By Shady Oak Vet and LifeLearn Admin
Congratulations on your new puppy! Thank you for choosing us to take care for your family’s new addition! Bringing a new puppy home is very exciting but it can also be a little overwhelming. The first few months are critical for molding your pet’s behavior, so we want to make sure we can help you every step along the way.
During your first exam we will give you the tools necessary to help your puppy grow into a well-mannered, healthy dog, including information and advice on nutrition, behavior, and socialization. We will also get your puppy started on a vaccine schedule. There are core vaccines (Distemper and Rabies) and there are optional vaccines (Bordetella, Lyme, and Lepto) so we will discuss you and your pet’s lifestyle and come up with the best vaccine options for your pet.
Puppy vaccines are important because your new puppy is susceptible to many serious but preventable diseases (such as Parvovirus and Distemper) until they are fully vaccinated. We recommend testing and treating all new pets for intestinal parasites, which are very common in young dogs. We will also discuss putting your pet on Heartworm and Flea/Tick preventative. You’ve probably heard about these pests but understanding how and when to use preventative is a different matter and we want to make sure we cover all of your options to ensure your pet is protected. To learn more about Heartworm, Fleas and Ticks check out our preventative page.
After your visit you will leave with a “Puppy Pack”; which includes information about everything discussed during your appointment, along with tips to keep your pet safe from household toxicities, a list of toxic plants, tips for potty training, important reasons to spay and neuter your pet, dental facts, and your first dose of Heartworm prevention.
If you would like to set up an appointment please give us a call. We can’t wait to meet your new puppy!