Complete puppy care guide | Fluv pet sitter teaches you the key milestones of the 0–1 year golden growth stage

Got a new puppy at home, or thinking of getting one? Caring for a puppy is very different from caring for an adult dog — just like raising a young child, each stage comes with its own things to watch out for. With the right care, you can make the most of this golden growth period to build strong health and good habits. Fluv pet sitter recommends this complete puppy care guide — a comprehensive, easy-to-follow checklist to help you feel confident every step of the way.

What do you need to prepare for a puppy?

Welcoming a cute puppy home is one of the most exciting things — and knowing what to get ahead of time makes the whole experience so much smoother. The basics — food, a food bowl, a water bowl, pee pads, a crate or bedding, and toys — should all be purchased before bringing your puppy home. Other items like a carrier, grooming and toothbrushing supplies, a collar and leash, a brush, nail clippers, odor eliminators, and health supplements can be picked up as you go.

What are the common vaccines for puppies?

Vaccinating your puppy at the right times is one of the most important parts of puppy care. Vaccines boost your puppy’s immune system, protect against a wide range of viruses, and help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases to humans. Below is a breakdown of the core vaccines recommended at each stage of puppyhood. These are generally available as combination vaccines (5-in-1, 7-in-1, 8-in-1, or 10-in-1) — the higher the number, the more diseases it covers. Talk to your vet to decide which is right for your puppy.

💡 Immunity is temporarily lowered after vaccination. It’s best to wait 1 week before bathing your puppy, and to keep them home and away from other animals as much as possible.

💡 In addition to core vaccines, there are non-core vaccines for conditions such as infectious canine hepatitis, canine parainfluenza, and Lyme disease. Ask your vet about these based on your location and your puppy’s individual needs.

Age	Core vaccines
6 weeks	Combination vaccine + deworming
10 weeks	Combination vaccine
14 weeks	Combination vaccine + rabies + deworming
Annually	Combination vaccine + rabies + deworming

Stage-by-stage puppy care tips

As your puppy grows, they go through more than just physical changes — teething, first heat cycles, and other developmental milestones all come into play. Understanding what to expect at each stage, including diet and healthcare needs, helps you stay prepared and makes the journey much more enjoyable. Here’s a breakdown of four key stages to help your puppy grow up healthy and happy:

▶︎ Nursing stage (30–50 days)

Mother’s milk is the best food for a newborn puppy — it provides essential immunity and antibodies. If your puppy can’t nurse from their mother, choose a puppy-specific formula milk. It’s formulated with the right levels of lactose, protein, and fat for puppies, helping to prevent digestive issues and giving them the best possible start.

💡 Feeding tip: position the puppy face-down with their front legs slightly elevated and head raised — never feed them lying on their back, as this can cause choking.

💡 Feeding frequency: puppies need approximately 180 ml per kg of body weight per day, spread evenly across three feedings.

▶︎ Weaning stage (around 50 days)

As your puppy starts teething, formula milk alone is no longer enough to meet their nutritional needs. During this stage, you can gradually introduce weaning foods alongside milk to give them more complete nutrition:

• Around 28 days: Mix a small amount of weaning food into the formula and let the puppy eat independently.
• Around 35 days: Gradually increase the ratio of weaning food (approximately 1 part weaning food to 4 parts milk).
• Around 42 days: Transition to a weaning food suitable as a main meal (such as puppy wet food/pâté).
• Around 42–56 days: Full weaning — your puppy is ready for solid food! (This is also a good time to start vaccinations.)

▶︎ Growth stage (1–3 months)

At this stage, your puppy’s teeth may feel sore and uncomfortable, which means they’ll want to chew on everything. Provide durable chew toys — plain stuffed animals without attachments, teething sticks, and the like work well (rawhide bones are not recommended). You can also freeze toys before giving them to help soothe sore gums. And make sure to put away anything valuable before your puppy gets to it! Diet-wise, puppy kibble and wet food are recommended, along with other foods that give them something to chew on.

▶︎ Teething and training stage (4–12 months)

Reduce feeding to 2–3 times per day and introduce calcium-rich foods. This is a great time to start brushing your puppy’s teeth regularly to keep their mouth clean, and to begin toilet training — helping them learn to go in a designated spot. Building good habits starts now!

💡 Many owners choose to have their dog spayed or neutered during this period. Speak with your vet to assess what’s right for your puppy.

Puppy care FAQ

Q1: When should I feed my puppy?

Puppies do best with small, frequent meals — aim for 3–4 feedings per day. As they get older, you can reduce this to 2–3 times a day. Try to feed them at the same times each day and in consistent portions. This helps you remember the schedule and helps your puppy get used to a routine.

Q2: Do I need to help my puppy go to the toilet? How often?

Puppies typically need to go about 15–30 minutes after eating. By consistently guiding them to the same spot, you can help them develop good toilet habits. Before training is complete, lead your puppy to their designated toilet spot every 2–4 hours. With repetition, even the most energetic pup will start to get the idea.

Q3: Can I train my puppy right away?

For a puppy that’s just arrived home, the priority is helping them settle in and feel comfortable. Start by showering them with love and playing together. Once you’ve built a bond and earned their trust, you can begin training — they’ll be much more receptive and less likely to push back.

Q4: What are the common puppy care mistakes to avoid?

• Don’t feed sharp or small bones

It might be a traditional habit, but sharp bone fragments — no matter the size of the dog — can easily tear the esophagus. If you do want to give bones, pressure-cook them first to soften them.

• Don’t feed table scraps

Leftover human food is nutritionally incomplete for puppies and often too high in salt. It won’t meet their dietary needs.

• Don’t use cow’s milk

If you need to give milk, choose a pet-specific formula instead.

• Don’t let them overeat

Whether puppy or adult, dogs tend to rest immediately after eating. Overeating can lead to bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

• Don’t bathe your puppy too early

Young puppies have weaker immune systems and can easily catch a chill after getting wet. Wait at least two weeks after the first vaccination before bathing. In the meantime, dry shampoo powder or a warm damp cloth can be used to keep their coat clean.

• Don’t take them outside too soon

While there are plenty of pet-friendly spots to explore, it’s best to wait until after the first round of vaccinations before taking your puppy outdoors, to reduce the risk of infectious disease.

• Don’t let the home get too cold

Puppies are vulnerable to hypothermia if the temperature drops too low. Keep their environment at 29–32°C for the first few days, around 26°C by day 10, and around 22°C from weeks three to four.

• Don’t feed organ meats regularly

Organ meats are high in phosphorus but low in calcium, and phosphorus can actually inhibit calcium absorption. Feeding liver and other organs too regularly can lead to serious calcium deficiency over time.

The experienced team at Fluv, Taiwan’s largest pet sitter platform, is here to help — whether you need expert puppy care advice, in-home pet sitting, day care services, or pet boarding. Every detail is taken care of, and the heartfelt feedback from pet owners speaks to the genuine love and dedication of every sitter on the platform. Fluv makes it easy to find the nearest, most affordable, and most trusted sitter — your go-to choice for stress-free puppy and pet care.

 

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