Description:- New puppy or kitten at home? Learn complete puppy & kitten care including feeding schedule, vaccination, grooming, training & safety tips.

Introduction:

Bringing a new puppy or kitten home is exciting but also comes with responsibilities. Proper care in the first year helps your pet grow healthy, happy, & well-behaved. This complete guide will help new pet parents understand feeding, vaccination, grooming, training, & safety for puppies & kittens.

1. Newborn Puppy & Kitten Care

• Keep newborns warm & clean
• Avoid bathing in the first 4-5 weeks
• Ensure mother’s milk intake
• Maintain quite & stress-free environment

TIP:- Week puppies or kittens should be checked by a vet immediately.

2. Feeding & Nutrition

Puppy Feeding

• 0-4 weeks: Mother’s milk / milk replacer
• 1-3 months: Soft puppy food (3-4 meals/day)
• 3-12 months: Balanced puppy diet

Kitten Feeding

• 0-4 weeks: Mother’s milk / kitten formula
• 2 months onward: Wet + dry kitten food

🚫 Avoid: Milk , chocolate, spicy food, onions

3. Vaccination & Deworming

Puppy Vaccination

• 6-8 weeks: DHPP
• 12 weeks: Booster + Rabies

Kitten Vaccination

• 6-8 weeks: FVRCP
• 12 weeks: Booster + Rabies

Deworming:- Every 2-3 weeks initially, then as vet advise.

Growth & Development

• Teething starts at 3-4 months
• Puppies chew, kittens scratch – normal behavior
• Monitor weight & activity

Provide chew toys & scratching posts

5. Training & Behavior

• Start potty training early
• Teach basic commands: sit, come
• Never punish – use positive reinforcement
• Socialize with people & pets

6. Grooming & Hygiene

• Bathing once every 2-4 weeks
• Regular brushing
• Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks
• Clean ears & eyes gently

Use puppy/kitten-specific shampoo only

7. Common Health Problems

• Diarrhea
• Worm infestation
• Skin infections
• Fleas & ticks

Vet visit needed if:- Vomiting, weakness, no appetite for 24 hrs.

8. Safety & Home Care

• Cover electric wires
• Keep toxic plants away
• Lock balconies & windows
• Use pet-safe cleaning products

9. Essential Products

• Puppy/kitten food
• Feeding bowls
• Bed & blanket
• Toys & grooming tools

Conclusion

Proper puppy & kitten care builds a strong foundation for a healthy life. With the right food, timely vaccination, training, & lots of love, your furry friend will grow into a happy companion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1] How often should I feed my puppy or kitten?

Puppies & kittens should be fed 3-4 times a day until 6 months of age. After that, you can switch to 2 meals per day based on your vet’s advice.

2] When should vaccination start for puppies & kittens?

Vaccination should start 6-8 weeks of age for both puppies & kittens, followed by booster for complete protection.

3] Can puppies & kittens drink cow’s milk?

No. Cow’s milk is not suitable as it can cause stomach problems. Always use a puppy or kitten milk replacer if needed.