Puppy Care
Welcome Your New Puppy to a Lifetime of Health
Rose Creek Animal Clinic loves new puppies! We understand that bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time. Call us today to schedule your puppy’s initial exam to ensure your puppy receives proper veterinary care that is crucial for their health, well-being, and a long and happy life with you.
Your Puppy’s First Veterinary Visit at Rose Creek Animal Clinic in Herriman, UT
Setting the Foundation
Ideally, your puppy should have their first veterinary visit with us within a few days of coming home. This initial visit is vital for:
- A comprehensive physical examination: We will check your puppy’s overall health, including their heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, and abdomen.
- Parasite screening: Puppies are often born with or exposed to internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia. Fecal tests will help identify any parasites your puppy may have.
- Starting the vaccination series: Puppies receive antibodies from their mother’s milk, but these wane over time. Vaccinations are essential to protect your puppy from potentially life-threatening diseases like parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and parainfluenza (often combined in a DHPP vaccine).
- Preventative medications: We will discuss and recommend starting your puppy on medications to prevent heartworm, fleas, and ticks.
- Nutritional guidance: You’ll receive advice on the best food to feed your puppy for their age and breed.
- Behavioral advice: This is a great time to discuss common puppy behaviors like house training, chewing, and socialization.
- Microchipping discussion: If your puppy isn’t already microchipped, we will discuss the benefits of this permanent identification method with you; we recommend all puppies be microchipped.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Puppy vaccination schedules typically involve a series of booster shots administered every 3-4 weeks until they are around 16 weeks of age. This ensures they develop strong immunity. Core vaccines for all puppies generally include:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): Protects against several highly contagious and potentially fatal viral diseases.
- Rabies: A fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and is required by law in most areas. This is usually given around 12-16 weeks of age.
We may also recommend non-core vaccines based on your puppy’s lifestyle and risk factors, such as:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for puppies who will be in boarding facilities, doggy daycare, or frequently interact with other dogs.
- Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals.
- Canine Influenza: Protects against a contagious respiratory virus.
It’s crucial to follow our recommended vaccination schedule to ensure your puppy is fully protected.
Schedule your pet’s wellness exam today!
Parasite Prevention: Protecting Your Puppy Inside and Out
Regular deworming and preventative medications are vital for your puppy’s health. Common parasites include:
- Internal Parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can cause various health issues, including digestive upset, weight loss, and anemia. Regular fecal exams and deworming medications are essential.
- Heartworm: Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm can cause severe lung and heart damage. Year-round preventative medication is highly recommended.
- Fleas and Ticks: These external parasites can cause skin irritation, transmit diseases (like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever), and even lead to anemia in severe infestations. Regular flea and tick prevention is crucial.
We will discuss your options for parasite prevention and will recommend the most appropriate preventative medications for your puppy based on their age, weight, and lifestyle.
Spaying or Neutering: A Responsible Choice
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are important procedures that offer numerous health and behavioral benefits:
- Prevents unwanted litters: Reduces pet overpopulation.
- Reduces the risk of certain cancers: Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer and significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate problems.
- Decreases behavioral issues: Can reduce roaming, aggression, and urine marking in males, and eliminates heat cycles in females.
We will discuss with you the best timing for your individual puppy.
Dental Care: Starting Early for a Healthy Smile
While your puppy’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, it’s important to start good dental hygiene habits early. This includes:
- Getting your puppy used to having their mouth handled.
- Introducing puppy-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste.
- Discussing dental treats and chews with your veterinarian.
Establishing a dental care routine early can help prevent dental disease later in life.
Nutrition: Fueling Growth and Development
Feeding your puppy a high-quality puppy food that is appropriate for their breed size is essential for proper growth and development. We will help you choose the right food and determine the appropriate feeding schedule. Avoid giving your puppy table scraps, as these can lead to digestive upset and nutritional imbalances.
Socialization and Training: Building a Well-Adjusted Puppy
Early socialization and training are crucial for your puppy’s mental and behavioral well-being. Expose your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and other vaccinated and healthy animals in a positive way. Start basic obedience training early to build a strong bond and ensure they grow into a well-behaved companion.
Schedule Your Puppy’s First Appointment Today!
Give your new puppy the best start possible. Contact us today to schedule your puppy’s initial veterinary examination and discuss their specific care needs. We are excited to partner with you in ensuring your puppy enjoys a healthy and happy life!