🐾 Puppy Information Sheet
Congratulations on welcoming a puppy into your family!
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time — for you, anyway! For the puppy, it may be a little overwhelming at first. Be patient, positive, and calm as your puppy adjusts to its new environment. Make sure they have access to a quiet, safe space where they can retreat when tired or unsure.
Puppies grow into adult dogs with lifespans ranging from 8 years (giant breeds) to over 20 years (small breeds). That’s a big commitment with many joyful moments along the way. Setting your puppy up with the right care and training from the beginning helps reduce the risk of future behavioural or health concerns.
Each breed has its own characteristics and tendencies, so take the time to research the natural behaviours of your puppy’s breed to better understand their daily needs.
🍽️ Diet
Most puppies arrive in their new homes at around 8 weeks old and no longer need milk. They should be on a premium-quality, complete, and balanced puppy diet containing the appropriate vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth.
Feeding Schedule:
Up to 3 months: 3–4 meals/day
3–6 months: 3 meals/day
6 months onwards: 2 meals/day
Larger breeds have specific nutritional needs — large breed puppy formulas should be used until 18 months of age. Rapid growth can cause joint issues, so follow feeding guidelines, allow for treats in daily portions, and aim for steady—not fast—growth.
Speak to your vet team for advice tailored to your puppy’s size and breed.
🧠 Enrichment
Once your puppy settles in, they’ll start to explore the world — sounds, smells, textures, people, and experiences. Between 3–12 weeks of age, puppies are in a critical development window. This is the time to give them as many positive experiences as possible.
Offer a variety of toys for mental and physical stimulation.
Start training early using your puppy’s name and single-word cues like sit, stay, or come.
Reward positive behaviour and use confident posture and happy tones.
Puppy preschool provides a safe space to begin socialising and learning.
Use body language to support your cues: stand tall when instructing, crouch low when inviting. Your puppy is looking to you to understand the world.
🚽 Toilet Training
Toilet training is a learning process. Puppies under 16–18 weeks don’t always know they need to go until they’re going — accidents will happen.
Tips for success:
Start with the same surface they were using at the breeder (e.g. grass, dirt, concrete, paper).
Know the triggers: after waking, eating, excitement, or being startled.
Take puppy to the same spot on-lead, say your cue (e.g. “Go wees”), and keep it boring — no play until they’ve gone.
Praise success! Clean accidents with an odour-neutralising cleaner (no ammonia).
Avoid punishment — it creates fear, not learning.
💉 Vaccinations
Your breeder should have provided the first vaccine (typically at 6–8 weeks), along with a record and next due date. Most clinics follow this protocol:
6–8 weeks: First vaccination
10–12 weeks: Booster
(Optional) 14–16 weeks: Third dose if advised by vet
Annual boosters for life
Allow 10–14 days after the final booster before taking your puppy into public spaces.
Vaccinations protect against:
C3: Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis
C5: Includes C3 plus Kennel Cough
C4 Includes C3 PLUS ParaInfluenza
These are serious diseases — vaccinations keep your puppy (and others) safe.
🪱 Parasite Control
Worming:
Start at 2 weeks of age
Fortnightly until 12 weeks
Monthly to 6 months
Every 3 months thereafter
There are four main intestinal worms: roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm. Always dose according to your puppy’s weight.
Heartworm:
Begin at 3–4 months
Options: monthly chews/topicals or a 12-month injection (with vet guidance)
If not started by 6 months, a simple blood test is needed first
Fleas:
Start from 8–12 weeks depending on product
Use consistent prevention year-round
Keep bedding and toys clean
Flea allergy dermatitis can result from a single bite
✂️ Desexing & Microchipping
Desexing:
Required by law (SA): must be completed by 6 months for non-breeders
Prevents various health issues including pyometra, mammary/prostate/testicular cancer
Reduces unwanted behaviours like roaming or aggression
Microchipping:
Required by law in SA
Implanted under the skin; unique ID for lifetime tracking
Keep details up to date on the database
Note: Microchipping does not replace council registration (DACO)
🦷 Dental Care
Puppies lose baby teeth between 3–6 months. During this teething phase, they’ll chew anything and everything!
Provide safe chew toys and teething aids
Dry food and dental-friendly chews support oral health
Brush teeth weekly for best results
Annual dental checks help detect issues early
Dental disease affects overall health — prevention is key.
🏥 Pet Insurance
Accidents and illness happen. Pet insurance helps ease financial stress during emergencies.
There are many providers and plans. Choose one that suits your budget and covers breed-specific concerns. Ask your clinic for recommendations or to compare options.
⚠️ General Reminders
Many human foods and plants are toxic to dogs (e.g. grapes, onions, toothpaste, rat bait).
Keep your yard secure — dogs found roaming can lead to fines or worse.
Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, not punishment.
Socialisation continues beyond puppyhood — keep building positive experiences.
Teach both children and dogs how to interact respectfully.
🗓️ Summary Checklist
Task Frequency / Timing
Feeding: Premium puppy food for 12–18 months (refer to feeding guide)
Vaccinations: As per vet protocol
Worming: Fortnightly (2–12 wks), monthly (3–6 mths), quarterly after that
Heartworm: Start by 6 months
Fleas: All year round as recommended
Desexing: By 6 months (unless advised otherwise, excemption letter required from veterinarian)
Microchipping: By 6 months, legally required
Council Registration (DACO): Starts at 3 months, renew annually
Dental Care: Weekly brushing, quality food, annual checks
Insurance: Optional, but highly recommended
Enrichment & Companionship: Daily — they’ll give it back tenfold
Enjoy every precious moment.
Please contact your local vet clinic if you need further advice or support.