Amy Thompson
Raising a puppy is one of the most joyful and exciting experiences for any pet owner, but it comes with a lot of responsibility.
Should you feed your puppy adult dog food or puppy's food? How long should you crate train? How long does the puppy stage last? Do you have to worry about your living room rug? All these questions and more will be running through your head after you bring your puppy home.
Puppies are curious, energetic, and eager to learn, but they also depend on you to help them grow into healthy, well-adjusted adult dogs. While training commands like sit or stay are important, there’s much more to raising a puppy than basic obedience.
Many new puppy owners tend to overlook the importance of health and wellness in the early stages, often focusing solely on behavioral training. But making the right choices from the start can lay the foundation for a strong immune system, balanced growth, and a lifetime of good health.
Here's what we recommend doing first to set your puppy up for a happy, healthy life.
1. Starting A Fresh, Whole Food Diet Early
Commercial kibble is a convenient option, but it can be packed with hidden dangers. Many kibbles contain mycotoxins, which are toxic byproducts produced by molds that can grow during processing and storage. Additionally, the high levels of starchy carbohydrates, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients in processed foods can cause digestive issues, weight gain, and long-term health problems for your puppy.
A fresh, raw food diet can give your puppy the nutrients she needs to thrive. Raw diets are high in moisture and filled with natural proteins, vitamins, and minerals that promote strong bones, shiny coats, and healthy digestion. Unlike kibble, raw food doesn’t require artificial additives to stay “fresh.” Making the switch as early as possible will help support your puppy’s development while reducing her risk of health problems later in life.
When introducing your puppy to a raw diet, start with one protein source at a time, such as chicken or turkey, to help her digestive system adjust. Over time, you can add variety with different meats, organ meats, and bones. Be sure to include supplements like probiotics and omega-3 fats from sources like fish oil or phytoplankton to support gut health and immune function.
Feed your puppy three times a day at regular intervals to keep her energy and growth on track. And remember, always opt for organic when possible to avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals.
2. Vaccination: A Balanced Approach
When it comes to vaccinating your puppy, over-vaccination is a common worry among pet owners. While vaccinations play an essential role in protecting your puppy from serious diseases, too many shots can potentially overwhelm her developing immune system.
Traditional schedules often recommend multiple rounds of shots before the puppy turns 16 weeks, but this may not always be necessary. Instead, a more balanced approach, with minimal vaccinations at 16 weeks, can provide protection without overburdening your puppy’s health.
If your puppy has already been vaccinated before you bring her home, consider titer testing. This simple blood test measures antibody levels to determine whether your puppy is already immune to certain diseases. If the test shows sufficient immunity, you can avoid unnecessary booster shots. It's a great way to ensure your puppy is protected while minimizing exposure to unnecessary vaccines.
To keep your puppy safe during vet visits, take some precautions. Carry your puppy in and out of the clinic, especially during their early weeks, and aim to schedule appointments first thing in the morning when the clinic is at its cleanest. These steps can reduce the risk of your puppy picking up illnesses from other pets, especially in high-traffic areas like waiting rooms.
3. Natural Deworming Alternatives
Chemical dewormers might seem like the quickest fix for worms, but they come with their own set of risks. These treatments often contain harsh ingredients like fenbendazole or pyrantel, which can lead to side effects like lethargy, digestive upset, and even suppression of the immune system. For a developing puppy, this can be especially concerning as their young bodies are more sensitive to chemicals.
Opting for a natural approach is a much safer alternative that protects your puppy's health without the harsh effects. Fortunately, there are several gentle and effective natural options for deworming.
Simple foods like grated carrots, dried coconut, and pumpkin seeds can make your puppy’s intestines less hospitable to parasites while supporting digestive health. Adding a pinch of sea salt to her food can also help balance her gut, while apple cider vinegar can create an alkaline environment that’s less friendly to worms. These options don’t just expel parasites; they also strengthen your puppy’s digestive system, helping prevent future infestations.
4. Avoiding Chemical Flea And Tick Treatments
Flea and tick treatments are often loaded with pesticides that not only target pests but can also affect your puppy's nervous system. These chemicals can lead to side effects like muscle tremors, seizures, and skin irritation. Puppies, with their still-developing systems, are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects, and repeated exposure can take a toll on her long-term health.
For a safer solution, it’s worth considering natural flea repellents. A simple DIY flea spray using natural ingredients is just as effective and far safer than chemical treatments.
Combine lemon, rosemary, sage, and filtered water to create a fresh-smelling spray that can be used daily before outdoor play. This natural blend works by deterring fleas without putting your puppy at risk.
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus (properly diluted in a carrier oil) are also great for keeping pests away while soothing your pup’s skin.
These natural prevention methods provide peace of mind, knowing you’re keeping your puppy healthy and pest-free without resorting to harsh chemicals.
5. Exercising With Care
Puppies may have boundless energy, but that doesn’t mean they should be allowed to run wild without limits. Too much exercise can put unnecessary strain on their developing joints and muscles, potentially leading to problems down the road.
Controlled, regular exercise is key. For puppies, a good rule of thumb is to allow five minutes of exercise per month of age, two to three times per day. This helps build their stamina while keeping their joints safe as they grow.
During exercise, it’s important to offer plenty of breaks. Puppies often don't know when to stop, and they can quickly become overtired or even injured if pushed too hard. Short walks, gentle off-leash play, and low-impact games are great for building strength and burning off energy without overdoing it.
Always watch for signs of fatigue—if your puppy starts sitting down during a walk or losing interest in play, it's time to let her rest. Proper pacing now will help ensure she grows up strong and healthy, ready to handle longer activities in the future.
FAQ
What is the hardest stage of raising a puppy? The hardest stage of raising a puppy is typically the early weeks of puppy development when they require constant supervision, frequent potty breaks, and puppy training. Proper socialization and establishing routines like crate training are key to managing this challenging but rewarding phase.
Where should a puppy sleep the first night? A puppy should sleep in a cozy dog bed or crate close to you on the first night to help them feel secure. This setup aids in crate training and gives you the chance to comfort your puppy if she wakes up during the night.
How long can a puppy be left alone during the day? Young puppies shouldn’t be left alone for more than a few hours at a time since they need frequent potty breaks and mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored dogs. As they grow, you can gradually increase their alone time, especially if they have puppy training pads and proper crate training in place.
Do and don'ts for puppies? Do provide plenty of opportunities for proper socialization and feed them a diet suited for their age, like puppy food, to support healthy growth. Don't skip important steps like crate training or leave them alone with access to inappropriate dog food or household items that could be harmful.
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