Puppy Guide, how to "Puppy"

First things first...

As a new puppy parent, there are many things you need to do to ensure that your pup has a happy and healthy life – and we know that becoming a new puppy parent can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! 

Before you get a puppy however, there are some important things to consider. Getting a puppy is a big decision that’ll have a big impact on your life, so it's important to ask...

Are you ready to adopt a puppy? 

Here are things to consider before you go to your breeder, shelter or rescue organisation to adopt:

• Research, research, research. Do your research on brands or adoption options and explore which fits well with your lifestyle. 

• Consider your living situation – do you have a yard for a dog to run and play in? Or if you're living in an apartment – is the dog breed apartment-friendly?

• Are you ready to commit to taking care of your new dog for their entire lifetime?

You’re financially ready to adopt a puppy

• As a new pet parent, there are initial costs of getting a new puppy from vaccinations, registrations to puppy food, bedding and toys – but there are also ongoing costs such as food, supplies, and regular veterinary checkups. It’ll be worth every penny when you see your pup’s tail wagging each day, but ensure you’ve considered all the costs to provide all their needs.

You have enough time for a puppy

• Puppies require constant attention from you – they need daily exercise, plenty of proper nutrition, lots of love and attention. Think about whether you can spare enough time in a day for training, socialisation and exercise

• Ideally, you'd want to take a couple of days off when your puppy arrives. Can you take some days off from work or find a way around it?

Have you checked YES to all of the above? If so, we have good news for you: you may be ready to raise a puppy!

The importance of vets

Veterinarians play an important role in pet-parents' lives. They can help provide information about your puppy's routine, as well as give advice on your furbaby’s preventative health care needs.

As your puppy grows, they'll need to visit the vet for:

• Regular check-ups

• Vaccinations

• Parasite control

• Any other questions specific to your puppy's needs

Your local vet

A good local vet that you trust and in close proximity to your home is key – less driving means more pet time with your pup and will help if they ever need urgent medical attention.

It’s important to get regular check-ups – whether they’re a puppy, adult dog or senior – so your veterinarian has the opportunity to assess their health and to catch possible issues early. They’ll be able to offer advice and answer all your questions on all aspects of puppy care – including nutrition, vaccinations, parasite control and more.

TIP: Ask your vet for the next best contact number for after hours emergencies.

Emergency vets

Pet emergencies happen – and while we do everything we can to prevent accidents from happening, it’s important to have emergency contact details on hand, just in case.

Find an emergency vet near you

First, check your local vet’s opening hours – sometimes your local vet may be open to take your pup in. If you can, ask your local vet for a recommendation for after hours emergencies as they often know the best course of action. Otherwise, search online or use Google maps to find an emergency vet near you.

TIP: Stick up the emergency vet contact information somewhere visible – like a note on the fridge or pinned in your family group chat.

Animal hospitals

For more serious health issues that require hospitalisation, you may need to take your puppy to an animal hospital.

If you think your puppy needs hospitalisation, always call your local vet or an emergency vet first. They'll be able to advise you on the best course of action – and can organise for your puppy to be transferred to an animal hospital if necessary.

Animal hospitals

For more serious health issues that require hospitalisation, you may need to take your puppy to an animal hospital.

If you think your puppy needs hospitalisation:

• Please call your local vet or an emergency vet first.

• They'll be able to advise you on the best course of action – and can organise for your puppy to be transferred to an animal hospital if necessary.