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Puppy Veterinary Care

Congratulations on your new puppy! We can’t wait to meet the newest addition to your family.

You have taken the first step to having a wonderful companion and friend. It is important to do everything you can to make sure he or she grows up strong, healthy and happy. Health care is essential through your pet’s entire life.

It is important to your pet’s long term health that we examine your new companion as soon as possible to identify any potential health issues early on. We will answer your questions on caring for him/her long-term, including food and nutrition questions, vaccinations, other health topics and behavioral issues. Before you decide on a brand of food, please talk to us. There are so many choices available and we want you to be able to choose the right food for your companion.

What to bring with you:

• Your puppy on a leash
• Whatever health information the breeder, pet store or shelter provided to you, such as history of vaccines or worming
• A fresh stool sample (less than 12 hours old)

The initial exam will include:

• Complete physical exam. We will check his/her weight, listen to his/her lungs and heart and examine the other internal organs by palpating them. We will check your puppy’s ears, eyes, nose, skin and teeth.
• Flea/tick control. We will discuss the best product for your puppy’s lifestyle.
• Heartworm preventative.
• Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming.
• Answering all of your questions.
• Discussion with you of the appropriate vaccination schedule for your puppy’s breed and anticipated lifestyle and the development of a vaccination schedule.
• Necessary vaccines or vaccine boosters,

The following are signs that your new puppy needs immediate veterinary care. If your puppy is exhibiting any of these signs, please call us immediately:

• Any respiratory problem: coughing, trouble breathing or near drowning
• Any signs of pain: panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, restlessness or loss of appetite
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (anything more than two or three times within an hour)
• Any wound or laceration that's open and bleeding, or any animal bite
• Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives, most easily seen on the belly
• Any eye injury, no matter how mild
• Any suspected poisoning, including ingestion of antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or human medication
• Seizure, fainting, or collapse
• Thermal Stress, either too cold or too hot, even if the dog seems to have recovered
• Trauma, such as being hit by a car, even if the dog seems fine