Bringing a new puppy home is one of life's great joys — and one of its great responsibilities. The decisions you make in your puppy's first year will shape their health, behavior, and wellbeing for the rest of their life. This guide compiles everything I recommend to new puppy families in my practice, organized so you can find exactly what you need, when you need it. When in doubt, call us — we are always happy to help.
The AAHA (American Animal Hospitals Association) recommends starting the core DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) at 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3 weeks. The final booster must be given at or after 16 weeks of age to ensure adequate protection against parvovirus and distemper — two of the most serious and potentially fatal diseases in young dogs.
| Vaccine | Earliest Age | Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHPP (Core) | 8 weeks | Every 3 weeks; final dose ≥16 weeks | Required for all puppies |
| Bordetella | 8 weeks | Oral; single dose | Required by most boarding & grooming facilities; effective 5 days after administration |
| Canine Influenza (CIV) | 8 weeks | 2-dose series, 2–4 weeks apart | Recommended if boarding or visiting high-traffic dog parks; LA outbreak risk |
| Leptospirosis | 12 weeks | 2-dose series, 2–3 weeks apart; then yearly | Recommended for hiking dogs; transmitted via contaminated water and wildlife urine |
| Lyme Disease | 9 weeks | 2-dose series, 2–3 weeks apart; then yearly | Tick-borne; use tick prevention year-round as first line of defense |
| Rattlesnake | 16 weeks | 2–3 injections, 3–5 weeks apart; booster each spring | Reduces severity of envenomation; does not replace emergency care |
Rattlesnake Avoidance Training: Rattlesnakes are common in the hills of Ventura and LA Counties. Once your puppy has completed their vaccination series, we strongly recommend enrolling in a rattlesnake avoidance course. Register at manpaw.com — select "Rattlesnake Avoidance" from the menu.
California's mild climate means fleas and ticks are active year-round — there is no "off season" for parasite prevention. We recommend Simparica Trio as our preferred monthly preventive, as it covers fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworms, and hookworms in a single chewable tablet.
Heartworm testing should be performed between 7 and 9 months of age. Once a negative result is confirmed, your puppy can begin a full-year prescription for Simparica Trio. Heartworm prevention is available by prescription only — it cannot be purchased over the counter.
Fecal testing is recommended for all puppies during their first year. Puppies frequently carry intestinal parasites transmitted from their mother, and many of these parasites can be passed to humans. A simple fecal exam allows us to identify and treat any parasites before they become a problem.
For more information about heartworm disease, lifecycle, and transmission, visit the American Heartworm Society .
While we recommend spaying and neutering for all dogs, the timing of this procedure should be individualized based on your dog's breed, sex, and size. Emerging research has changed our thinking on the optimal age for sterilization, and a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer considered best practice.
| Procedure | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spay (female) | Before first heat (6–12 months) | Complete ovariohysterectomy; significantly reduces mammary tumor risk |
| Neuter (male, no behavioral issues) | 9–24 months depending on breed size | Larger breeds benefit from waiting longer for full hormonal maturation |
| Neuter (male, behavioral issues) | Earlier, per vet guidance | Escaping, aggression, or marking may warrant earlier intervention |
| Gonad-sparing sterilization | Any age | Preserves hormonal benefits; does not protect against mammary or testicular cancer but may reduce risk of lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, and Cushing's disease |
For more information on gonad-sparing sterilization and the research behind timing recommendations, see this peer-reviewed study and this overview from Pets in Stitches .
Good nutrition is the foundation of lifelong health. For puppies, we have two important recommendations: feed a diet that contains grains, and transition between foods gradually.
In August 2019, the FDA published a warning regarding a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious and potentially fatal heart condition. It appears that some grain substitutes used in these diets interfere with the absorption of key micronutrients. Until more is known, we strongly recommend choosing a puppy food that contains grains as a primary carbohydrate source. For more information, see the FDA's official advisory .
When switching foods, do so gradually over 6 days — replacing a larger proportion of the old food with the new each day. Abrupt dietary changes are a common cause of gastrointestinal upset in puppies. Follow the feeding guidelines on your puppy's food packaging, and monitor weight regularly. Your puppy should show a steady, consistent weight gain until they reach adult size.
💡 Tip: Weigh your puppy monthly and keep a simple log. Unexpected weight loss or plateau can be an early sign of illness or inadequate nutrition.
We recommend bathing your puppy no more than once a month unless medically necessary. Over-bathing strips the coat of natural oils and can lead to dry, irritated skin. Always use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo — we like HyLyt Hypoallergenic or an equivalent gentle formula.
Ears: Take care never to allow water into the ear canals during bathing. If your puppy gets water in their ears — from swimming, sprinklers, or bathing — use Epi-Otic ear cleaning solution by Virbac to dry and clean the canal. This prevents the moist environment that leads to ear infections. Watch this video for a step-by-step guide to ear cleaning.
Hair cutting: We recommend waiting until 7 months of age before your puppy's first haircut. Hair follicles take 6–7 months to fully mature, and cutting or shaving before this point can result in unhealthy regrowth — a condition known as post-clipping alopecia.
Nails: Begin handling your puppy's paws and nails early to desensitize them to nail trims. We recommend a Dremel rotary tool to gently round the nail tips — this is less stressful for many dogs than traditional clippers and produces a smoother result.
The habits you establish in puppyhood will last a lifetime. Starting early with handling, dental care, and desensitization makes veterinary visits — and home care — far easier for both you and your pet throughout their life.
Ear Handling
Gently lift and handle your puppy's ear flaps daily, and occasionally place a finger just inside the ear canal. This desensitizes them to the handling required for ear exams and cleaning.
Nail & Paw Desensitization
Touch, play with, and gently press each nail and paw pad regularly. This makes nail trims significantly less stressful. Pair handling with treats to build a positive association.
Dental Care
Brush your puppy's teeth at least twice weekly. Start by applying CET Enzymatic Toothpaste (beef or poultry flavor) to a gloved finger and letting your puppy lick it as a treat. Gradually progress to rubbing the gums, then to an over-the-finger toothbrush. Daily brushing is ideal and dramatically reduces the need for professional dental cleanings.
Dental Chews
Give one dental chew per day. Dr. Caren recommends CheckUps! Dental Treats for larger dogs and Greenies for small dogs.
Safe Toys
Choose toys that cannot be torn apart, de-stuffed, or broken into pieces that could be swallowed. Kong toys packed with soft food and frozen are an excellent choice — they provide mental stimulation and are highly durable.
DNA Testing
If you're curious about your puppy's breed makeup, Embark Veterinary offers a comprehensive DNA test at embarkvet.com. We'd love to see your results — share them with us by email!
Behavioral training is not optional — it is an essential part of responsible puppy ownership. A well-trained dog is safer, happier, and a better companion. Begin puppy classes as soon as your puppy is fully vaccinated (7 days after the final DHPP injection). We recommend the following trainers and programs in our service area:
California Search K9 Training Academy
Run by a Ventura County Sheriff K9 trainer. Group setting with other dogs and handlers. Dogs must be 6 months old.
Colin's Pack Training
Excellent for socialization and teaching calm behavior around other dogs. Fully vaccinated dogs only.
The Good Dog Training & Rehabilitation
Los Angeles-based board and train program for structured behavioral rehabilitation.
Ryan Davies — K9 Trainer
In-home sessions. Excellent for behavioral modification and older dog training techniques.
Zoom Room — Agility Training
Thousand Oaks location. Puppies need an activity that engages their brain — agility is an excellent outlet.
Equipment: We recommend a Gentle Leader head collar or a no-pull tactical harness for leash training. Both reduce pulling without causing discomfort and give you better control on walks.
Additional online resources: ASPCA Dog Behavior Guide · Dr. Sophia Yin's Resources · Perfect Puppy in 7 Days (Book)
Many common garden and houseplants are toxic — and in some cases, fatally toxic — to dogs. The following plants should be removed from any area your puppy can access. If you suspect your puppy has ingested any of these, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.
| Plant | Toxic Parts | Signs of Toxicity | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sago Palm (all types) | All parts | Vomiting, jaundice, liver failure, death | ⚠️ Severe |
| Yew | All parts | Vomiting, tremors, seizures, sudden death | ⚠️ Severe |
| Castor Bean | Beans (contain ricin) | Vomiting, bloody diarrhea (delayed 2–3 days) | ⚠️ Severe |
| Oleander | All parts | Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia | ⚠️ Severe |
| Brunfelsia (Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow) | All parts | Coughing, gagging, seizures | ⚠️ Severe |
| Lily of the Valley | All parts | Vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia | ⚠️ Severe |
| Foxglove | All parts | Vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia | ⚠️ Severe |
| Autumn Crocus | All parts | Hypersalivation, vomiting, multi-organ failure | ⚠️ Severe |
| Azalea / Rhododendron | All parts | Vomiting, diarrhea | Moderate |
| Chrysanthemum / Daisy | All parts | Vomiting, diarrhea | Moderate |
| Cyclamen | Tuber | Vomiting, diarrhea | Moderate |
| Daffodil / Hyacinth / Tulip | All parts; especially bulbs | Vomiting, drooling | Moderate |
Several common human foods are dangerous — and some are potentially fatal — to dogs. Keep the following items completely out of reach, and never leave them accessible on counters, in bags, or in open trash cans.
Xylitol
Found in most chewing gum, some syrups, gummies, and diet foods. Causes rapid insulin release, hypoglycemia, and liver failure. Extremely dangerous even in small amounts.
Grapes & Raisins
Can cause acute kidney failure. Even a small amount can be fatal. Signs include vomiting within hours, followed by decreased urination. Requires prompt hospitalization.
Chocolate
Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Signs include vomiting, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Macadamia Nuts
Cause weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting, and tremors. Mechanism is not fully understood but toxicity is well-documented.
Marijuana / THC
Increasingly common in edibles. Causes disorientation, urinary incontinence, low heart rate, and in severe cases, coma.
Onions & Garlic
Cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Toxic in all forms — raw, cooked, or powdered.
Cream of Tartar & Tamarind
Like grapes, these can cause kidney failure. Avoid any food products containing these ingredients.
Human Medications
Any human medication has the potential to be dangerous. Keep all medications in closed, inaccessible cabinets. Never give your pet human pain relievers, antihistamines, or supplements without veterinary guidance.
We strongly recommend purchasing pet health insurance for your new puppy. Puppies are curious, energetic, and accident-prone — and veterinary care for serious illness or injury can be significant. Insurance purchased while your puppy is young and healthy will provide the broadest coverage and the lowest premiums.
We are proud to be a Trupanion-affiliated practice. Trupanion offers a free 30-day trial beginning from the date of your first exam, with different coverage tiers based on your dog's size and needs.
For independent reviews and comparisons of all major pet insurance providers, we recommend visiting Canine Journal's Pet Insurance Reviews .
Questions About Your New Puppy?
Bringing a new puppy home raises a hundred questions — and we are always here to help. Whether you need to schedule your puppy's first wellness exam, have a question about vaccines or nutrition, or just want to talk through your options, call us for a free telephone consultation. We make it easy by coming directly to your home.
Dr. Michelle Caren, DVM
USC '97 · UC Davis DVM '04
USC '97 · UC Davis DVM '04
Dr. Caren is the founder and lead veterinarian of Vets ASAP Mobile Veterinary Care, serving families across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. With a passion for preventive medicine, end-of-life care, and evidence-based practice, Dr. Caren brings the full capabilities of a general veterinary practice directly to your home.