Vaccinations for dogs, Veterinary Services, new puppy
Congratulations on your new puppy! We can’t wait to meet the newest addition to your family.
You have taken the first step to having a life-long, unconditionally-loving companion, friend and new family member. It is important to do everything you can to make sure he or she grows up strong, healthy and happy. Health care is essential throughout your dog’s entire life.
For your puppy's long term health, it is important that we examine your puppy as soon as possible to identify any potential health issues early on. We will answer all your questions about caring for your puppy, including food and nutrition questions, vaccinations, other health topics and behavioral issues. Before you decide on a puppy food, talk to us. There are so many choices available and we want you to be able to choose the right food for your puppy. Your puppy's diet can make all the difference in his future health and well-being.
On your first visit, please bring with you:
- Your puppy on a leash
- Whatever health information the seller or shelter provided to you, such as history of vaccines or worming
- A fresh stool sample (4 hours old)
The initial exam will include:
- Complete physical exam. We will check his/her weight and temperature. We will listen to his/her lungs and heart and examine the other internal organs by palpating them. We will check your puppy’s ears, eyes, nose, skin and teeth.
- Flea/tick control. We will discuss the best product for your puppy’s lifestyle
- Heartworm preventative as needed
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming. (A laboratory test screens for the many internal parasites, some of which can be transmitted to humans. They include roundworms, giardia, whipworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and coccidia. We recommend two fecal examinations and a minimum of two dewormings during the first 16 weeks of age for puppies and kittens. Annual fecal exams for adult dogs and cats are recommended, especially homes with multiple pets.)
- Answering all of your questions
- Discussion with you of the appropriate vaccination schedule for your puppy’s breed and anticipated lifestyle and the development of a vaccination schedule
- Necessary vaccines or vaccine boosters
The following are signs that your puppy needs immediate care:
- Any respiratory problem: coughing, trouble breathing or near drowning
- Any signs of pain: panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, restlessness or loss of appetite
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Any wound or laceration that's open and bleeding, or any animal bite
- Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives, most easily seen on the belly
- Any eye injury, no matter how mild
- Any suspected poisoning, including ingestion of antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or human medication
- Seizure, fainting, or collapse
- Thermal Stress, either too cold or too hot, even if the dog seems to have recovered
- Trauma, such as being hit by a car, even if the dog seems fine
Please call us immediately if your Puppy is exhibiting any of these symptoms.
