🐶

First-time pet parent? Your new puppy checklist for India

Bringing home your first puppy is exciting and a little overwhelming. This checklist covers the essentials for the first few weeks — what to buy, what to do at the vet, and how to set your puppy up for a calm, healthy start, all tuned to Indian conditions.

Supplies to have ready

Before the puppy arrives, get: a collar and leash (plus an ID/QR tag), food and water bowls, an age-appropriate food your vet recommends, a comfortable bed or crate, a few safe chew toys, puppy pads or a toilet-training plan, a brush suited to the coat, and a basic grooming kit. A QR ID tag from Pawdost is worth setting up on day one — puppies bolt, and an ID is what gets them home.

First vet visit and health basics

Within the first few days, book a vet check-up. The vet will confirm the vaccination and deworming schedule, check for ticks and fleas (common in India), and advise on diet and spaying/neutering timing. Start a simple health record of vaccine and deworming dates — the Pawdost app keeps a digital vaccine card so you never lose track.

Food, toilet training and socialising

Feed a consistent, vet-approved diet on a routine — puppies eat several small meals a day. Begin gentle toilet training with praise and patience, not punishment. Socialise carefully with healthy, vaccinated dogs and new sights and sounds, but avoid high-risk public spots until the vaccination course is complete. Short, positive training sessions from week one build a confident adult dog.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy before bringing a puppy home?

A collar, leash and ID/QR tag, food and water bowls, vet-recommended food, a bed or crate, safe chew toys, a brush, and a toilet-training plan are the essentials.

When should a new puppy first see a vet?

Within the first few days of coming home, to set up the vaccination and deworming schedule and check for ticks, fleas and any health concerns.

Should I adopt an Indie as a first-time pet parent?

Indies are a great first pet — hardy, low-maintenance and well-suited to the Indian climate. Adopting also gives a deserving dog a home.

Have a question? Ask Dost free

How to keep your dog cool in the Indian summer · Puppy vaccination schedule in India · Which human foods are safe — and toxic — for dogs? · Tick and flea control for dogs in India · Ask Dost — free AI pet advisor · Dog & cat breeds in India

General guidance only — not a substitute for veterinary advice. For any emergency, contact your nearest 24/7 vet.