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Puppy Care
Vaccination:
Puppies receive a series of vaccinations usually starting around 8 weeks of
age. The reason that a series is necessary is that puppies get antibodies
from their mother, which wear off over time. How quickly they wear off
is different for every individual, but while they are present they neutralize
the effect of the vaccine. So, we start vaccinating around 8 weeks of age
which is about the earliest we would expect them to be wearing off and
continue until we are sure that the puppy’s immune system has responded
to the vaccines, usually by 16-18 weeks of age. The shots are given 3-4
weeks apart; if given less than 3 weeks apart the puppies immune system
does not have time to respond to the vaccines as different shots. At Orange
Villa Veterinary Hospital we recommend a series of DHPPC shots, a Bordatella
vaccination during the puppy series and again at 6 months of age, and a
one year Rabies vaccination given when the puppy is at least 16 weeks of
age. There are additional vaccinations for Giardia, Lyme Disease and Leptospirosis
that we may recommend if the puppy or members of your household are at
risk for contracting these conditions. With any vaccination be observant
for signs of an allergic reaction to the vaccines demonstrated by vomiting,
facial swelling, hives, or extreme lethargy. If you see any of these signs
bring your pet in for evaluation. If our hospital is closed please contact
the emergency clinic. Please refer to the vaccine handout for more information
regarding the individual vaccines as well as information on vaccine reactions.
Heartworm
Control:
Heartworm disease is a 100% preventable condition. We recommend heartworm control
in all dogs beginning at 6-8 weeks of age. Under 6 months the only option for
heartworm control is an edible chew that must be given on a monthly basis.
After the puppy reaches 6 months of age another option, the Proheart shot,
becomes available. Because puppies grow rapidly during the first year, we recommend
purchasing single doses of Heartguard, until the puppy reaches the dose range
that it will be in as an adult. At this point if you want to continue with
the monthly tablet you may purchase a 6 or 12 month supply. For more information
regarding heartworm disease and its prevention refer to our handout on Heartworm
disease that can be found on our web page. If you do not have web access we
will be happy to provide you with a copy.
Flea Control:
Flea control is important year round in Southern California. Aside from creating
itchy bites fleas also can transmit diseases and parasites (tapeworms)
to your puppy. Advantage can be applied at 7 weeks of age. Puppies need
to be 8 weeks of age for Frontline to be applied. For puppies too young
for topical flea control, the safest method to remove fleas is flea combing.
Before applying any flea product make sure that your puppy is older than
the minimum age stated on the label of the product. Please refer to our
handout on Flea Control, which can be found on our web page, for more information
about fleas and flea prevention. If you do not have web access we will
be happy to provide you with a copy.
Fecal Examination:
We recommend bringing a fecal sample to check for intestinal parasites on your
first or second puppy visit. The majority of puppies are born with roundworms
that they acquire from their mother while either still in utero or while
nursing. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends deworming puppies
at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Heartguard, the oral heartworm preventative,
will also kill roundworms. A fecal examination can also reveal infections
with coccidia, giardia, hookworms and other less common intestinal parasites.
Please ask if you would like more information regarding a specific parasite.
Feeding:
Puppies should be fed a high quality puppy food. Large breed puppies should
be fed a large breed puppy food that is formulated for the special growth
needs of a large breed dog. We recommend Eukanuba, Iams, Hill’s Science
Diet and Purina as brands. If you have another brand that you would like
to use make sure it has a label that certifies that the food has met AAFCO
standards for puppy growth and nutrition preferably by using clinical feeding
trials. If you are feeding a high quality diet no supplements are necessary,
as the diet has been formulated for optimal nutrition. Dry food keeps dog’s
teeth cleaner, but wet food may be added to make the diet more palatable.
Puppies should be fed a puppy food until they are fully-grown, usually
at 9 months for small dogs and 12 months for larger dogs. We recommend
feeding a measured amount multiple times daily. Most dog foods have recommended
feeding amounts on the bag. This gives you a good idea of where to start,
but often they overestimate the puppies’ needs. For small breed dogs
4-5 meals a day while they are young puppies, gradually reducing the number
of feedings down to 1-2 feedings/day by adulthood. Large breed puppies
may do fine with fewer feedings as young puppies, but should never go below
2 feedings/day as doing so would make them more at risk for bloat and stomach
torsion (twisting). Remember that your puppy will be going through growth
spurts and so will be very hungry at some times and less hungry when he/she
is not growing as rapidly. By the same token, sometimes he/she will have
difficulty eating enough calories to maintain their high level of growth
and may get a little thin, or you may be feeding for a high rate of growth
and he/she comes out of a growth spurt and gains a little pudge. Do not
be too concerned about this, but adjust the feeding as necessary. It is
important to try and prevent obesity to maintain health and because a recent
study indicate that dogs live an average of 2 years longer if kept slim.
Spaying and
Neutering:
We recommend spaying and neutering all dogs at around 6 months of age. Spaying
before the dog’s first heat almost completely eliminates the chance that
later in life she will develop mammary cancer. Neutering your male dog also
eliminates the chance of testicular cancer as well as decreasing the likelihood
of prostatic problems. Six months of age is a good time for the larger breed
dogs to screen for hip and elbow problems by doing x-rays while they are under
anesthesia for their surgery. If you are interested in breeding your pet we
still recommend doing the x-rays around 6 months of age if they are a breed
that has a risk of hip or elbow dysplasia. To help you best consider whether
breeding is something you have the time, facilities and finances for, we have
an article that covers what you need to consider and what tests should be done
before breeding. You may find this article on our website or ask us for a copy
and we will be happy to provide one.
Microchipping:
A microchip can be implanted under the skin over the shoulder blades of both
dogs and cats. It acts as a permanent form of identification should your
pet get lost or taken. Most veterinarians, pounds and shelters have scanners
to be able to read the chips. They would then call the number of the company
that makes the chip and find out to whom the pet belongs. The needle used
for implantation is fairly good sized, so if possible, we prefer to implant
the microchip while the pet is under anesthesia for their spay or neuter.
It may be implanted without anesthesia if you are not planning on fixing
your dog.
Pet Insurance:
Pet insurance comes in handy if you have unexpected/emergency veterinary bills.
Most plans will also cover routine vaccination, spaying, neutering, and
dental cleanings, although you should check with the insurance company
to be sure. We recommend Veterinary Pet Insurance as they have been in
business for almost 30 years and have a good reputation. Please go to www.veterinarypetinsurance.com.
Training:
There are so many training topics to go over that we usually give separate
behavior handouts during your first puppy visit. You may also read Training
Tips by Bob which is posted on our website. If you would like a handout
on a specific topic please contact us. It is better to stop unwanted behaviors
before they become habits. So at the first sign of unwelcome behavior please
contact us so we can help you stop the behavior as soon as possible.
Orange
County Emergency Pet Clinic
Garden Grove: 12750 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843 (714) 537-3032
La Habra/Fullerton: 1474 So. Harbor Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631 (714) 441-053
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