Question 1

What Should I Do If My Dog Is Constipated or Has Loose Stools?

Accepted Answer

Keep in mind that the pet's stool should be small and firm. Most cases of constipation are temporary and due to dietary interruptions. Loose stools also are often temporary and can be due to dietary interruptions, as well as many other things, including an abrupt change in diet, overeating, parasites, medication, eating table scraps, viral or bacterial infections, and stress. If constipation or diarrhea persists, however, it is important to consult a veterinarian.

Question 2

How do I keep my puppy happy and healthy?

Accepted Answer

Asking this question is the first step to getting there. As a pet parent, it’s crucial to provide both preventative and proactive care to keep them happy and healthy. From vaccinations to nutrition to flea and tick medication, the list can seem overwhelming.

Question 3

I want to ensure my puppy is getting all the right nutrients and vitamins needed. What should I be looking for when choosing a puppy food?

Accepted Answer

There are a few things to look for when choosing the best food for your puppy, and IAMS™ premium nutrition has a complete and balanced diet that is great for your growing pup. With optimal levels of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, we want you to feel confident in their nutrition choices. See why Premium Puppy Food is a Better Value and select the best food for your pup with the IAMS™ Food Selector.

Question 4

When do I swap from puppy food to adult food?

Accepted Answer

Your puppy’s nutritional needs will change as they grow into adulthood and each pup is different. It’s important to examine their nutritional needs between 12-24 months, depending on breed size, and there is a process to transitioning their food over time. Learn if your puppy is ready for adult dog food and the best way to make this transition.

Question 5

I am overwhelmed with the amount of chewing and biting from my new puppy, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

We totally get it – this is part of the puppy parenthood process that everyone goes through. Puppies bite when playing with their littermates, which can be cute at first, but as they grow bigger, it is important to break these habits. Since biting is an unacceptable type of play, it’s important to teach your puppy how to enjoy playing games with toys instead of your hands. Expert Trainer, Kathy Santo, offers some advice on how to stop puppy biting to help break this habit.

Question 6

How do I know what breed is best for me, my home, and my lifestyle?

Accepted Answer

Each breed comes with their own unique set of personality traits and needs, so it’s important to consider various factors when selecting the right puppy for your home. You should think about things such as the size of your home, the amount of activity you’re willing to dedicate to your puppy, if you can tolerate barking and shedding, etc. Take the IAMS™ Breed Selector Quiz to see what breed is right for you.

Question 7

Is there a specific way I should introduce my new pup to my family?

Accepted Answer

We know you’re eager to introduce your new addition to the family, however there are some things to keep in mind to ensure your puppy is comfortable. When you bring them home, it’s ideal to have the house quiet and minimize the number of visitors stopping by for the first few days so you can establish a daily routine. Once your puppy is acclimated, you can then start to make introductions. Here’s our guide for What to do when bringing home a new puppy.

Question 8

What items do I need to prepare for my new puppy?

Accepted Answer

Congratulations on your new family member! It’s an exciting time to prep for, but we know it can feel overwhelming. You’ll need some supplies to start your puppy off right, including pet food, food and water bowls, identification tags and more. Checkout this helpful guide that outlines more specifics along with some tips for keeping your puppy safe and how to get them acclimated in their new environment: What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home.

Question 9

When should I bring my puppy to a veterinarian?

Accepted Answer

Your puppy’s first vet visit is an easy one to plan for. You should bring your puppy to the vet within the first three days of coming home. Be sure to bring any paperwork from the breeder or shelter – and your new pup of course! See how to prepare for Puppy’s First Vet Visit.

Question 10

What initial training tips should I be working on with my new puppy?

Accepted Answer

First, keep in mind practice and patience are the key to success with training. There is a lot that you and your puppy are learning together! Housetraining should be a priority to get them on a regular routine, but there are some other important things to focus on to them up for success. Check out our guide for how to Train Your Puppy Like a Pro for training tips and tricks.

Question 11

What is the fastest and easiest way to house train a puppy?

Accepted Answer

House training is all about patience, commitment, and above all, consistency. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn. Here are some resources to help you house train a puppy including tips to set up routines for success.

Question 12

What basic care tips should I be mindful of when caring for a puppy?

Accepted Answer

There’s lots to think about when caring for your new puppy, but it’s helpful to think about them in three categories: Basic Health, Safety and Psychological care. Checkout this article that outlines how to take care of a puppy in more detail.

Question 13

I have a mixed breed puppy; how do I know what food is best to feed?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all for choosing the right food since all dogs differ in breed, size, lifestyle, age, health conditions and so on. One easy way to learn more about your mixed breed pup’s nutrition needs is to DNA test with a WISDOM PANEL™ test kit. Once you learn more about their breed breakout, the IAMS™ Food Selector can help you determine the appropriate nutrition choices. Learn More at IAMSandWisdomPanel.com. In the meantime, you can checkout this helpful guide on How to Choose a Dog Food Diet to Meet your Dog’s Nutritional Needs

FAQ

FAQ