New Puppy
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.
At Vets on Parker we 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 below.
For piece of mind we recommend bringing your new friend in for a health check in the first week and we offer complimentary puppy consults for this exact purpose.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect your puppy from devastating viral infections. Vaccination courses for puppies typically start when they are 6-8 weeks old with boosters given every 4 weeks of age until your puppy is 16 weeks old. Once adults, an annual booster is given to 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 them. We recommend commencing worming treatment early, with fortnightly doses given between 6 and 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
Heartworm prevention should start from 3 months of age and treatment is available in the form of a monthly chew or tablet, a monthly topical application, or an annual injection. Your vet will be able to advise you on the right course of prevention for your pet.
Fleas
Fleas on puppies can cause a number of health concerns, including anaemia from blood loss, irritating itchy skin, and the risk of contracting other parasites or viruses that the fleas play host to, and can make them very sick. Regular prevention is important to protect your puppy’s health and comfort.
Not all flea treatments are safe for puppies, so it’s essential to speak to our team to find the right option. Depending on your puppy’s age and growth, treatments may include oral, topical, or injectable protection.
Nutrition
During their 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.
Need an appointment?
Where your pet’s unwell, or it’s time for a general check-up or vaccination, your furry friend is in good hands. Book online to see our expert Vets on Parker!
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 8am – 4pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00pm
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FAQs
When should I bring my new puppy for their first visit?
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.
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for a new puppy?
- 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.
At what age should I start heartworm prevention for my puppy?
When should I start flea prevention for my puppy?
What is the recommended puppy worming schedule?
We recommend that puppies be given deworming medication every two weeks from 6 to 12 weeks old, then once a month until they’re 6 months old, and every three months after that.
