Healthcare and your new puppy! By Corena
Corena and new puppy, Zepplin
Having a new puppy is exciting, rewarding and a new challenge all at the same time. Every puppy is different in their own way. They have different personalities, different training methods and different dietary needs. The one thing that is always the same with every puppy is their medical needs as they grow. It is so important for them to see their veterinarian regularly to ensure they are safe and healthy. Our veterinarians put together an individualized health care plan for each puppy at the time of their first visit based on your pup’s lifestyle and needs.
When they are born, their mom takes great care of them, however she may unintentionally give them internal parasites that needs to be treated starting at two to three weeks of age . Having them dewormed is essential for their development and growth. Around 6 weeks of age puppies should start their first vaccinations and have them boostered(repeated) every three weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. Our veterinarians will start with vaccines to protect your puppy against common diseases that are a danger to him such as: Distemper, parvo, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and bordetella. You will be instructed to come back in three weeks from the date of their first vaccine to continue the series. It is important to not miss their booster visits so that you don’t have to start the series over and to ensure they are not in danger of getting sick. When your puppy reaches their last vaccination booster at around 16 weeks of age, it will then be time for their Rabies vaccination. The Rabies vaccine does not need to be given more than once; no booster is necessary. At that visit your puppy will be finished with their puppy vaccines and hopefully will have their next visit in a year.
Another healthy start for your new puppy is beginning their heartworm prevention. Our recommended prevention, Sentinel, can be given as early as 4 weeks and then given monthly for their lifetime to prevent heartworm disease. We will provide you with their first dose free at their first puppy visit. It only takes one mosquito to have your puppy infected with those pesky parasites and it takes a lot to treat them if they contract it. Sentinel will also protect them from common intestinal worms and help control the flea population in your environment. Monthly parasite prevention is a great asset and easy to start and maintain. With maintaining all the above preventatives and vaccinations you will have a happy and healthy puppy for years to come. Enjoy every minute of their snuggles and loves!
