Caring for a New Puppy - Everything You Need to Know
Congratulations on your new puppy! Bringing a puppy home is exciting, but it also comes with lots of responsibilities. From feeding and training to vaccinations and grooming, here’s everything you need to know to raise a healthy and happy pup in Hong Kong.
1. Feeding Your Puppy
What to Feed a Puppy
Puppies should eat puppy-specific food that supports their growth and development. Choose from:
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High-quality commercial diets: Available as dry kibble or canned food, they’re convenient and nutritionally complete.
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Home-cooked diets: Great if formulated by a vet nutritionist.
Note: Avoid plain meat or rice-only meals – they’re not nutritionally balanced. Never add calcium supplements to balanced commercial diets.
2. Training and Socialisation
Toilet Training
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Establish a consistent toilet spot: puppy pads, balcony, or outside.
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Reward good behaviour immediately.
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Never scold or hit for accidents.
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Clean mistakes with odour removers like Urine-Off.
Obedience Training
Use positive reinforcement: treats, praise, affection. Teach basic commands like sit, stay, and stop. Consider hiring a professional Hong Kong-based dog trainer if needed.
Puppy Socialisation
Introduce your pup to other dogs and people early. This helps prevent fear-based behaviours and builds confidence.
3. Housing Your Puppy
Provide a clean, warm, and comfy dog bed or crate in a calm but social area of your home. Wash bedding weekly.
4. Grooming Your Puppy
Bathing
Use a mild puppy shampoo, no more than once a week. In between, use water rinses or grooming wipes.
Brushing
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Long-haired dogs: Brush every 2–3 days.
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Short-haired dogs: Weekly brushing is enough. Use detangling sprays and both slicker brushes and deshedding tools.
Nail Clipping
Trim nails regularly – long nails can cause walking issues.
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Avoid the blood vessel (quick) in the nail. Use a flashlight for dark nails.
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Use styptic powder to stop bleeding if trimmed too short.
5. Puppy Vaccinations
Essential core vaccines are at 6–8, 10–12, and 16 weeks:
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Distemper
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Parvovirus
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Parainfluenza
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Leptospirosis
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Infectious Hepatitis
Annual boosters are also required.
- Kennel Cough vaccine recommended for dogs going to kennels or groomers.
- Rabies vaccine is required by law in Hong Kong before 6 months old. Your pup will also be microchipped and licensed.
6. Worming and Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and is common in Hong Kong.
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Deworming at each vaccine visit, then every 3–6 months.
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Heartworm prevention starts before 6 months – available as tablets, drops, or yearly injection.
7. Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas cause allergies and skin issues; ticks can spread deadly Tick Fever. Recommended flea & tick products: Bravecto, Nexgard, Seresto, Frontline
8. Desexing (Spaying/Neutering)
Recommended from 6 months of age. It prevents unwanted litters and supports long-term health and behaviour.
Enjoy Your Puppy Journey!
Your puppy’s first six months will be full of growth, learning, and bonding. With the right care and attention, you’re setting the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted dog.
