming &
Hygiene Care
Proper grooming keeps your puppy healthy and comfortable.
✔ Brushing – 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
✔ Bathing – Every 3-4 weeks with puppy-safe shampoo.
✔ Nail Trimming – Every 2-4 weeks to prevent discomfort.
✔ Ear Cleaning – Once a week to prevent infections.
✔ Dental Care – Brush their teeth or use dental chews!
🐶 Pro Tip: Start grooming early so your puppy gets used to the process!
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Step 5:
Obedience Training
& Good Behavior
Training is essential for a well-behaved puppy. Start with:
✔ Sit – Builds discipline and impulse control.
✔ Stay – Prevents bolting and jumping.
✔ Come – Ensures recall for safety.
✔ Leave it – Stops them from eating harmful things.
🐾 Training Tip: Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, and play) for the best results!
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Step 6:
Puppy Health
& Vet Visits
✔ First vet visit – Schedule within a week of bringing your puppy home.
✔ Vaccinations – Protect against diseases like parvovirus, rabies, and distemper.
✔ Deworming & flea prevention – Regular treatments to keep parasites away.
✔ Spay/neuter – Consult your vet for the right timing.
🐾 Pro Tip: Keep a puppy health record for vet visits and vaccination schedules.
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FAQs About
Puppy Care
Puppies under 6 months need 3-4 meals per day, then 2 meals as they grow.
Redirect them to chew toys, say “No” firmly, and avoid rough play.
Immediately! Puppies as young as 8 weeks can learn basic commands.
Expose them to new sounds, people, places, and animals in a positive way.
A consistent bedtime routine, exercise, and crate training help puppies sleep longer.
Within a week of bringing them home, then follow up with scheduled vaccinations.
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Final Thoughts
on Puppy Care
Raising a happy, healthy puppy requires consistency, patience, and love. By following this ultimate puppy care checklist, you’ll set your pup up for a lifetime of joy!
🐶 Looking for your perfect puppy? Visit Lady Paws Puppies to find a loving, well-cared-for puppy today! 🐾💕