|
VACCINATIONS:
DISTEMPER: (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): A puppy should start its Distemper vaccinations at 8 weeks of age, then be boostered every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. From then on, annual boosters will be given based on life style and risk of exposure.
RABIES: A puppy can receive its Rabies between 12-16 weeks of age .
KENNEL COUGH: (Bordetella Bronchiseptica): Puppies should recieve their initial vaccinations along with the puppy series. Dogs that are at risk such as those that go to boarding kennels, dog shows, or dog parks, along with those that frequent areas visited by other dogs should recieve annual boosters.
LEPTOSPIROSIS: Puppies who are spending lots of time outside (camping or hiking), and are in contact with standing water (pounds, slow brooks), or those in areas where wild animals are found should be vaccinated against this bacteria. This organism is typically spread from animal to animal through urine. 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 is started at the first visit, given monthly and continued all year round. A blood test is done at annually to assure that the dog does not have heartworms. This is especially important if doses of preventative were missed since the last blood test.
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. Many of the monthly heartworm preventatives also protect your dog against many of the intestinal worms.
NUTRITION
Puppies should be fed a high quality dry food such as Purina Proplan Puppy, Royal Canin Puppy, Hill’s Science Diet Canine Growth, Eukanuba Puppy Formula, or Iams Puppy Food. They can be weaned onto Adult formula at the age of 6-8months. 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 such as CET Chew-Eez, 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 5-6 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
|
Processing ....
