This leaflet is intended as a quick-check guide for you to ensure you are providing the basic routine veterinary healthcare that is readily available for your new puppy.
Vaccinations
Vaccination boosts the immune system, virtually preventing infection from these diseases; the initial course consists of two injections 2-4 weeks apart; the first can be given from 8-10 weeks of age, then the second at 10-12 weeks of age. Annual boosters are then needed to maintain this immunity. The vaccination protects against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza virus. The puppy must not come into contact with unvaccinated dogs until at least one week after the second vaccination.
Worming
Wormer drugs are usually in tablet or spot-on form and enter the bloodstream to kill the worms. Because they do not last more than 48 hours it is important that this is done regularly. Worms are particularly prevalent in puppies; we normally advise worming your new puppy every month until six months of age. Once adult we suggest worming every three months with a broad spectrum product; we will discuss the best product and programme for your pet individually at the time of their vaccination. Worming is particularly important if the dog tends to scavenge, or if you have young children who are at risk of picking up worms from the dog.
Flea and Tick Treatment
Flea treatment is also recommended, although if there is no sign of fleas at the moment there is no need to treat until he/she is going out, or unless there are other cats or dogs in the household. We recommend Advocate or Advantix, which are prescription-only products so we can dispense these at the first vaccination appointment but can not give them over the counter without having seen the puppy. We are happy to tailor a prevention programme to suit your puppy's needs as the best treatments vary for individuals.
Neutering
Neutering obviously helps control the stray population but also reduces the risks from several serious diseases so it is extremely important to have this surgery performed. The ideal age for neutering is at approximately six months, but there is no maximum age. Bitches are not normally spayed within three months of a season, as the uterus often remains delicate and active during this time. The earlier a bitch is spayed, the more effect this has on reducing the risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer) in later life, however if a bitch has three or more seasons it will have no reducing effect. The ideal time to castrate a male dog varies; after six months is usually the best time but we can discuss individual cases with you. Please ask if you have any questions about neutering, or are unsure of the health benefits.
Identification and Microchipping
A microchip is a small inert ‘chip’ with a unique number that can be read by a microchip scanner. A database is used to register the unique number with your details and your pets’ so should they go missing, vets, dog wardens and the police are able to contact you. It is obviously very important to keep your contact details up to date, and that your vet regularly scans the chip to check its location and correct functioning. From 6th April 2016 it is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped and registered with their owner's details.
In the UK it is also a legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar and tag with your address including the postcode; we are able to advise you on the exact wording and have a range of tags to choose from.
Diet and Feeding
Feed your puppy a high quality puppy food, either dry or wet. Milk is not recommended as once they are weaned they lose the ability to digest lactose. Different breeds can be moved onto adult food at different ages depending on their final adult size. Generally the larger the breed, the later they reach adult maturity, and so the longer you feed the puppy food. The guidelines on the food packet will advise how much should be fed for weight and age of the puppy. Most puppies will need 3-4 meals a day until about six months when it can be reduced to two meals per day. Our vets and nurses will be happy to advise you on a suitable diet for your puppy.
Insurance
Unfortunately there is no NHS for pets, and the steady advances in veterinary medicine and surgery are reflected by the increased levels of care and treatment available, but this also means £5,000 vets’ bills are becoming less and less uncommon!
Pet insurance is available to help with the cost of veterinary fees, as with car or house insurance there are many different companies, policies and levels of cover so it is important to compare and read the small print to make an informed choice. We recommend you check the policy wording carefully, and ensure the policy is “lifelong” - i.e. it will pay for a certain condition for life, and not just a year.