Jack Russell Terrier puppy black and white

Taking care of your puppy’s health

In the first months of its life your puppy goes through an amazing transformation. By taking care of their health and helping them form healthy habits at this stage, you'll build the foundations for a healthy future together.

Six tips to keep your puppy healthy

There are lots of simple things you can do in your first few weeks together to keep your puppy healthy. Here are some top tips from Royal Canin’s veterinarians and nutritionists.

1. Learn to read your puppy’s body language so you can spot if they might be ill.

2. If you feel something isn’t right, or your puppy doesn’t seem their usual self, speak to your veterinarian.

3. Make sure your puppy gets the right nutrition from a specialized, well-balanced puppy diet.

3. Give your puppy plenty of opportunities to sleep and rest quietly during the day, as well as at night.

4. Dogs enjoy company, so spend time with your puppy and remember to interact and play with them, however ensure your puppy is used to being left alone right from the first day.

5. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination and deworming schedule.

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How to make the most of your puppy’s first visit to the veterinarian

When your puppy feels at home, it’s time for them to see the veterinarian. There are important checks and treatments your veterinarian needs to carry out, such as vaccinations and deworming. These simple procedures will give your puppy the very best start to life.

First veterinarian visit

Vaccinations and deworming

Puppy vaccinations and deworming are most effective when they are given at fixed dates with boosters. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the most appropriate vaccination and deworming schedule for your puppy.

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Why puppy vaccinations are so important

Vaccinations reinforce your puppy’s natural defences and are vital in protecting them against a variety of diseases. Your veterinarian should give your puppy their first vaccinations when they’re around eight weeks old, and they’ll need booster vaccinations every year to ensure they stay effective.

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Protection against diseases

The recommended puppy vaccinations protect against diseases including, parvovirus, kennel cough, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza virus and rabies.

Your veterinarian will advise if your puppy needs any other vaccinations, depending on their lifestyle, and will create a detailed vaccination schedule for you.

Labrador Retriever puppy standing on a table being examined by two vets
Welsh Cardigan Corgi puppy running outside on a beach
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Preventing worms in your puppy

Worms are internal parasites that can cause a range of health issues, including weight loss, stunted growth and digestive problems. As your puppy’s immune system is still developing, they’re more likely to catch worms so it’s important they have regular de-worming treatments.

Your veterinarian can advise on the best de-worming program for your puppy according to their lifestyle. Most are de-wormed monthly until they’re six months, and then at least every three to six months from then.

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Worms commonly found in puppies

Four types of worms are commonly found in puppies. Roundworms lodge in the small intestine and can grow to be several inches long, causing serious health problems. Hookworms latch onto the small intestine and live off the puppy’s blood leading to serious loss of blood and nutrients.

Tapeworms are long, flat and white and don’t usually harm dogs but can cause weight loss. Whipworms are the least common and can be hard to diagnose.

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Symptoms of worms in puppies

Look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate that your puppy has worms: Diarrhea and/or vomiting, dry or coarse fur, blood in their stools, bloated abdomen, lethargy, worms visible in their stools, anal area or vomit.

Pomeranian puppy sitting on a table being examined by a vet
English Cocker Spaniel puppy standing outdoors in a garden
Labrador Retriever puppy lying down on a white sheet

Further reading

View all 6 articles
Puppy Golden Retriever sitting on an examination table in a vets office.

Scheduling your puppy's booster injections

Puppy dog lying down on an examination table in a vets office.

Canine distemper in dogs

Young Labrador Retriever lying down on an examination table in a vets office.

Canine hepatitis in dogs

Puppy Siberian Husky lying down on an examination table in a vets office.

Kennel cough in dogs

Young Dachshund standing on an examination table in a vets office.

Leptospirosis in dogs

Puppy Jack Russell sitting on an examination table in a vets office.

Parvovirus in dogs

Dachshund puppy being examined by a vet

Should I neuter or spay my puppy?

Spaying or neutering your puppy means you won’t be able to breed from them as it stops the production of sperm or eggs. But it does offer a variety of health and behavioural benefits as well as preventing unwanted litters.

In male dogs, sterilization is called neutering and in female dogs it’s called spaying. Both involve your puppy being anaesthetized and having a small operation by a veterinarian.

The benefits of puppy neutering and spaying

Male dogs

  • Reduced risk of testicular and anal gland tumours and prostate enlargement.
  • Male dogs are less likely to mark their territory in your backyard.
  • Your male dog is less likely to roam, make urine markings or be aggressive.
Black Labrador Retriever puppy lying down outside in the grass

Female dogs

  • Reduced risk mammary gland tumours
  • Prevents serious uterine infections (pyometra).
  • The symptoms of being in heat are removed or reduced.
Shiba Inu puppy sleeping on a sofa

Both

  • Prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Female dogs are no longer attractive to male dogs.
  • No unwanted litters.
Australian Shepherd puppies playing outside in snow
Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy being carried outdoors by owner

When to have your puppy neutered or spayed

The usual time for neutering or spaying can be quite variant depending on the size of your dog. For females, this is usually between six and seven months, and for males it’s between seven and 10 months. Small dog breeds tend to reach puberty faster than larger breeds. It’s best to ask your veterinarian for advice on the best time for your puppy.

Changing your puppy’s diet after neutering or spaying

After a puppy’s been neutered or spayed, they tend to gain weight more easily because they have a bigger appetite but are less active. Being overweight can cause various health problems, so it’s important to adjust your puppy’s diet.
Food designed for neutered or spayed dogs has fewer calories and a higher fibre content to help your puppy feel full without gaining too much weight. Ask your veterinarian for advice on your puppy’s new diet and switch to it progressively a week before their operation so they can get used to it.

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Further reading
Puppy Siberian Husky lying down being examined in a vets office.

Your puppy's first visit to the vet

Puppy Beagle standing indoors eating from a red bowl

How often to feed a puppy

Common health issues for puppies

Knowing the common health issues your puppy might face, and the symptoms to look out for, can help you feel reassured and take better care of your puppy.

Common health issues
Labrador puppy black and white eating from red bowl

The right nutrition to help your puppy stay healthy

Your puppy’s diet is one of the most important factors in their long-term health and wellbeing. It influences everything from the strength of their bones and immune system to their digestive comfort and coat health.
As your puppy grows towards adulthood and beyond, their nutritional needs will change – especially over the first year. To help give them the best chance in life, it’s important you give them the right diet, in the right quantities for their age and individual needs.

Feeding your puppy

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Nutrition tailored to meet the specific needs of puppies of different ages, sizes and breeds.

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