The first few months of your puppy’s life are crucial in terms of setting them up to be a healthy, happy and well behaved dog.
Vets on Parker want to make it as easy as possible for puppy parents to take care of their new four-legged family members, so we’ve put together a new puppy care checklist for you to follow. If you are ever concerned about the development or wellbeing of your puppy, please don’t hesitate to bring them into the clinic as Vets on Parker offer complimentary puppy checkups.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect your puppy from devastating viral infections. Vaccination courses for puppies typically start when the puppy is 6-8 weeks old with boosters given every 4-6 weeks until the puppy is 18-20 weeks old. For adult dogs, annual booster shots ensure antibody levels remain strong.
Intestinal worming
Puppies can be born with intestinal worms and these can have health implications for both the animal and the humans living with it. Because of this, we recommend worming begin early with fortnightly doses given when the puppy is between 2-12 weeks. From 12 weeks until 6 months of age, the puppy should be given a monthly dose, and then the dosage can be dropped to once every three months after that.
Heartworm
We start heartworm prevention from 3 months of age and treatment is available in the form of a daily or monthly chew, a monthly topical application, or an annual injection. Your vet will be able to advise you on the right course of treatment for your pet.
Fleas
Fleas often carry tapeworm eggs which can make puppies very sick, so flea prevention needs to begin early. However, not all flea treatments are suitable for puppies so you’ll need to talk to your vet to determine the right solution.
Nutrition
During its first six months of life, your puppy will do a lot of growing. It’s important to support their growth with good nutrition in the form of a specially formulated puppy diet which is designed to be gentle on sensitive puppy stomachs and contains a unique balance of nutrients (particularly calcium) to help your pet develop strong teeth and bones. Proper puppy nutrition is essential for their overall health and well-being. Because different dog breeds grow at different rates, it’s best to work with your vet to determine the right diet for your puppy’s needs.
Congratulations on your new companion! At Vets on Parker, we offer complimentary health checks for your puppy’s first visit to ensure your new pet’s health and happiness.
During this visit, your pet will receive a comprehensive health check to ensure their well-being, a take-home guide covering care instructions, and a discussion with the vet about veterinary care, nutrition, training, parasite control, and any other concerns you may have.
Most importantly, your puppy will enjoy plenty of cuddles and socialisation with our team before returning for vaccinations or necessary treatments.
- We recommend getting the first vaccination at 6-8 weeks.
- A follow-up vaccination is advised at 4-6 weeks to ensure the next dose is administered by or around the 12-week mark.
- The final vaccination is given at 16 weeks of age.
Heartworm prevention should commence when your pup reaches 3 months of age. Our vets will help you determine the most suitable treatment plan.
Start flea prevention for your puppy as soon as possible, typically around 8 weeks of age. Not all flea treatments are appropriate for puppies, so it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to identify the most suitable solution for their needs.
We recommend that puppies be given deworming medication every two weeks from 2 to 12 weeks old, then once a month until they’re 6 months old, and every three months after that.
