{"id":1717,"date":"2022-08-30T06:11:10","date_gmt":"2022-08-30T06:11:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluv.com\/blog\/?p=1717"},"modified":"2025-11-10T07:57:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T07:57:51","slug":"puppy-care-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/puppy-care-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete puppy care guide | Fluv pet sitter teaches you the key milestones of the 0\u20131 year golden growth stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Got a new puppy at home, or thinking of getting one? Caring for a puppy is very different from caring for an adult dog \u2014 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\"><strong>Fluv pet sitter<\/strong><\/a> recommends this complete puppy care guide \u2014 a comprehensive, easy-to-follow checklist to help you feel confident every step of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1718\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/untitled-design-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/untitled-design-3.jpg 940w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/untitled-design-3-300x251.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/untitled-design-3-768x644.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/untitled-design-3-809x678.jpg 809w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>What do you need to prepare for a puppy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Welcoming a cute puppy home is one of the most exciting things \u2014 and knowing what to get ahead of time makes the whole experience so much smoother. <b>The basics \u2014 food, a food bowl, a water bowl, pee pads, a crate or bedding, and toys \u2014 should all be purchased before bringing your puppy home.<\/b> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What are the common vaccines for puppies?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaccinating your puppy at the right times is one of the most important parts of puppy care. Vaccines boost your puppy&#8217;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) \u2014 the higher the number, the more diseases it covers. Talk to your vet to decide which is right for your puppy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\ud83d\udca1 Immunity is temporarily lowered after vaccination. It&#8217;s best to wait 1 week before bathing your puppy, and to keep them home and away from other animals as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\ud83d\udca1 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&#8217;s individual needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Age<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Core vaccines<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Combination vaccine + deworming<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Combination vaccine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">14 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Combination vaccine + rabies + deworming<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Annually<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Combination vaccine + rabies + deworming<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Stage-by-stage puppy care tips<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As your puppy grows, they go through more than just physical changes \u2014 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&#8217;s a breakdown of four key stages to help your puppy grow up healthy and happy:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>\u25b6\ufe0e Nursing stage (30\u201350 days)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mother&#8217;s milk is the best food for a newborn puppy \u2014 it provides essential immunity and antibodies. If your puppy can&#8217;t nurse from their mother, choose a puppy-specific formula milk. It&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\ud83d\udca1 Feeding tip: position the puppy face-down with their front legs slightly elevated and head raised \u2014 never feed them lying on their back, as this can cause choking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\ud83d\udca1 Feeding frequency: puppies need approximately 180 ml per kg of body weight per day, spread evenly across three feedings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>\u25b6\ufe0e Weaning stage (around 50 days)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Around 28 days:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mix a small amount of weaning food into the formula and let the puppy eat independently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Around 35 days:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Gradually increase the ratio of weaning food (approximately 1 part weaning food to 4 parts milk).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Around 42 days:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Transition to a weaning food suitable as a main meal (such as puppy wet food\/p\u00e2t\u00e9).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Around 42\u201356 days:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Full weaning \u2014 your puppy is ready for solid food! (This is also a good time to start vaccinations.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>\u25b6\ufe0e Growth stage (1\u20133 months)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At this stage, your puppy&#8217;s teeth may feel sore and uncomfortable, which means they&#8217;ll want to chew on everything. Provide durable chew toys \u2014 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>\u25b6\ufe0e Teething and training stage (4\u201312 months)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reduce feeding to 2\u20133 times per day and introduce calcium-rich foods. This is a great time to start brushing your puppy&#8217;s teeth regularly to keep their mouth clean, and to begin toilet training \u2014 helping them learn to go in a designated spot. Building good habits starts now!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\ud83d\udca1 Many owners choose to have their dog spayed or neutered during this period. Speak with your vet to assess what&#8217;s right for your puppy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Puppy care FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Q1: When should I feed my puppy?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Puppies do best with small, frequent meals \u2014 aim for 3\u20134 feedings per day. As they get older, you can reduce this to 2\u20133 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q2: Do I need to help my puppy go to the toilet? How often?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Puppies typically need to go about 15\u201330 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\u20134 hours. With repetition, even the most energetic pup will start to get the idea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q3: Can I train my puppy right away?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For a puppy that&#8217;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&#8217;ve built a bond and earned their trust, you can begin training \u2014 they&#8217;ll be much more receptive and less likely to push back.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q4: What are the common puppy care mistakes to avoid?<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t feed sharp or small bones<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It might be a traditional habit, but sharp bone fragments \u2014 no matter the size of the dog \u2014 can easily tear the esophagus. If you do want to give bones, pressure-cook them first to soften them.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t feed table scraps<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leftover human food is nutritionally incomplete for puppies and often too high in salt. It won&#8217;t meet their dietary needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t use cow&#8217;s milk<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you need to give milk, choose a pet-specific formula instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t let them overeat<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whether puppy or adult, dogs tend to rest immediately after eating. Overeating can lead to bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t bathe your puppy too early<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t take them outside too soon<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While there are plenty of pet-friendly spots to explore, it&#8217;s best to wait until after the first round of vaccinations before taking your puppy outdoors, to reduce the risk of infectious disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t let the home get too cold<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Puppies are vulnerable to hypothermia if the temperature drops too low. Keep their environment at 29\u201332\u00b0C for the first few days, around 26\u00b0C by day 10, and around 22\u00b0C from weeks three to four.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t feed organ meats regularly<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The experienced team at <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\">Fluv<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <strong>Taiwan&#8217;s largest pet sitter platform<\/strong>, is here to help \u2014 whether you need expert puppy care advice, <strong>in-home pet sitting, day care services, or pet boarding<\/strong>. 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. <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\">Fluv<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> makes it easy to find the nearest, most affordable, and most trusted sitter \u2014 your go-to choice for stress-free puppy and pet care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div style=\"background-color: #FFFAF0; border: 2px dashed #FFA500; padding: 30px; border-radius: 15px; margin-top: 40px; text-align: center;\">\n<h2 id=\"section8\" style=\"color: #E67E22; margin-top: 0;\">Fluv exclusive offers | Limited-time deals for devoted pet lovers<\/h2>\n<p style=\"color: #666; font-style: italic;\">#Give your pet the best \u2014 and the best fit<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;d like to give your pet a more personalised, home-like care experience, why not try Fluv&#8217;s in-home pet sitter service?<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 1.1em;\">\ud83c\udf81 <strong>New users \u2014 enter promo code<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 2em; color: #D35400; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0;\">NEW95<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Book now and enjoy <strong>5% off<\/strong> your first booking!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 Ready to find the perfect sitter for your pet?<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"background-color: #E67E22; color: white; padding: 12px 25px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: bold; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/zh-tw\/download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the Fluv app now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Views: 1988<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Got a new puppy or thinking of getting one? Puppy care is very different from caring for adult dogs. Learn everything you need to know with our complete guide.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1718,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,2445],"tags":[450,449,430,448,452,451,455,1007,989,988,991,1011,45,1012,51,352,456,58,454],"class_list":["post-1717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-care","category-dog-care","tag-450","tag-449","tag-430","tag-448","tag-452","tag-451","tag-455","tag-app","tag-989","tag-988","tag-991","tag-1011","tag-45","tag-1012","tag-51","tag-352","tag-456","tag-58","tag-454"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1717","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1717"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1717\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6786,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1717\/revisions\/6786"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}