Puppy Wellness Recommendations
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Vaccinations
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Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvo combo vaccination should be given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. A few at risk breeds such as Rottweilers, Pittbulls and Dobermans should have one extra vaccination at 20-22 weeks of age. Until your pet has received that last vaccine at the age of 16 weeks, it can contract Parvo, a deadly virus. Parvo can live in the environment for 7 years. Therefore, we recommend that your pet not be taken on walks or exposed to other young or unvaccinated dogs until 16 weeks.
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Rabies vaccine will be given at 16 weeks and will be good for 1 year.
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Bordetella will be given at 12 and 16 weeks.
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Rattlesnake and Lyme vaccinations are recommended for dogs who go on hikes or live in areas where Rattlesnakes have been seen.
Fecal Ova and Parasite and Giardia ELISA test:
Assume every puppy has worms. Avoid letting the puppy kiss you on the face and wash hands after handling it. At least one stool sample should be run to check for parasites. We will also do a series of dewormings with both Strongid and Drontal Plus, even if the fecal comes back negative because there is a risk of false negatives. Be warned: after deworming your puppy may defecate dead worms! While very gross, this is not abnormal. They are now dead.
Year Round Heartworm Prevention- Heartworm (transmitted by mosquitos) is now in the area. It is still a low prevalence compared to other parts of the country, but we are seeing more and more of this deadly disease. We strongly recommend all dogs be on preventatives year round. We have seen indoor only cats in Lake Forest contract this parasite, so all dogs have the potential to become infected. Prevention will be with either an oral medication or a topical. Both of these medications are once every month year round for life. If your puppy is started on prevention before the age of 6 months, no test is necessary. If started after 6, months we will need to do a blood test before starting the medication.
Fish oil
supplementation to promote healthy coat, joints, eyes and heart.
Large Breed Puppies:
If your puppy is expected to be above 50 pounds, then you should be feeding only a Large Breed puppy food. Regular puppy food is not ok- it will predispose your puppy to developing hip and elbow dysplasia form higher levels of calcium. Also, do not supplement with vitamins containing calcium!
Spaying/Neutering:
We usually spay and neuter dogs between 4 and 6 months of age. If a female has a heat cycle, she is 12 times more likely to develop breast cancer later in life. If you have a small breed male, such as a Chihuahua, we recommend neutering males right about 4 months to lessen the chance of him marking his territory.