VACCINATIONS:
DISTEMPER: (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): A
puppy should start its Distemper vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age,
then be boostered every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. From then
on, it will need an annual booster. RABIES: A puppy
can receive its Rabies at 12 weeks of age (usually done with 2nd
Distemper shot). LYME DISEASE:
Puppies who are outdoors frequently and exposed to ticks may need
the Lyme vaccination. This can be done as early as 9 weeks of age,
and should be boostered within 2-3 weeks for maximum
protection. KENNEL COUGH:
(Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, and Bordetella Bronchiseptica):
For puppies that will be boarded, at daycare, groomed, or exposed
to many other dogs should receive a Kennel Cough vaccine. It can be
done as early as 8 weeks of age. LEPTOSPIROSIS:
Puppies who are spending lots of time outside (camping or hiking),
and are in contact with standing water (pounds, swamps, slow
brooks) should be vaccinated against this bacteria. This vaccine
can be started at 8 weeks of age and needs at least one booster in
2-3 weeks.
HEARTWORM Heartworm is a
parasite that is transmitted through mosquitoes. Heartworm
prevention (an oral tablet) is started at the first visit, given
monthly and continued all year round. A blood test is done at 9-12
months of age to assure that the puppy is free of heartworm larva,
and then repeated annually with routine vaccinations.
INTESTINAL PARASITES A stool sample should be
checked on the puppy’s first three visits to assure that there are
no Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, Coccidia or other intestinal
parasites. Internal worms shed their eggs intermittently, so it is
important to check several samples. Tapeworms in puppies may not be
identified on this exam, so it is very important to report any
worms that are seen on the feces. Any necessary dewormings will be
done either by injection or an oral medication, depending on the
parasite.
NUTRITION Puppies should be fed a high
quality dry food such as Hill’s Science Diet Canine Growth,
Eukanuba Puppy Formula, or Iams Puppy Food. They can be weaned onto
Adult formula at the age of 6 months. Feeding strictly dry (hard)
food along with routine dental care helps to keep teeth free of
tartar and decay. Many nutritional supplements (such as
Vitamin/Mineral supplements) are available over the counter.
TOOTH CARE Light brushing with a tartar
control paste made for dogs should be started in puppy hood to
avoid tooth disease and loss, and get the pet used to routine
dental care. Several pet toothpastes are available (in poultry,
malt and mint flavors) which many dogs love! Brushing twice a week
is a great start to oral health. Dental chews, a bar containing
edible toothpaste and abrasives are available for the toothbrush
resistant puppy.
SPAYING AND NEUTERING Spaying the female and neutering a
male should be done in animals between the ages of 4-6 months. This
will prevent unwanted pregnancies and can help deter the
development of aggressive behavior. These operations also greatly
reduce a chance for certain types of cancer in both female and male
dogs. This chance is lost however if the female goes through more
than one heat cycle.
GROOMING AND SKIN
CARE Puppies may be bathed as necessary.
This needs to be done only when dirt, parasites, or skin problems
signal the need for bathing. Ask us about veterinary approved
shampoos for use in dogs. Human skin and hair products may cause
skin irritation or sickness.
Click on the
links below to get more information on puppy care
