Congratulations! We couldn’t be happier for you to find your new best friend. This is such an exciting time & filled with learning new things about each other.

Here are few details we think you should know to keep your new pet safe and healthy.

Puppies

Two months old:

Vet Exam, Vaccinations & Heartworm prevention, potty training & Social Skills.
First things FIRST. We want to meet your new puppy too! Bring him/her in for a New Puppy Exam – this is an appointment to introduce ourselves and learn more about your new puppy. We will be examining head to tail to make sure he/she is healthy and happy as well as give eight-week-old vaccinations (1st DHPP & Bordetella if needed), fecal examination, and heartworm prevention. Puppies can be starting the basics of potty training. They can’t be expected to ‘hold it’ very long and should be given the opportunity to potty every hour. This will get them into a routine, and you can slowly start to stretch the time in between in order to improve bladder control. At this stage your puppy is developing physical coordination, learning how to play, and beginning to socialize. Be patient, loving, and kind as your new pup is exploring a completely new environment.

Three months old:

Pre-Vaccination Exam and Vaccination, Potty Training, Bonding, Brain Development & Social Training/Obedience

Why a pre-vaccination exam before vaccinations? My pet is fine, right?
Animals have hardwired instincts to hide illness, so it takes an experienced veterinarian to confirm your pet is healthy enough to receive a vaccine. If they are not healthy enough, the vaccine may be delayed until they are ready. Vaccines are given to keep your pet safe, other pets safe, and society as whole, so it’s our job to make sure everyone is protected.

At three months, a 2nd DHPP vaccine is given. Continue to work on stretching those potty time frames for more bladder control. The general rule is one hour for every month of life. Accidents happen and are part of the process. Even though it’s frustrating, it’s important your puppy knows he/she is in safe and positive environment. After their first round of vaccinations, your puppy can start obedience classes which will offer them a chance to gain confidence and learn some new skills. At this stage puppies go through a fear stage so traumatic experiences may have a lasting effect. It’s important to give them lots of positive experiences like new smells, noises, environments and meeting new people. This is the height of bonding for you and your new puppy so take the time to enjoy lots of play time and snuggles.

Four months old:

Pre-vaccination Exam and Vaccinations, Potty Training, Personality Prevalence, Mouthing/Chewing/Teeth
Pre-Vaccination Exam, 3rd DHPP Vaccination and Rabies vaccines are given. Puppies are typically fully potty trained between four and six months old; however, it can take up to a year depending on the puppy. Remember, small dogs have smaller bladders and require more frequent outdoor visits. By now your puppy’s personality will be emerging. Puppies usually start getting more adult teeth by now, so be aware mouthing and chewing will increase. You may even find a little lost baby tooth occasionally. Once all adult teeth are in, it’s time for their first dental exam. Early and regular dental exams are important to prevent disease. To support your toothful explorer, we recommend toys and bones that are teething safe such as bully sticks (American made only) and Kong toys.

If you & your veterinarian decide that Lyme & leptospirosis are a good option for your puppy 1st round at 18 weeks and 2nd round at 21 weeks.