Just brought home a fluffy little puppy? Exciting as it is, are you feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry! This game-changing puppy care manual helps you avoid 90% of the mistakes new owners make, ensuring your furry friend thrives during their critical growth period.
1. Life-or-Death Care: Key Tips for 0–3 Month Old Puppies
Fatal Risks to Watch For
- Low Temperature Hazard: Puppies have poor temperature regulation (normal body temp: 38.5–39.2℃).
✅ Must-have: Heating pad + room thermometer (keep environment 26–28℃). - Hypoglycemia Crisis: Small breeds may go into shock if fasting for over 4 hours.
✅ Solution: Carry glucose paste with you.
Dangerous Foods & Safe Alternatives
| Dangerous Foods | Hazards | Safe Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Causes digestive issues | Puppy goat milk powder |
| Poultry bones | Risk of choking or internal injury | Calcium milk sticks |
| Raisins | Toxic to puppies | Blueberry pieces |
| Xylitol (artificial sweetener) | Life-threatening | Natural applesauce |
2. Counterintuitive Feeding Rules
Small, Frequent Meals Schedule
- 2 months old: 5 meals a day (4-hour intervals)
- 3 months old: 4 meals a day (5-hour intervals)
- 4 months old: 3 meals a day (transition to dry food)
⚠️ Control eating speed (use a slow-feeder bowl or hand-feed to prevent bloating).
Weaning Period Special Meals
- Golden Transition Porridge: Goat milk powder + puppy kibble + pumpkin puree (ratio 1:2:1)
- Immunity-Boosting Broth: Simmer chicken frames for 3 hours, skim off oil (serve twice a week)
3. Hidden Secrets of Environment Setup
Safety Restricted Areas
- Wrap power cords with anti-chew covers
- Install balcony safety nets (gap <6cm)
- Avoid porous litter boxes (risk of paw entrapment)
- Put away all items smaller than 3cm (prevent choking)
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Sleep Area Design Tips
- Combine a dog bed with a crate (builds a sense of security)
- Line the bed with a towel that has the mother dog’s scent
- Add a heartbeat stuffed toy (eases separation anxiety)
4. Socialization Training: Golden Period Practice
Desensitization Training Window (4–16 Weeks)
- Sound Desensitization: Play recordings of vacuum cleaners/thunderstorms (start at 10% volume, gradually increase)
- Touch Training: Gently touch paws, ears, and mouth for 2 minutes daily
- Stranger Interaction: Let your puppy meet 3 new people weekly (reward with treats)
Potty Training Hacks
- Designate a pee pad area (spray with potty training spray)
- Place the puppy in the area 15 minutes after eating
- Reward immediately (within 3 seconds) for successful potty
- Clean accidents thoroughly with bio-enzyme cleaner
5. Vaccine & Deworming Special Plan
Pre-Vaccination Protection
- Use a pet stroller for outdoor trips
- Wipe your puppy’s paws after touching external items
- Avoid contact with other animals’ waste
Precise Deworming Schedule
- 2 weeks old: Internal deworming (praziquantel suspension)
- 4 weeks old: Internal + external deworming (selamectin)
- 6 weeks old: First vaccine + antibody test
⚠️ Calculate deworming medication dosage strictly by weight (overdose can be fatal!)
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6. Coat Care Lesser-Known Facts
Puppy Fur Care by Coat Type
| Coat Type | Care Focus | Taboos |
|---|---|---|
| Downy (Samoyed) | Daily brushing with a deshedding tool | Do not shave |
| Wirehaired (Schnauzer) | Start hand-stripping at 10 weeks | Do not mat removal |
| Curly (Poodle) | Blow-dry and straighten after bathing | Do not thin the coat |
Bathing Safety Guidelines
- Water temperature: 39℃ (1℃ higher than adult dogs)
- Use pH 6.0 mild acidic shampoo
- Three-step drying method: Blow dry → rest → recheck for dampness
7. Behavioral Problem Warning Signs
Signs That Require Immediate Intervention
- Chewing their own tail (possible parasites)
- Chasing shadows in circles (abnormal neurological development)
- Excessive licking of joints (precursor to pain)
Must-Have Teething Toys
- Frozen carrots (relieve gum swelling)
- Latex squeaky toys (satisfy chewing urges)
- Antler chew sticks (prevent double teeth)
8. Growth Monitoring Secrets
Weekly Checkup List
- Record weight (daily weight gain should be 2% of body weight)
- Check gum color (pink = healthy)
- Clean ear canals (use cotton balls dipped in ear cleaner)
- Inspect nails against light (avoid cutting the quick)
Key Developmental Milestones
- 8 weeks old: All baby teeth erupt
- 12 weeks old: Permanent teeth start growing
- 16 weeks old: Teething period begins (prepare frozen chew toys)
9. Emergency Preparedness Kit
Home First-Aid Supplies
- Digital thermometer (rectal)
- Sterile hemostatic powder
- 3% hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting)
- Pet electrolyte powder
Symptoms That Require Immediate Vet Visit
- Seizures or loss of balance
- Vomiting blood/bile
- Pale or purple gums
- Tense, drum-like abdomen
A puppy is like a blank canvas—every choice you make shapes their life. These care details may seem tedious, but they lay the foundation for your furry friend’s long-term health. Which growth stage is your little troublemaker in? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!