Jack Russell Terrier puppy black and white

Taking care of your puppy’s health

In the first months of its life your puppy goes through an amazing transformation. By taking care of their health and helping them form healthy habits at this stage, you'll build the foundations for a healthy future together.

Six tips to keep your puppy healthy

The are lots of simple things you can do in your first few weeks together to keep your puppy healthy. Here are some top tips from Royal Canin’s veterinarians and nutritionists.

1. Learn to read your puppy’s body language so you can spot if they might be ill.

2. If you feel something isn’t right, or your puppy doesn’t seem their usual self, speak to your veterinarian.

3. Make sure your puppy gets the right nutrition from a specific, well-balanced puppy diet.

3. Give your puppy plenty of opportunities to sleep and rest quietly during the day, as well as at night.

4. Dogs enjoy company, so spend time with your puppy and remember to interact and play with them.

5. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination and deworming schedule.

Build your puppy’s immunity with tailored nutrition

It's vital for your puppy's long-term health and wellbeing that they develop a strong immune system during the first months of life. Our formulas are scientifically developed to support their long-term healthy growth.

How to make the most of your puppy’s first visit to the veterinarian

When your puppy feels at home, it’s time for them to see the veterinarian. There are important checks and treatments your veterinarian needs to carry out, such as vaccinations and deworming. These simple procedures will give your puppy the very best start to life.

First veterinarian visit

Vaccinations and deworming

Puppy vaccinations and deworming are most effective when they are given at fixed dates with boosters. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the most appropriate vaccination and deworming schedule for your puppy.

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Why puppy vaccinations are so important

Vaccinations reinforce your puppy’s natural defences and are vital in protecting them against a variety of diseases. Your veterinarian should give your puppy their first vaccinations when they’re around eight weeks old. And they’ll need booster vaccinations every year to ensure they stay effective.

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Protection against diseases

The recommended puppy vaccinations protect against diseases including, parvovirus, kennel cough, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza virus and rabies.

Your veterinarian will advise if your puppy needs any other vaccinations, depending on their lifestyle, and will create a detailed vaccination schedule for you.

Labrador Retriever puppy standing on a table being examined by two vets
Welsh Cardigan Corgi puppy running outside on a beach
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Preventing worms in your puppy

Worms are internal parasites that can cause a range of health issues, including weight loss, stunted growth and digestive problems. As your puppy’s immune system is still developing, they’re more likely to catch worms so it’s important they have regular deworming treatments.
Your veterinarian can advise on the best deworming program for your puppy according to their lifestyle. Most are wormed monthly until they’re six months, and then at least every three to six months from then.

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Worms commonly found in puppies

Four types of worms are commonly found in puppies. Roundworms lodge in the small intestine and can grow to be several inches long, causing serious health problems. Hookworms latch onto the small intestine and live off the puppy’s blood leading to serious loss of blood and nutrients.

Tapeworms are long, flat and white and don’t usually harm dogs but can cause weight loss. Whipworms are the least common and can be hard to diagnose.

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Symptoms of worms in puppies

Look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate that your puppy has worms: Diarrhea and/or vomiting, dry or coarse fur, blood in their stools, bloated abdomen, lethargy, worms visible in their stools, anal area or vomit.

Pomeranian puppy sitting on a table being examined by a vet
English Cocker Spaniel puppy standing outdoors in a garden
Labrador Retriever puppy lying down on a white sheet

Further reading

View all 4 articles
Young Jack Russell sitting in a vets office being given an injection.

Puppy vaccinations

Puppy Golden Retriever sitting on an examination table in a vets office.

Scheduling your puppy's booster injections

Puppy Siberian Husky lying down on an examination table in a vets office.

Kennel cough in dogs

Young dog sitting on an examination table in a vets office.

Puppy vaccinations: canine parainfluenza virus

Dachshund puppy being examined by a vet

Should I neuter or spay my puppy?

Spaying or neutering your puppy means you won’t be able to breed from them as it stops the production of sperm or eggs. But it does offer a variety of health and behavioural benefits as well as preventing unwanted litters.

In male dogs, sterilization is called neutering and in female dogs it’s called spaying. Both involve your puppy being anaesthetized and having a small operation by a veterinarian.

The benefits of puppy neutering and spaying

Male dogs

  • Reduced risk of testicular and anal gland tumours and prostate enlargement.
  • Male dogs are less likely to mark their territory in your backyard.
  • Your male dog is less likely to rove, make urine markings or be aggressive.
Black Labrador Retriever puppy lying down outside in the grass

Female dogs

  • Prevents mammary gland tumours.
  • The symptoms of being in heat are removed or reduced.

Shiba Inu puppy sleeping on a sofa

Both

  • Prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Female dogs are no longer attractive to male dogs.
  • No unwanted litters.
Australian Shepherd puppies playing outside in snow
Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy being carried outdoors by owner

When to have your puppy neutered or spayed

The usual time for neutering or spaying is when puberty begins. For females, this is usually between six and seven months, and for males it’s between seven and 10 months. Small dog breeds tend to reach puberty faster than larger breeds, so it’s best to ask your veterinarian for advice on the best time for your puppy.

Changing your puppy’s diet after neutering or spaying

After a puppy’s been neutered or spayed, they tend to gain weight more easily because they have a bigger appetite but are less active. Being overweight can cause various health problems, so it’s important to adjust your puppy’s diet.
Food designed for neutered or spayed dogs has fewer calories and a higher fibre content to help your puppy feel full without gaining too much weight. Ask your veterinarian for advice on your puppy’s new diet and switch to it progressively a week before their operation so they can get used to it.

Further reading
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​Common illnesses in older cats

Adult cat sitting outside scratching its ear.

Common skin conditions in cats

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A guide to changing your cat's food

Young cat lying down on an examination table being checked over by a vet.

When to spay a female cat?

Adult cat lying down on owners knee while being groomed with a red brush.

Hygiene and grooming tips for your kitten

Young cat lying down on an examination table being checked over by a vet.

Internal parasites in cats

Kitten Sacred Birman sitting indoors eating from a white bowl.

How much to feed a kitten

Adult cat sitting outdoors in long grass.

When does my kitten become a cat?

Young cat lying down on an examination table being checked over by a vet.

Cat immunodeficiency virus

Adult cat lying down on a cat tree scratching a pole.

Essential items for your new kitten

Young cat lying down on an examination table being checked over by a vet.

Cat vaccination schedule

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Preparing your home for your new kitten

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​Looking after and feeding your pregnant cat

Kitten cats walking outdoors in long grass.

5 key milestones in your kitten's growth

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Introducing your kitten to family members

Young cat lying down on an examination table in a vets office.

Feline infectious peritonitis

Kitten cat lying down on an examination table being given an injection.

Kitten vaccinations

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What to feed kittens

Adult cat lying down on a white rug with newborn kittens.

​Helping your pregnant cat give birth at home

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Tips for training your kitten

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Kitten nutrition explained

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How to help your kitten stay in shape

Kitten cat sitting down on an examination table being checked over by a vet.

Preparing for your kitten's first vet visit

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Should I adopt a dog or buy a puppy?

Puppy Golden Retriever walking outdoors in grass.

How to buy a puppy

Adult Dachshund lying down on a rug with a black and white cat.

Introducing dogs to cats and other pets

Puppy Beagle running on a sandy beach.

How to care for a dog

Adult English Cocker Spaniel sitting indoors while a woman grooms its ears.

The cost of owning a dog

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Finding the right dog breed for me

Puppy Labrador Retriever standing outdoors with two other brown Labrador Retriever puppies.

What's the best dog breed for me?

Adult dogs standing outdoors eating from silver bowls.

How to adopt a dog

Adult Dachshund lying down in a living room with people behind.

The best family-friendly dog breeds

Puppy Beagle standing outside eating from a blue bowl.

How to help your dog gain weight

Ageing dog standing outdoors with a woman.

Your dog's end of life care

Adult Jack Russell lying down indoors on a dog bed with a cone on.

How to feed your dog after surgery

Ageing English Cocker Spaniel lying down outdoors in a field.

Common illnesses in older dogs

Puppy dog sitting in long grass chewing on a stick.

​Does my puppy have diarrhoea?

Adult Bernese Mountain Dog standing outdoors on a snow footpath.

​Caring for your dog in cold weather

Ageing Golden Retriever lying down in a garden.

​Signs your dog is getting old

English Cocker Spaniel eating from a bowl indoors

A guide to changing your dog's food

Adult Beagle sitting outdoors scratching its ear.

Dog dandruff and dry skin

Adult dogs running through a field of long grass.

The risks to your dog if they are obese

Adult Jack Russell running on a beach with a ball in its mouth.

How to help your dog lose weight

Adult Beagle running in water.

Keeping your dog cool in summer

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​Is your dog constipated?

Ageing Irish Setter lying down indoors.

How your dog's nutrition needs change with age

Ageing German Shepherd standing outdoors in a field.

How should I care for my ageing dog?

Adult Great Dane standing in a garden drinking from a silver bowl.

​How are urinary problems in dogs treated?

Puppy Jack Russell sitting outdoors scratching itself.

Why does my dog keep scratching?

Adult Golden Retriever running in a field behind a jogger.

How to maintain your dog's healthy weight

Ageing Golden Retriever lying down outdoors in grass.

Urinary incontinence in dogs

Adult Irish Terrier lying down by a window being brushed.

​Why is my dog losing its hair?

English Cocker Spaniel standing indoors eating from a feeding bowl

Mixed feeding your dog

Puppy dog lying down in grass chewing a toy.

Essential items for your new puppy

Adult Weimaraner standing on a beach playing with a Weimaraner puppy.

When does my puppy become an adult dog?

Puppy Labrador Retriever lying down on a wooden floor and chewing a ball.

Preparing your home for your new puppy

Young Samoyed dog walking towards outstretched hands in a garden.

Introducing your puppy to family members

Puppy Saint Bernards sitting together in a field.

The key stages of puppy growth

Puppy Siberian Husky lying down being examined in a vets office.

Your puppy's first visit to the vet

Puppy Beagle standing indoors eating from a red bowl.

How often to feed a puppy

Puppy Jack Russell sitting outside in grass by a large silver bowl.

Puppy nutrition explained

Puppy Beagle running outdoors in grass with a dog toy.

Managing your puppy's weight and keeping active

Three puppies standing in a kitchen eating from the same silver bowl.

What to feed a puppy

Pregnant Chihuahua standing on a sandy beach.

What, and how, to feed your pregnant dog

Young dog sitting on an examination table in a vets office.

Puppy vaccinations: canine parainfluenza virus

Puppy Golden Retriever sitting on an examination table in a vets office.

Dog vaccination schedule

Young Jack Russell sitting in a vets office being given an injection.

Puppy vaccinations

Puppy Labrador Retriever sitting outside and receiving a treat for the action .

How to train your puppy

Adult Jack Russell lying down in a dog bed with her newborn puppies.

Your dog: Home birthing and first 48 hours

Puppy Siberian Husky lying down on an examination table in a vets office.

Kennel cough in dogs

Adult Bengal lying on its back playing with a cat toy on a carpet.

How to care for a kitten or cat

Adult British Shorthair lying down indoors on a windowsill.

What's the best cat breed for me?

Adult cat standing next to a kitten licking its ear.

Should I adopt a cat or buy a kitten?

Adult cat lying down indoors and being stroked by a child.

The best family cats for kids

Two adult cats walking together in a field.

​Your guide to adopting a cat

Adult cat lying down next to an adult Golden Retriever.

Introducing cats to other pets

Adult cat lying down indoors on top of a cat tree.

​Your guide to buying a kitten

Adult Norwegian Forest Cat walking across a rug in a living room.

Finding the right cat for me

Kitten cat lying down indoors on top of a cat tree.

The cost of owning a cat

British Shorthair cat lying down on a white rug next to a feeding bowl

Wet or dry food – what to feed a cat

Adult cat sitting outside in long grass scratching its chin.

Cat skin allergies

Adult Russian running outside on long grass.

How to help your cat lose weight

Adult cat lying down indoors.

Urinary incontinence in cats

Adult cat lying down looking at a grooming brush with white hair on it.

My cat is losing its hair

Adult Scottish Straight sitting on an examination table being checked over by a vet.

Health risks of overweight and obese cats

Adult British Shorthair sitting down indoors scratching itself.

Why does my cat have itchy skin?

Ageing cat standing indoors eating from a red bowl.

What older cats need from their diet

Adult cat lying down indoors on a cream blanket.

Why does my cat keep being sick?

Adult Norwegian Forest Cat standing in a kitchen next to two silver bowls.

​How your cat's diet affects its skin health

Adult cat lying down on an examination table being checked over by a vet.

​How to treat a cat with urinary issues

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​How should I care for my ageing cat

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How much should a cat weigh?

Adult cat sitting outside scratching its neck.

Cat dandruff and dry skin

Adult cat lying down indoors on a wooden floor playing with a cat toy.

​Keeping your cat at a healthy weight

Ageing cat lying down indoors on the carpet.

​End of life care for your cat

Adult cat lying down on a carpet surrounded by grey blankets.

​How to recognise stress in cats

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How old age affects cats

Common health issues for puppies

Knowing the common health issues your puppy might face, and the symptoms to look out for, can help you feel reassured and take better care of your puppy.

Common health issues
Labrador puppy black and white eating from red bowl

The right nutrition to help your puppy stay healthy

Your puppy’s diet is one of the most important factors in their long-term health and wellbeing. It influences everything from the strength of their bones and immune system to their digestive comfort and coat health.
As your puppy grows towards adulthood and beyond, their nutritional needs will change – especially over the first year. To help give them the best chance in life, it’s important you give them the right diet, in the right quantities for their age and individual needs.

Feeding your puppy

View puppy ranges

Nutrition tailored to meet the specific needs of puppies of different ages, sizes and breeds.