Lifestage mascot

How old is your dog?

Pre-Puppy
Pre-Puppy preview image

Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
0-2 months preview image

0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
2-3 months preview image

2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
3-6 months preview image

3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
6-12 months preview image

6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
12-18 months preview image

12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
18 months - 3 years preview image

18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
3 - 8 years preview image

3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
8+ years preview image

8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Puppy Health Checklist - 12 Weeks

Dr Alice Marshall - Vet profile picture

Dr Alice Marshall - Vet

BVSc (Hons)

Alice is a honours degree veterinarian who has worked across private mixed veterinary practice, the animal nutrition and the animal pharmaceutical industries. She loves to communicate with owners about the importance of pet health and provide useful information to help them enjoy life with their pets.

Puppy Health Checklist - 12 Weeks

Having a new puppy is exciting. It can also be a steep learning curve! There are a lot of new things to learn for both you and your puppy.

At 12-weeks old your puppy is still like a baby. Here are some helpful things that you can check off to reassure yourself that your puppy is healthy and starting life off on the right paw.

Vaccinations

Puppies and adult dogs require vaccines to protect against life-threatening illnesses. Depending on your location and lifestyle, your puppy may need both 'core' and 'non-core' vaccines. Check what your puppy has received and make an appointment with your vet to discuss the best regime to protect your puppy.

Worming & Parasite Control

Puppies can be infected with worms from their mothers, from dogs they interact with and from their environment. They should be wormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks of age. From then, they need to be wormed every month until they are six months old. From six months old, depending on the product, worming dogs every three months will maintain effective prevention. Again, this approach may differ from dog-to-dog and it’s best that you speak with your vet team to get things just right.

Diet

If possible, feed your puppy the food they're used to for their first few days at your house. When they are little, provide small, regular meals, and if you transition to a new food, do this gradually to help minimise stomach upsets. ‘Complete and balanced’ nutrition is essential, particularly during their rapid growth phase (the first one to two years depending on breed/size). Look for an ‘AAFCO statement’ which indicates that the brand truly knows how to make good food. As nutrition is key to good life-long health, speak to pet care professionals and trustworthy experts who have first-hand experience to find the best diet for your puppy.

General Health

Your puppy's eyes should be clear, without discharge, and they should not be squinting, red or sore. Their coat should be glossy, not brittle or with a large amount of dandruff, and their skin should be pink, not red and itchy. Wounds or sores should be absent and addressed quickly if present.

Your puppy should not regularly vomit or have prolonged bouts of diarrhoea. Your puppy should be energetic and not lethargic. If your puppy displays any of these signs - or others you may be worried about - get them checked out by a vet right away.

Socialisation

Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, you can socialise them outside your house.
Introducing them to new situations and people in a positive manner is a great way to encourage healthy associations for life and a happy, confident dog. Instead of punishing incorrect behaviour, always reward their good behaviour and calm reactions. Remember, your puppy is still like a baby and learning, so they will make mistakes. Reacting calmly and rewarding their good behaviour will help them learn.

Puppy classes are a great way to help build your puppy's confidence and assist them in learning basic commands. Puppy training also strengthens the bond they have with you.

Gradually introduce them to the car, grooming, being handled and having their ears, eyes and other body parts checked.

Routine

Puppies thrive on routine, so try to establish a consistent routine and rules from a young age. Reward to reinforce good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Remember that growing and learning is tiring, so keep training sessions fun and short.

Providing a crate, hiding places or cosy bed in a quiet, draft-free place where your puppy can rest undisturbed is crucial in helping them settle. Having a place to retreat is important. Beginning to leave them alone for short periods can help guard against separation-related distress.

Support

Find a vet and a nurse team you like and regularly visit with your puppy. Positive interactions at the vet and getting your puppy used to handling and gentle examinations can help them from becoming overly anxious in these situationsas they get older. Talk to your vet about common issues and illnesses to be aware of with your breed and consider if pet insurance is right for you.

This article is for general information only. We recommend that you seek your veterinarian's advice regarding any health concerns, treatment, and dietary help for your pet.

Pet Paw-Trol

Promotion preview

Free Puppy Training Guide

Your puppy training guidebook.

Get yours now.

Promotion preview

Perfect Pocket Training Treats

These real meat treats are perfect for puppy training on the go.

More Info