Many people ask us on regular basis, what care they should be providing for their new four-legged family member. Here is a breakdown of a schedule for you to use provided by our local Vet. Hope this helps!
New Puppy Information
Congratulations on your new puppy! As you may be aware there are a number of infectious diseases that your puppy may be susceptible to on a daily basis. Below is a recommended vaccination schedule to help you understand how to protect your pet from most major infections.
6-7 weeks of age: At this visit your veterinarian will perform an initial exam of the puppy and give you guidance on health and nutrition. Your puppy will receive a fecal exam to check for intestinal worms as well as a Distemper-Parvo vaccination at this visit.
9-10 weeks of age: During this visit the veterinarian will administer a 2nd Distemper-Parvo vaccine to the puppy. If necessary a fecal exam may be repeated. This is great time to talk with your vet about any behavioral issues you may be experiencing from your puppy. Also you may consider a Lyme vaccine is tick are a problem in your area.
12-16 weeks of age: During this visit your puppy will receive the 3rd booster of the Distemper-Parvo vaccine. This vaccine can now be administered yearly. Your puppy will also receive a rabies vaccination which will be good for one year. A Bordatella vaccine (kennel cough) may be administered if you plan to have your puppy boarded, groomed, or participating in obedience training and/or dog parks.
At this stage in your puppies’ life we highly recommend you to begin your puppy on heartworm preventive. Heartworms are carried by mosquitoes and can be fatal for dogs. This schedule may be altered to fit your puppy’s age and/or health during the first initial visit. We are pleased to welcome your new puppy as a patient here at Iredell Companion Animal Hospital, where we practice “Modern medicine and Surgery with Old Fashion service.”
