How to Care for Your New Puppy

Authored by the Pet Expert Team 

The amount of food your puppy needs depends on how much they'll weigh at maturity. A Labrador Retriever will weigh more as an adult dog than a Jack Russell Terrier, for example. So, the larger dog requires more food as a puppy to support their higher growth needs. See our Puppy Feeding Chart for more information.

Authored by the Pet Expert Team 

You should feed puppy food until your puppy finishes growing. Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Larger breeds grow longer, taking up to two years to reach their adult size. Check with your veterinarian on when to transition your puppy to adult food. Check our puppy feeding guide to find out how long your dog should eat puppy food.

Authored by the Pet Expert Team 

Consistency in schedule is key — take them to go potty after any mealtime or play session. This will teach your puppy when to expect potty breaks and allow you to learn your puppy’s cues when they have to go. Make sure their food is highly digestible, which can help them have more consistent poops. This added consistency will help potty training to be easier for them and for you. Visit our potty training guide for more detailed expert guidance.

Authored by Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Purina Veterinarian

In a word: research. Aside from the basic Google search, you should ask friends and neighbors who they take their dogs to. If you adopted your puppy through a breeder or local rescue group, they’ll likely be able to recommend a veterinarian based on where they take their dogs. Once you have a clinic in mind, you should visit them in person. Many local practices have open houses where you can tour the office, meet the staff, and more. Last, make sure the clinic’s hours align with your own schedule, so getting your pup in for an exam will be easier for you. 

Authored by the Pet Expert Team 

It depends. When making the decision to get pet insurance, it’s important to consider the cost, the coverage, your budget, your pet’s current health and the potential issues that may come with their breeding and genetics. For more detailed advice on insuring your dog or puppy, visit our guide.

Authored by the Pet Expert Team 

If your puppy is under six months old, they shouldn’t be left alone for more than a couple of hours. Crate-training them during this time is a great way to establish boundaries, give them a safe space, and prevent them from chewing on things you don't want them to. Find more information on how long you can leave a dog alone in our guide. 

Authored by the Pet Expert Team 

Yes, you should get your puppy microchipped as soon as possible after bringing them home. A microchip is helpful if your dog wanders away from your house or gets loose during a walk, and can provide extra security when traveling with your pup or during emergency situations. For more, our Purina pet experts have compiled everything you should know about microchipping in this article. 

Authored by Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Purina Veterinarian

Yes, it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with a new puppy. The upheavals to your routine, sleep and work schedules, and needing to be constantly vigilant that your pup isn’t chewing anything they shouldn’t may seem drastic at first. It’s important to remember that this phase isn’t forever, and that they actually grow up really fast! In the meantime, you can rely on your friends, Purina and the puppy care tips at the top of this page for help along the way. Puppies are a major commitment and may feel overwhelming at first — but they’re also 100% worth it! 

Authored by Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Purina Veterinarian

Before bringing a puppy into your home, it’s wise to think about how the first 6 to 9 months will go if you have a job that takes you away from your puppy for long periods of time. Even if your office is pet-friendly, your pup will likely need to finish getting their vaccines before coming to work with you.  While it may be hard to leave those adorable puppy dog eyes, alone time in their crate is actually good for them and teaches them to be resilient. You may also have businesses in your area that offer dog-walking services, as well as doggy daycares that are tailored to puppies. No matter what, you should make a plan for what to do with your puppy when you’re at work early on. A little research can save a panicked last-minute search when the time comes.