How do I keep my puppy happy and healthy?

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.

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?

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.

When do I swap from puppy food to adult food?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 .

When should I bring my puppy to a veterinarian?

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 .

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Choose where you are in your journey! Click one of the icons below:

CONSIDERING A PUPPY

BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME

WATCHING YOUR PUPPY GROW

BE PREPARED FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR PUPPY'S LIFE

CONSIDERING A PUPPY

IAMS™ BREED SELECTOR

Find your perfect puppy with our Breed Selector tool. Enter your dream dog’s ideal size, maintenance and energy levels, and we’ll suggest breeds that best suits you and your lifestyle.

OPEN BREED SELECTOR

HELPFUL RESOURCES WHEN CONSIDERING A PUPPY

HOW
TO CHOOSE A PUPPY THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY

Watch as Expert Dog Trainer Kathy Santo talks about all the research that goes into finding the perfect puppy.

HOW
TO TAKE CARE OF A PUPPY

Watch as Veterinarian Dr. Katy Nelson shares all the basics of building a positive relationship with a puppy.

WHAT
TO KNOW WHEN YOU BRING YOUR PUPPY HOME

The day is finally here — you’re bringing your new puppy home!

Adopt a Pet

Is the right puppy for you already out there? Tell Adopt a Pet what you're looking for and you'll get results from shelters, rescues and individuals. You'll also get alerts when they find a new match.

LEARN MORE (opens in new window)

HELPFUL TIPS FOR BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME

TRAIN
YOUR PUPPY LIKE A PRO

Congrats! Your adorable li’l bundle of fur is finally home.

HOW
TO TRACK YOUR PUPPY'S HEALTH IN THE FIRST YEAR

Congratulations! You're the proud owner of a puppy.

THE
BIG DAY: PUPPY'S FIRST VET VISIT

Congratulations on welcoming home your new puppy!

IAMS™ PUPPY NUTRITION

WATCHING YOUR PUPPY GROW

IAMS™ FOOD FINDER

Just like humans, dogs need different nutrients and portions at different ages and stages. The ‘IAMS Food Finder Quiz’ asks questions like age, breed and weight to find the best food for your puppy now and in the future.

OPEN FOOD FINDER

HELPFUL TIPS & RESOURCES FOR WATCHING YOUR PUPPY GROW

GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PUPPY'S GROWTH?

FAQs

12

BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME CONSIDERING A PUPPY WATCHING YOUR PUPPY GROW

Q:

How do I keep my puppy happy and healthy?

A:

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.
Q:

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?

A:

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.
Q:

When do I swap from puppy food to adult food?

A:

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.
Q:

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

A:

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.

SEE ALL

BE PREPARED FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR PUPPY'S LIFE

CONSIDERING A PUPPY

IAMS™ BREED SELECTOR

HELPFUL RESOURCES WHEN CONSIDERING A PUPPY

HOW
TO CHOOSE A PUPPY THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY

HOW
TO TAKE CARE OF A PUPPY

WHAT
TO KNOW WHEN YOU BRING YOUR PUPPY HOME

Adopt a Pet

HELPFUL TIPS FOR BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME

TRAIN
YOUR PUPPY LIKE A PRO

HOW
TO TRACK YOUR PUPPY'S HEALTH IN THE FIRST YEAR

THE
BIG DAY: PUPPY'S FIRST VET VISIT

IAMS™ PUPPY NUTRITION

WATCHING YOUR PUPPY GROW

IAMS™ FOOD FINDER

HELPFUL TIPS & RESOURCES FOR WATCHING YOUR PUPPY GROW

IS
YOUR PUPPY READY FOR ADULT DOG FOOD?

PUPPY
BASICS: TIPS FOR YOUR TEETHING PUPPY

PUPPY
CARE GUIDE: KEEPING YOUR PUPPY HEALTHY

GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PUPPY'S GROWTH?

FAQs