Just like babies, puppies require a couple trips to the vet during the first four months of life to be sure that they stay healthy. At these visits we have the opportunity to get you started on the right track and to answer all of your puppy questions.
Expect to come see us every 3-4 weeks until your pup is 16 weeks old
Why? Your puppy’s mother provided antibodies to help protect him from several viral and bacterial infections during the first few weeks of life. Sometime between 6 and 16 weeks those antibodies will deteriorate and your puppy will be able to generate his own antibodies. Since we do not know exactly when this will happen in each individual puppy, we must vaccinate them every 3-4 weeks to catch that point when mom’s antibodies are gone and he can start to generate his own antibodies. The maternal antibodies are largely gone by 16 weeks of age.
Expect to talk about poop – and to bring some along to each visit!
Puppies are often infected with hookworms and roundworms during gestation and when nursing. Therefore we give medication to treat these infections puppies every 4 weeks and also evaluate the stool microscopically to look for other intestinal parasites. We need about a tablespoon for testing. Please be sure to bring a stool sample to the first appointment!
Expect to discuss your puppy’s lifestyle as an adult!
Envision the activities and travel plans you may have for your puppy over the next few years. Will your pup travel up north where Lyme disease is prevalent? Will he regularly hike or hunt? Will he need to be boarded or go to the groomer? We will help plan the vaccination and preventatives you may need to keep your pup healthy for all those things!
Expect to start MONTHLY LIFELONG flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite protection!
Many new pet owners do not realize that most preventatives are given on a monthly basis and doses are based on weight. We will start you on the right track and will send home the appropriate doses as your pup or kitten grows.
Expect to discuss whether you plan to spay/neuter, or breed.
We will go over the benefits and risks, appropriate age for surgery, and answer any other questions you have.
Puppies are often a highlight in our day and we can’t wait to meet your new family member! Make sure you come prepared with all of the questions you have!