There is nothing more joyful than a puppy! But, like babies, they require much care and attention so that they can grow healthy and happy. Are you about to bring home an adorable puppy and wondering what to do first? Keep reading to find out all about how to introduce your puppy to its first food and what to expect from the first vet visit.
Weaning a puppy: how does it work?
When you are taking your cute puppy home with you, it will already be weaned. This usually happens at around 4 weeks, when its teeth are out and ready to chew. The puppy will begin to be interested in the mother’s food bowl, and by six weeks your puppy should be weaned. Around 7-8 weeks, your puppy will be ready to go home with you, and you will want to have nutritious food to support healthy growth.
Puppy’s first food
Your puppy needs a lot of calories to live its best life! But there are so many choices when it comes to the types of food for puppies. So how do you choose?
The shelter or breeder where you pick up your puppy will be able to show you the brand and type of food the puppy is used to. It’s best to start with the food they’re used to as your little buddy transitions to living with you.
At your first vet visit, you can consult with the vet on your puppy’s specific needs and what food would be best. It might take a couple of tries to find something they enjoy, and that’s OK! As your puppy grows up, you’ll need to pick the food for its specific breed. Adult dog food comes in a wide variety of different kinds, based on size and nutritional needs.
For example, large breeds such as Great Danes and Labrador Retrievers are more likely to develop skeletal and joint problems, therefore they need special food designed for controlling their growth and keeping them healthy. Do some online research, and then consult with your vet to choose the best kind of food for your fur baby.
How much to feed your puppy?
Each bag or can of dog food will have a chart and recommendations for how much to feed your puppy. That’s also a great question to ask at your puppy’s first vet visit!
Visiting the Vet
Vet check-ups: why they’re important
The best decision you can make when it comes to your puppy’s nutritional – and overall – health is to schedule regular vet check-ups. Call and make an appointment with a well-reviewed, local vet as soon as you bring your puppy home (or even before, if you want to be extra prepared!)
Puppy’s first meeting with the vet
To arrive prepared at your puppy’s first vet visit, you should bring any records you received from the breeder or shelter, and bring a list of questions you have to ask the vet and vet staff. During the visit listen carefully to all the recommendations and tips that the vet gives you. Taking notes can help you remember all the new puppy information you’re going to get.
What the first visits are all about
What will happen during the initial visits:
- You will find out how and what to properly feed your puppy; The vet will do a general check-up of your puppy’s physical health, as well as a parasite testing, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick control;
- Your puppy will receive its first vaccines if it hasn’t yet, and you will need to schedule the following ones;
- The vet or vet techs can show you how to trim your puppy’s nails and brush its teeth;
Make your decision
As a new pet parent, choosing the right food for your puppy is a crucial step. Explore our website and make your choice! Check out available dog food products HERE.