Welcoming a puppy home is a lot of work, but a lot of fun at the same time. Your puppy needs a little extra care to start with, but you’ll make a loyal friend for life.
Feeding
Puppies have small stomachs and require three to four small meals spread throughout the day. Your puppy needs a complete and balanced diet that is specially formulated to suit his or her stage of life. Ultra Dog offers a range of puppy foods made from high-quality ingredients that provide all the nourishment your puppy needs.
Vaccination and deworming
At 6 weeks old your puppy should receive his or her first vaccination. This must be followed by another one at both 9 and 12 weeks. After the third vaccination, you can start taking your puppy out into public areas. Thereafter your dog should be vaccinated and dewormed annually.
Dental care
Gum disease will be experienced by nearly all pets in a household at some stage during their lifetime. A well-balanced diet can help prevent this, as well as regular brushing. Yes, you can brush your puppy’s teeth with specially designed-toothbrushes and toothpaste. Ask your vet for advice on how best to do this. You should also plan to take your pet for a proper dental check-up at the vet at least once a year.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is key to being a responsible dog owner. Not only does it reduce the number of unwanted dog pregnancies, but it also helps with pet behaviour and health in the long term. You need to speak to your vet about the best time to spay or neuter your puppy, but on average it is best to get it done between 5 and 6 months of age.
Tick and flea control
Start using a regular anti-tick and flea medication early on. There are several products available, including drops, tablets and injections. Ask your vet to recommend the best one for your dog.
Deworming
From 6 weeks of age, your puppy should be dewormed every 3 weeks until 12 weeks old, and then every month until 6 months old, followed by a routine of every 3 months thereafter. Speak to your vet about the best product or specific needs for your puppy.
Coat care
Keep your puppy’s coat looking healthy and beautiful with regular brushing. Long-haired dogs may need frequent grooming to avoid tangles. Shampoo only when necessary with a vet-recommended shampoo.