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What are the first steps for a new rescue puppy's health and care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 11 lbs

I have adopted a street dog (a small pup). I live in India. I am a first time parent. Please guide me through this. What are the first necessary steps I need to take in order to ensure my pup's health as well as my family's? Also, which vaccines should he be provided with? How to train him and the best dog food for him at this age? How much exercise does he need?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Congratulations!! Bruno is adorable! Bruno needs to start his puppy vaccines. He should receive a DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo and parainfluenza) vaccine every 3-4 weeks starting around 7-8 weeks of age until he receives two past 12 weeks. He should get his rabies vaccine between 12-16 weeks. He can start being dewormed as well. Having him dewormed and Rabies vaccination will protect your family. Keep up with his vaccinations into adulthood as they do have expiration dates. Deworm yearly. I recommend puppy food until 1 year of age. I like Purina proplan, hills science diet and Royal Canin. As a puppy his energy level is like a new born. Play for a bit then sleep. Around 4 months they are awake more. So playing with him when awake and 2-3 walks a day are appropriate. Distance can increase with age and endurance. See below for links on training. I wish you and Bruno the best! https://www.petcoach.co/article/basic-dog-puppy-training-rules/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/rewards-are-necessary-when-training-dogs-and-puppies/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/training-fitness-for-sporting-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/interacting-with-your-pet/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-obedience-commands-every-dog-should-know/

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