New Puppy Care Checklist

By Angelina Browne, Fou Fou Puppies

Welcoming a new puppy is an exciting milestone! To ensure a smooth and healthy transition, follow this comprehensive checklist from Fou Fou Puppies, covering what to purchase, actions to take before, during, and after pickup, and essential care tips. Tailored for small breeds like Pomeranians, Poodl

es, Yorkshire Terriers, and Maltese, this guide draws from our expertise at Fou Fou Puppies to help you prepare for your teacup puppy’s arrival.

Before Pickup: Essential Purchases

Prepare your home with these items to support your puppy’s health, comfort, and training. Purchase these in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

• Royal Canin Puppy Starter Food (Dry)
  Choose Royal Canin Starter Mother and Baby dog dry food, designed for puppies up to 12 months. Ensure it’s the specific formula with three dogs on the package to maintain dietary consistency, supporting your puppy’s digestive and immune system development. Transition slowly if changing diets later.

• Royal Canin Mousse (Wet)
  Get Royal Canin Puppy wet food (canned) for picky eaters. Serve at room temperature and refrigerate after opening. Check expiry dates to ensure freshness. Use sparingly if your puppy refuses dry food.

• Tricky Treats (Chicken Liver Flavor Preferred)
  Select small, puppy-appropriate treats for training, such as chicken liver-flavored ones. North American treats may differ from those in Korea, so test a few to find your puppy’s favorite. Treats should be part of the daily food allowance to avoid overfeeding.

• Open-Air Playpen
  An open-air playpen provides a safe space for rest and play during the first few days. Ensure it’s sturdy, spacious, and free of sharp edges. Browse options online or at ClearlyLovedPets.com

• Plastic Dog Crate
  Choose a crate sized for your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, with dividers for growth. Use it for bedtime and safe confinement when unsupervised. Avoid oversized crates to prevent soiling. Find suitable crates at Petco.

• Comfortable Sleeping Pad
  Provide a cozy sleeping pad for the crate and playpen to keep your puppy warm and comfortable. Consider a heating pad that auto-shuts off for small breeds prone to hypothermia. Check options at Amazon.

• Shallow Food and Water Bowls
  Purchase two shallow, non-tippable ceramic or stainless steel bowls (one for food, one for water) to accommodate your tiny puppy’s reach. Avoid plastic bowls, which can harbor bacteria. See selections at PetSmart.

• Training Pee Pads with Base
  Get absorbent pee pads with a base and use an odor-attractant spray (e.g., Biotin) to encourage use. Place them away from food and bedding in the playpen. Explore pee pads at Fou Fou Puppies’ recommended suppliers.

• Hypoallergenic Puppy Wipes

  

  
  Use hypoallergenic wipes to clean your puppy’s paws, bottom, or face, especially after travel or accidents. These are gentler for sensitive skin. 

• Nutri-Cal (Vétoquinol Brand)
  Purchase Nutri-Cal high-calorie gel to stabilize blood sugar, critical for small breeds prone to hypoglycemia. Administer a dab (half the size of a dime) twice daily after meals for the first month.

• Real Maple Syrup
  Keep real maple syrup as an alternative to Nutri-Cal for puppies who dislike the gel. Add a small amount to water or rub on gums if the puppy refuses food. Available at most grocery stores.

• Dog Carrier (Handbag Style)
  A soft, secure carrier is essential for safe transport from the airport and vet visits. Ensure it’s well-ventilated and sized for your puppy. View carriers at Petco.

• Harness and Leash
  Opt for a soft, size-appropriate harness (not a collar) to avoid neck strain during walks or training. Ensure a snug but comfortable fit. Shop harnesses at PetSmart.

On Pickup Day: First Steps

The pickup day is critical for your puppy’s adjustment. Follow these steps to minimize stress and establish a routine, as advised by Fou Fou Puppies’ delivery protocols.

1. Pick Up at the Airport
   Collect your puppy from the designated airport location, typically either hand-delivered by a pet nanny or picked up from Pet Cargo. Bring the dog carrier, pee pads, puppy wipes, and a small amount of Royal Canin dry food with you! Don't forget your leash and harness. 

2. Initial Feeding
   Feed your puppy 3–4 tablespoons of Royal Canin dry food every 4 hours on the first day. Switch to 2–3 tablespoons three times daily starting the second day. Avoid overfeeding to prevent digestive upset. Offer treats sparingly between meals.

3. Administer Nutri-Cal or Maple Syrup
   After each meal, give a dab of Nutri-Cal (or maple syrup if refused). Rub on the puppy’s gums if they won’t lick it. This helps maintain blood sugar levels, especially if the puppy is stressed or not eating well.

4. Safe Transport
   Place the puppy in the dog carrier on the back seat with supervision. Wait 20–30 minutes after feeding before driving to allow the puppy to relieve itself. Bring pee pads and wipes for accidents.

5. Minimize Handling
   Limit interactions to one or two people to reduce stress. Avoid crowds or excessive handling during the first few days, as recommended by Fou Fou Puppies’ care guidelines.

First Week at Home: Care Tips

Your puppy needs rest, routine, and careful monitoring during the first week to adjust to their new environment.

• Hydration Control
  Offer bottled water after meals in a shallow bowl to keep your puppy hydrated. Remove the bowl between feedings to prevent overdrinking, which can lead to accidents. Attach a water dispenser to the crate for bedtime.

• Rest and Confinement
  Keep your puppy in the open-air playpen for at least three days, allowing full rest. Use the crate only for bedtime with a comfortable sleeping pad. Limit activity to avoid overstimulation.

• Pee Pad Training
  Place pee pads in the playpen away from food and bedding. Spray with an odor-attractant (e.g., Biotin) and reward with treats and praise when used correctly. Change pads regularly to maintain hygiene.

• Feeding Schedule
  Feed three meals daily (2–3 tablespoons of dry food per meal) for puppies up to 4 months, transitioning to two meals by 6 months. Use Royal Canin dry food, supplementing with wet food only if necessary. Remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes to establish good habits.

• Veterinary Checkup
  Schedule a vet visit on the third day for a general exam. Bring the health certificate and vaccination records provided at pickup. Avoid additional booster shots for 6 weeks unless the puppy has normal stool. Consult your vet about deworming on day three, using a small-breed-appropriate dose.

• Grooming
  Wait until the fourth day to visit a groomer, as travel can be stressful. Use puppy wipes for cleaning in the meantime. Wash the puppy’s face daily with a saline-soaked cotton ball to prevent tear stains, especially for light-colored breeds.

• Pet Insurance
  Enroll in pet insurance immediately, such as Nationwide Pet Insurance with a wellness plan, to cover unexpected veterinary costs. 

• Socialization and Safety
   Use a harness for short leash walks starting after the rest period. Limit visitors to reduce stress in the beginning

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Create a safe environment to protect your puppy and your belongings.

• Diet Restrictions
  Avoid table food, chocolate, raisins, nuts, or other human foods, which can cause serious health issues. Stick to Royal Canin puppy food and approved treats.

• Secure Hazardous Items
  Store cleaning supplies, medications, and small objects (choking hazards) in high cabinets. Keep sharp objects, trash cans, and poisonous plants out of reach.

• Close Doors and Windows
  Ensure all exits are secure to prevent escapes. Place the dog carrier on the ground before opening to avoid falls.

• Crate and Playpen Safety
  Check for sharp edges or small parts in the crate and playpen. Use a cozy bed and avoid pee pads in the crate to reinforce potty training.

Ongoing Care and Communication

• Monitor Health
  Watch for signs of hypoglycemia (weakness, tiredness, lack of coordination). Administer Nutri-Cal or maple syrup and consult a vet if symptoms persist. Ensure your puppy eats well, drinks adequately, and rests sufficiently during the first month.

• Stay in Touch
  Contact Fou Fou Puppies with updates or questions via the following verified channels:

  • Email: info@foufoupuppies.com Sales@FouFouPuppies.com

  • Toll-Free Phone: 1-833-368-3686 (Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–9:30 PM EST)

  • WhatsApp: +1 514 795-3687 and + 1 503 936 1368

  • Website: foufoupuppies.com

  • Social Media:

    • Facebook

    • Instagram

    • Twitter/X

    • YouTube

    • Pinterest
      Additionally, Angelina is available to provide guidance tailored to your puppy’s needs. Beware of fraudulent websites or accounts impersonating Fou Fou Puppies. Always verify contact details from our verified contact list!

• Training and Bonding
  Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) for pee pad training and basic commands. Limit training sessions to 5–10 minutes to avoid overwhelming your puppy. Spend quality time bonding to build trust.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Harmful Products
  Do not use Revolution for external parasite treatment, as it may be too strong for small puppies. Consult your vet for safer alternatives.

• Crate Training
  Introduce the crate as a safe “den” by placing treats or toys inside. Feed meals in the crate with the door open initially, gradually closing it for short periods. Never use the crate for punishment.

• Dental Care
  Start acclimating your puppy to dental care by letting them lick pet-safe toothpaste off your finger. Avoid brushing until after teething (around 6 months).

Congratulations on your new furry family member from Fou Fou Puppies! With preparation, patience, and love, you’ll set your puppy up for a happy, healthy life. For more resources, to browse available teacup puppies, or to contact us, visit FouFouPuppies.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, or Pinterest. May your journey together be filled with joy!