The holidays are full of surprises—but sometimes that surprise comes with four paws, sharp little teeth, and a lifetime of responsibility.
While puppies are undeniably adorable, they are not ideal gifts. Dogs are living beings, not presents, and bringing one into your home should always be a thoughtful, well-planned decision.
That said, many people do receive puppies unexpectedly during the holidays. If that happened to you, what matters most now is what you do next.
Surprise Puppy You Didn’t Expect
If someone surprised you with a puppy, take a breath. You don’t need all the answers right away—but there are a few critical steps you should take immediately to protect the puppy’s health and well-being.
1. Schedule a Vet Visit Right Away
This is the most important first step.
A veterinarian visit should happen as soon as possible after the puppy arrives. During this visit, your vet will:
Check overall health and development
Look for parasites or illness
Estimate the puppy’s age
Set up a vaccination and deworming schedule
Provide feeding and care guidance
If the puppy is under eight weeks old, this visit is even more urgent. Puppies this young are especially vulnerable and should not be separated from their mother without medical supervision. Your vet can explain the risks and help you provide proper care.
Navigating the First Christmas After Losing a Beloved Pet: Finding Comfort and Healing
2. Find Out Where the Puppy Came From
If possible, talk to the person who gave you the puppy and gather as much information as you can, including:
Where the puppy came from (breeder, rescue, or private owner)
The puppy’s age
Any vaccination or medical records
Information about the mother or littermates
This background information can be extremely helpful for your veterinarian and may prevent health or behavioral issues later on.
Why Are Home Visits Crucial for Ensuring Successful Pet Adoptions?
3. Consider Pet Insurance Early
Pet insurance is most affordable when started early—before health issues arise.
Puppies are naturally curious and accident-prone, and veterinary costs can add up quickly. Having coverage in place allows you to make decisions based on what’s best for your pet, not just what’s affordable in the moment.
4. A DNA Test Can Offer Valuable Insight
A simple DNA test can provide helpful information about your puppy’s:
Breed mix
Expected adult size
Potential health risks
Behavioral tendencies
This insight helps you plan for training, exercise needs, and long-term care as your puppy grows.
Puppies Under Eight Weeks Need Special Care
If your puppy is younger than eight weeks old, extra care is essential.
At this stage, puppies are still developing physically and emotionally. Early separation from their mother can lead to health problems and behavioral challenges later in life. A veterinarian can guide you on:
Proper feeding schedules
Temperature and comfort needs
Safe socialization
Medical monitoring
Early support makes a lifelong difference.
Responsibility Comes First
Puppies should never be treated as holiday gifts—but once a puppy is in your care, responsibility comes first.
Whether you decide to keep the puppy or pursue responsible rehoming with professional guidance, your actions now will shape this dog’s future.
🐾 Being a responsible pet owner starts today.
If you need help navigating next steps, reach out to a veterinarian, a reputable rescue, or an animal welfare professional. You’re not alone—and doing the right thing truly matters.
Find Your Perfect Match
Choosing the right dog is about more than size — it’s about compatibility. When your lifestyle and your dog’s needs align, you set the stage for a happy, lifelong bond.
Download the Hands2Paws app at www.hands2paws.com to discover which breed is your perfect match.