Age |
Veterinary Care |
Development |
| 6-10 Weeks | Vaccination programs begin at 6 to 8 weeks of age protecting your puppy against the following viruses: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza (DHPP). A stool sample should be checked for parasites. | Puppies need lots of human contact and must be taught to accept all forms of routine handling. Puppies need to socialize with new people, environments and other pets in order to develop healthy relationships. Crate training and house training begin at this time as well. |
| 10-14 Weeks | The second puppy visit will include a booster vaccine for DHPP, and a physical examination. Non-core vaccines may be discussed at this time. E.G. Leptospirosis vaccine or Kennel Cough. | A puppy’s size increases rapidly and motor control is developing. Introduce simple commands such as come, sit and stay with the use of treats. Socialization is very important at this stage also. |
| 14-18 Weeks | The third puppy visit includes a booster vaccine for DHPP and a rabies vaccine (R). Non-core vaccines may be introduced during this visit. | A puppy begins to lose his/her baby teeth. This means a lot of chewing, so be prepared with proper, safe chewing toys. |
| 5-6 Months | Your puppy is ready to be spayed or neutered at 5-6 months of age, depending on development. | Puppies are able to begin formal training classes now. A puppy’s coat is slowly being replaced by a distinctive adult coat. |
Parasites
Puppies are treated for the most common intestinal worm – roundworms. Roundworms are transmitted from the mother to the puppy. Treatment for roundworms is done every 2 weeks until the puppy is 14-16 weeks of age. Roundworms can cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and / or diarrhea. There are other parasites that can cause similar symptoms. Performing a fecal test will allow us to treat the puppy accordingly. Although some worms are visible to the naked eye, most worm burdens are diagnosed by examining the stool of your puppy microscopically.
