Puppy care
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and memorable time, and we are here to help you give your puppy the very best start. Puppy care includes vaccinations, parasite protection, microchipping, neutering guidance, feeding advice, behaviour support, socialisation and help establishing good routines at home.
Our entire team love meeting new puppies. We will support you through every stage of the first year with friendly advice, modern clinical care and unlimited appointments for families on our health plans.
Why puppy care matters
Your puppy’s early months shape their long-term health, behaviour and wellbeing. Vaccinations protect against dangerous diseases, parasite prevention keeps both your puppy and your family safe, and early training and socialisation help build a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
Our team cares for many puppies each year, and we are well placed to guide new and experienced owners alike. You will have a dedicated team on hand, advice tailored to your lifestyle, and access to high-quality veterinary care seven days a week.
More about puppy care
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healthy puppy should be:
Bright, playful and inquisitive, with regular periods of sleep
Passing well-formed brown stools 2 to 4 times a day
Urinating regularly without straining
Eating with enthusiasm
Rarely coughing, sneezing or vomiting
If anything seems unusual, please contact us. We are always happy to help.
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Feed a high-quality puppy specific diet, ideally in three to four small meals per day.
Follow the feeding guidelines on the bag and adjust gradually as your puppy grows.
Provide fresh water at all times.
Avoid switching diets suddenly, change gradually over 5 to 7 days.
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Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps and play.
Praise quietly when they go in the right place.
Avoid punishment, it is confusing and slows progress.
Keep a consistent routine.
If toileting becomes difficult, please get in touch for advice.
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Puppies need protection against:
Parvovirus
Distemper
Hepatitis
Leptospirosis
Course: Usually two injections, 2 to 4 weeks apart
Start: Around 8 weeks of age
Full immunity: 1 to 2 weeks after the final vaccine
Boosters: Required once a year
We can discuss additional vaccines depending on lifestyle and travel.
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London has a high level of parasite exposure, particularly from foxes. Puppies often carry roundworms from birth.
We commonly protect against:
Roundworms
Hookworms
Lungworm
Fleas
Ticks
Tapeworm
We use modern, vet-approved treatments because supermarket and online products are often ineffective or unsafe.
Monthly weigh-and-worm visits are included for puppies on our PetPeople Health Plans.
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We recommend neutering for many dogs, though the ideal timing varies depending on breed, size, health and behaviour.
Benefits include:
Preventing unwanted pregnancy
Reducing certain cancers and infections
Reducing hormone-related behaviours
Preventing roaming and escapes
Your vet will help you choose the best timing for your puppy.
Ready to welcome your new furry friend?
Whether you've just brought home a puppy or kitten or you're getting ready for their arrival, we're here to help you give them the best start.