A Complete Health Checklist for Small Breed Puppies
Everything You Need to Know Before Bringing Your Puppy Home
Bringing home a small breed puppy is an exciting moment—but it also comes with responsibility.
Because small breed puppies grow quickly and tend to be more sensitive than larger dogs, early health management is essential.
This checklist focuses on what truly matters during the first months of life and how proper preparation can help ensure a healthy, confident start.
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Why Health Management Is Especially Important for Small Breed Puppies
Small breed puppies often have:
Faster metabolisms
Lower tolerance for stress and sudden changes
Immune systems that are still developing
Because of this, early health care and environment play a much bigger role than many new owners expect.
A healthy puppy is not just about looks—it reflects consistent care from the very beginning.
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1. Veterinary Health Check (Before Going Home)
Before a puppy joins a new family, a thorough veterinary examination should already be completed.
A proper health check includes:
Full physical examination
Heart and lung evaluation
Eye, ear, skin, and joint assessment
Weight and overall growth check
Early veterinary involvement helps identify potential concerns before they become long-term issues.
In our program, puppies are not checked only once.
They are taken to a veterinary clinic on a regular schedule for routine health examinations.
These visits allow us to monitor growth, weight, and overall condition consistently—not just at a single moment in time.
Ongoing veterinary oversight helps ensure that each puppy is developing properly and comfortably before going to a new home.
2. Vaccination Schedule (Age-Appropriate & Structured)
Vaccinations must be given according to a strict, age-based schedule.
Core puppy vaccinations generally include:
Distemper
Parvovirus
Adenovirus
Parainfluenza
What matters most is not speed, but correct timing and consistency.
Rushing or skipping vaccines can leave puppies vulnerable during critical growth periods.
All vaccinations are administered under the supervision of a licensed veterinary clinic.
Each puppy follows a carefully managed vaccination schedule designed by the veterinarian, ensuring that vaccines are given at the correct age and interval.
This structured approach helps build immunity safely and reduces unnecessary health risks during early development.
3. Parasite Prevention (Often Overlooked but Essential)
Parasite control is a fundamental part of puppy health—even for indoor dogs.
This includes:
Regular deworming
External parasite prevention
Monitoring digestion, appetite, and energy levels
Healthy puppies should show:
Stable appetite
Normal stool
Active but balanced energy
Preventative care is always safer than treatment after symptoms appear.
In Kims Kennel, Parasite prevention is also handled directly by veterinary professionals.
Deworming and parasite management are carried out under a veterinarian’s guidance, with each puppy monitored individually based on age and condition.
Professional oversight allows us to respond quickly and appropriately, rather than relying on generalized or delayed treatment.
4. Nutrition & Feeding Plan for Small Breeds
Small breed puppies require carefully balanced nutrition due to their size and metabolism.
Key factors include:
High-quality puppy-specific food
Consistent feeding schedule
Proper portion control to avoid blood sugar drops
Abrupt food changes can cause digestive stress.
A stable diet before transitioning to a new home is crucial.
Our puppies receive:
High-quality puppy food selected for small breeds
Omega-3 supplements to support skin and coat health
Calcium supplements to support healthy bone development
All supplements and feeding routines are introduced carefully and consistently, ensuring balanced growth without unnecessary strain on the body.
5. Environment & Stress Management
A puppy’s environment has a direct impact on immune health.
Healthy early environments provide:
Clean, temperature-controlled living spaces
Gentle, positive human interaction
Exposure to everyday household sounds
Calm routines that reduce anxiety
Puppies raised in low-stress environments tend to adapt more easily and remain healthier overall.
In Kims Kennel, Each puppy has access to a spacious personal area, allowing them to rest comfortably without overcrowding.
These spaces are:
Temperature-controlled
Cleaned regularly
Designed to reduce stress and overstimulation
A stable, well-regulated environment helps puppies feel secure and supports healthy immune development.
6. Early Socialization & Behavioral Well-Being
Physical health and emotional health are closely connected.
Early socialization should involve:
Interaction with littermates
Regular, gentle handling by humans
Exposure to new sounds, textures, and routines
This early foundation helps reduce:
Anxiety
Fear-based behaviors
Adjustment difficulties later in life
A well-socialized puppy is more resilient in new environments.
Socialization is treated as an essential part of health, not an afterthought.
Puppies are given time to:
Interact and play with other puppies
Experience gentle outdoor time
Engage with humans through calm, positive interaction
This balanced approach helps puppies develop confidence, adaptability, and emotional stability before joining their new families.
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Final Thoughts: A Healthy Start Shapes the Future
A truly healthy small breed puppy is the result of:
Thoughtful early care
Proper medical planning
Stable routines
Responsible, informed preparation
Choosing a puppy should never be rushed.
When health is prioritized from the beginning, it sets the stage for a long, happy life together.
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Considering a Small Breed Puppy?
At Kim’s Pups, we believe health begins long before a puppy goes home.
Our approach focuses on structured care, early stability, and proper preparation, so each puppy is ready for their next chapter.
If you have questions about puppy health or early care, we’re always here to help guide you.
