New puppy care
Your puppy’s first six months
A practical guide to helping your new puppy settle in, stay protected and grow into a happy, healthy companion.
A guide for new puppy families
A strong start for a lifetime together
Bringing a puppy home is exciting, and the first few months are an important time for their health, confidence and development. Use this guide as a simple reference for the milestones ahead, then contact our team for advice tailored to your puppy.
6 to 12 weeks
The first weeks at home
Moving away from mum, littermates and a familiar environment can feel daunting for a young puppy. Calm routines, safe socialisation and timely preventative care will help them settle into family life.
Transition & comfort
- Give your puppy a quiet, predictable space to rest and settle.
- An Adaptil Junior Collar may help support a calmer transition, including night-time settling, time alone and new experiences.
- Consider pet insurance early, before pre-existing conditions can develop.
Parasite prevention
- Worm puppies every two weeks until 12 weeks of age. We can recommend an appropriate product and schedule.
- Many flea and tick products are not suitable for puppies under eight weeks. Ask us how to protect your puppy safely during this early stage.
- From eight weeks, we can help you choose a suitable oral or topical flea and tick product.
Health & admin
- First vaccinations are generally given at 6–8 weeks, with the next dose due around four weeks later. Check your puppy’s vaccination card for the exact date.
- Confirm your puppy’s microchip registration has been transferred into your name as soon as possible.
Socialisation & diet
- Our Puppy Pre School is a safe way for puppies aged 8–16 weeks to build confidence around people and other puppies.
- Choose a premium, balanced puppy diet formulated for growth and development. Ask us about suitable options available at the clinic.
12 weeks to 6 months
Growing up with confidence
As your puppy grows, their medical and lifestyle needs change. Keeping their preventative care and training on track gives them the best foundation for adulthood.
Preventative care
- Start heartworm prevention by 12 weeks. We can help choose between monthly and annual options.
- From 12 weeks to six months, move intestinal worming to a monthly schedule.
- Continue flea and tick protection all year round. Product choice and timing should suit your puppy’s age, weight and lifestyle.
Vaccinations & safe outings
- The final puppy booster is commonly due at 14–16 weeks. Follow the dates on your puppy’s vaccination record.
- Until two weeks after the final vaccination, choose clean, controlled environments and only interact with fully vaccinated dogs.
- Wait before visiting public dog parks and beaches until your puppy is fully protected.
Keep learning
After Puppy Pre School or once your puppy has completed their vaccination course, this is an ideal time to continue with obedience training or dog sports. Building on early socialisation helps create a confident, well-mannered family companion.
Please note: This guide provides general information only. Preventative-care products and schedules should be confirmed with our veterinary team for your puppy’s individual age, weight, health needs and local parasite risk.
We’re here to help
Let’s get your puppy off to a great start
Need to book Puppy Pre School, arrange a vaccination or talk through parasite prevention? Our friendly team is ready to help.