Raising a Healthy Puppy

What You Need to Know

So you’re welcoming a new puppy or have already welcomed a puppy into your family…firstly, super cute! Secondly, we wish you the best of luck, because raising a happy and healthy puppy is no walk in the park.

But in actual fact, you don’t need luck. As we’ve put together our top tips to help guide you in these essential first steps, as raising a healthy puppy requires effort, knowledge, and a commitment to providing the best care. From balanced nutrition to early training, ensuring your furry friend grows up strong and happy starts with the right approach.

So enough chitchat; here’s our comprehensive guide on how to keep your puppy healthy, including tips on nutrition, socialisation, and even healthy recipes for puppies.

Nutrition: The Foundation of Puppy Health

First thing’s first; food. Because proper nutrition is key to a puppy’s growth and development. Puppies require a diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support their rapid growth.


Nutrition Tips

Providing a balanced diet is crucial for a puppy’s growth. So when selecting puppy food, look for high-quality brands specifically formulated for their age and breed. Avoid foods with fillers or artificial ingredients, as these may not provide the nutrients your puppy needs. You can also include healthy recipes for puppies as occasional treats, ensuring they’re both delicious and beneficial.

How to Keep Your Puppy Healthy: Training and Socialisation

Raising a well-behaved and confident canine begins with early training and socialisation. These activities contribute to both mental and physical health, setting your puppy up for long-term success.

Training and Socialisation

So if early training and socialisation are key to raising a well-behaved and confident dog, what should you focus on first? Our advice is to introduce your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals to foster positive experiences.

Likewise, with training we’d suggest you start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. Gradual exposure to different situations, like car rides and visits to the park, will equally help your puppy adapt to new experiences without fear or anxiety.

Despite your best efforts, training can sometimes be trickier than it seems, even sometimes overwhelming. So don’t forget there is always extra help available. Puppy school will always be strongly advised by veterinarians and breeders to ensure early socialisation. However help doesnt have to stop there, many benefit enormously from available private one on one puppy lessons from home, as well as the use of experienced puppy/dog trainers.

Routine Veterinary Care: Staying Ahead of Health Issues

Regular veterinary care is essential for monitoring your puppy’s growth and catching potential health issues early.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian ensure your puppy is growing healthily and helps catch any potential health issues early on. Keep up with vaccinations, parasite cover schedules, and desexing as recommended by your vet.

In addition to routine visits, consult your vet about dental care, which is often overlooked but crucial for overall health. Early dental hygiene practices, like introducing a toothbrush and the sensation of having their teeth cleaned at home, can prevent more serious dental issues down the line.

Healthy Puppy Treats: Fun and Nutritious

Treats are a great way to reward your puppy during training, but store-bought options can sometimes be loaded with unhealthy additives. Making your own treats ensures they’re both tasty and nutritious, and you know exactly what’s gone into them.

But if you’re short on time and not sure what to whip up at home, might we suggest our Nourishing Puppy Ale? This puppy-formulated 100% natural, alcohol free Dog Brew is crafted to provide the essential nutrients that help young dogs thrive; combining ingredients that promote healthy growth, immune support, and overall vitality.

Incorporating nutrient-rich foods like Pip’s Nourishing Ale helps ensure your puppy receives the essential vitamins and minerals needed for development. It can also serve as a handy meal topper to soften firm dry food types to help new puppies transition. Super helpful!

Plus, if you freeze some of our Puppy Ale, it can make a super delicious treat perfect for those warmer summer days.

Keeping Your Puppy Safe

Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore their environment. While this is an essential part of their learning, it also means they can get into trouble as everyday items can pose risks.

Toxins like cleaning products, plants, and medications should be kept out of reach, as they can be harmful or even fatal.

Similarly, small objects, like coins or buttons, are choking hazards, and food scraps may cause an upset stomach or poisoning - common dangers include chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol.

By keeping harmful items away from your pup, you can help ensure they stay safe and healthy while exploring their new world.

Creating a safe environment for your puppy includes:

  • Using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas.
  • Keeping electrical cords out of reach.
  • Supervising playtime, especially when they’re around small objects or toys.

Exercise and Play: Building Healthy Habits

Puppies have boundless energy (not that we need to tell you this, if you do currently have a puppy), and regular exercise is vital for their physical and mental well-being.

So that said, here are some top tips for exercising both your puppy’s body and brain:

  • Daily Walks: Short, age-appropriate walks help burn energy and build muscle.
  • Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys and chew items stimulate their minds and keep them engaged.
  • Playtime: Games like fetch or tug-of-war strengthen your bond and provide an outlet for their energy.

Just be mindful of your puppy’s limits, as over-exercising can stress their developing joints.

Looking After a Puppy: Long-Term Health

Raising a healthy puppy involves more than just meeting their immediate needs. Establishing good habits early ensures they grow into a healthy, happy adult dog.

But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you need to provide your pup, simplify it to the following:

  • Hydration: Always provide fresh water to keep your puppy hydrated.
  • Routine: Consistency in feeding, exercise, and training helps your puppy feel secure.
  • Love and Patience: Puppies thrive on affection and positive reinforcement.

By following these tips, you’ll set your puppy up for a lifetime of good health and happiness.

Long Story Short

Raising a healthy puppy takes dedication, but the rewards are having a best fur bud for life. From providing balanced nutrition to ensuring they receive adequate mental and physical stimulation, every effort contributes to your puppy’s growth and well-being.

Remember to stay proactive with routine veterinary care, prioritise safety, and foster positive experiences through training and socialisation.

With these top tips to hand, you’ll not only learn how to keep your puppy healthy but also create a loving environment where they can thrive. Your journey together will be filled with joy, wagging tails, and cherished memories.

Here’s to the puppies with a lot of pep in their step!

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