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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Indies are a great first pet — hardy, low-maintenance and well-suited to the Indian climate. Adopting also gives a deserving dog a home.
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General guidance only — not a substitute for veterinary advice. For any emergency, contact your nearest 24/7 vet.
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