Puppies: Birth to 1 Year of Age

Puppies: Birth to 1 Year of Age Wellness/Prevention

 VACCINATIONS ◦ 6-8 weeks: DA2PP 1 of 3 (Distemper-Adenovirus Type 2-Parainfluenza- Parvovirus) ◦ 8-10 weeks: Lyme 1 of 2 ◦ 8-12 weeks: DA2PP 2 of 3 + Leptospirosis 1 of 2 ◦ 12 weeks: Rabies, Lyme 2 of 2 ◦ 12-16 weeks: DA2PP 3 of 3 + Lepto 2 of 2 ▪ Bordetella (kennel cough) given at 8 weeks or older if needed for boarding, grooming, or daycare

 FECAL TEST ◦ If you have not already, please bring a stool sample in to check for intestinal parasites so that we may deworm appropriately

 DEWORMING ◦ Deworming is done as routine care when you bring your puppy to the vet for his first visit. A second dose is given 2 weeks from the first dose

 FLEA, TICK, AND HEARTWORM PREVENTION ◦ Apply or administer a monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventative to your puppy once a month, every month, for life

 DENTAL CARE ◦ Use a finger brush or a soft tooth brush to brush your puppy's teeth as soon as possible. Healthy teeth are crucial to your puppy's overall health in all life stages. Daily brushing helps to reduce dental disease and therefore further health complications down the road. If you are having any difficulties please do not hesitate to call our office, we are more than happy to help! ◦ VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved treats, in addition to daily brushing, are a great supplement to help reduce tartar buildup

 DIET/FITNESS ◦ To provide your puppy with optimum nutrition, a puppy formula is recommended. ◦ 0-6 months: 3-4 small meals daily ◦ 6-12 months: two meals daily ◦ Transition from a puppy formula to an adult formula after your puppy is neutered or spayed to avoid excessive weight gain Puppies: Birth to 1 Year of Age Wellness/Prevention

 HOUSE BREAKING/PUPPY PROOFING YOUR HOME ◦ Always go outside with your puppy each time he goes out to go to the bathroom. ◦ Set a feeding schedule to help train your dog. Bring him out after each meal to relieve his bladder and bowels. ◦ Bring your puppy out first thing in the morning, last thing before you go to bed, after playing, after napping, and after each meal ◦ Praise and reward him after each time your puppy properly eliminates outside. Make it a big, exciting deal every time so your puppy knows that he is pleasing you by doing this behavior. ◦ If accidents do occur in your home, simply bring your puppy outside immediately and then praise him for eliminating outdoors. If you notice an accident in the house and do not catch your puppy in the act, DO NOT RUB HIS NOSE IN IT. Your puppy will have no idea what is going on or why you are doing this. Simply clean up the mess and then bring your puppy outside ◦ Puppy proof your home as soon as possible! Put electrical cords away, all human food (especially those toxic to dogs) should be out of your puppy's reach. Puppy's will naturally chew as they are teething, so providing them with several chew toys will aid in saving your furniture or your favorite shoes ◦ Puppies are very curious (and maybe a little mischievous), walk through your home several times to make sure all small objects are out of reach and toxic chemicals are put away. This may save you a (very expensive) trip to the emergency vet!

 EXERCISE/PLAY ◦ Puppies have a lot of energy, so engaging them in frequent exercise and play will help you both! A tired puppy is a good puppy:) ◦ Going for walks and throwing a ball or Frisbee with your puppy are great ways to get all that energy out

 SOCIALIZATION/TRAINING ◦ Socialize your puppy with people and other (vaccinated) dogs as early and as often as possible. ◦ Introduce your puppy to different environments and sounds as well. Being around several different stimuli will allow your dog to be confident in different situations and help him not to be fearful ◦ Start with basic commands at home as early as 7 weeks. Reward your puppy and praise him for following commands. ◦ Puppy classes/ training is highly recommended to help YOU help your puppy become a well- behaved companion

 NEUTER/SPAY ◦ At 6 months of age ◦ Transition from puppy food to adult food after neuter or spay to avoid excessive weight gain ◦ Microchip your puppy at time of neuter or spay. Puppies: Birth to 1 Year of Age Wellness/Prevention

 PET INSURANCE/IDENTIFICATION ◦ There are several insurance companies available to pet owners. Accidents happen, and sometimes they are extremely expensive. We see pet owners having to make life or death decisions based on financial reasons all too often, and the easiest/most affordable way to avoid this conflict is pet insurance. We have a couple companies that we do recommend and we would love to give you more information if this is something you are interested in! On average, having insurance for your companion will run you around $20 a month ◦ Having your puppy microchipped is an inexpensive way to help your friend find his way home should he go missing. It is not a GPS, but does help several pets find their way way back to their families. If your puppy is already microchipped, be sure to keep your information up to date with the company so that you can be reached if your cat is found ◦ Keep a collar on your dog with a name tag, including your contact information as well

PREFERRED 24/7EMERGENCY CLINIC

The Veterinary Emergency, Critical Care & Cancer Treatment Center of NH (VECC): Portsmouth, NH 603-431-3600

OTHER EMERGENCY CLINIC CONTACTS

Port City Veterinary Referral: Portsmouth, NH at 603-433-0056

Brentwood Emergency & Surgery: Brentwood, NH at 603-642-9111

Winnipeasukee Veterinary Emergency: Meredith, NH at 603-279-1117

Southern NH Veterinary Referral Hospital: Manchester, NH at 603-782-8181