You’ve got the food bowls, the squeaky toys, the teeny-tiny collar, and enough pee pads to wallpaper a small room. But even the most prepared new puppy parents often overlook a few crucial things that make the early weeks smoother, healthier, and a lot less stressful.
At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we meet excited new pet parents all the time—some with Instagram-ready pups and others with wide eyes and questions galore. If you’re welcoming a new puppy into your life, here’s the checklist you really need (that rarely shows up on the packaging).
Have You Scheduled Their First Vet Visit—And Know What Happens?
Many new puppy owners wait until “something’s wrong” to visit the vet. But early vet care isn’t just about vaccinations—it’s about setting a baseline for your puppy’s future health. Their first checkup should happen within a few days of arriving home.
What we cover during that visit at Renfrew Animal Hospital:
- Checking for parasites (like worms, fleas, or mites)
- Evaluating teeth, joints, and weight
- Discussing vaccine schedules
- Helping you choose the right food, treats, and portion sizes
- Talking about safe socialization and training
Think of it as a wellness orientation—not just a medical checkup.
Socialization Isn’t Just About Dog Parks
Sure, meeting other dogs is important—but so is getting used to vacuum cleaners, delivery people, slippery floors, and loud traffic sounds. Dogs that aren’t exposed to a variety of people, textures, and experiences during their critical early development window (usually before 14–16 weeks) can develop long-term fear or anxiety issues.
Start small. Invite calm friends over, let them wear hats or sunglasses, and reward your puppy with treats. Sit on a bench near a busy street and just let them watch the world. And don’t forget the car! Short rides with no destination help avoid car anxiety down the road.
If you’re unsure whether a behavior is normal or needs some guidance, the team at Renfrew Animal Hospital is always happy to chat and recommend trainers who use positive reinforcement methods.
Did You Puppy-Proof Your House Like You Meant It?
Puppies are experts at finding the one thing you didn’t think to move. Electrical cords, toxic plants, dropped coins, and the underside of your couch can all be irresistible (and dangerous).
Go room by room:
- Secure or cover loose wires and chargers
- Remove access to cleaning supplies and medications
- Hide shoes and small objects
- Double-check what houseplants you own—many are toxic to dogs
At your next appointment with Renfrew Animal Hospital, feel free to ask for our puppy-safe home guide. We’ve seen the most surprising ingestion cases and can help you prevent them.
ID Tags Are Good. Microchips Are Better.
Many new pet parents skip microchipping in the beginning, thinking they’ll get to it later. But puppies are curious, quick, and small enough to slip through gates or under fences. Collars can fall off. Microchips don’t.
At Renfrew Animal Hospital, microchipping is fast, affordable, and can be done during a routine visit. It’s peace of mind in case your puppy ever gets lost—and can be the reason they make it home.
Know Your Breed’s Specific Needs
That adorable fluff ball? They might have very specific care needs based on their breed or mix. Huskies aren’t built for warm apartments. Dachshunds need stairs blocked off. Bulldogs might need skin fold cleaning and extra care in hot weather.
Even if you’ve had dogs before, your new puppy might surprise you. Breed-based health issues, grooming needs, and temperament quirks are all part of responsible ownership.
We love when new puppy parents come to Renfrew Animal Hospital ready to learn more about their dog’s genetics, especially if they’re adopting a mix. We can help decode some of the traits and guide you through early care.
The One Thing You Really Can’t Google
There’s no shortage of puppy advice online—but not all of it is accurate, and some of it is downright harmful. Puppies are individuals, and what works for one might not work for another.
Having a trusted veterinary team on your side from day one makes a huge difference. We know which bumps, rashes, and tummy troubles are part of growing up—and which are red flags. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we partner with pet parents through every milestone, offering support, answers, and judgment-free advice.
Ready To Start Off Right?
Puppyhood is a whirlwind, but it’s also a foundation. The choices you make now can shape your dog’s behavior, health, and happiness for years to come. If you’ve just brought home a new furry family member (or plan to soon), book your first vet visit with Renfrew Animal Hospital by calling (778) 737-1600. We’re here to support you, celebrate the milestones, and answer every “Is this normal?” along the way.
