WE WANT TO BE A PARTNER WITH YOU IN CREATING YOUR PUPPY’S CUSTOMIZED
HEALTHCARE PLAN.
No two puppies are exactly alike, so we’ll work with you to discuss their specific needs.
Bringing a new puppy home is almost as exciting as bringing a new baby home. If you recently introduced a new puppy to your family, congratulations on the new addition! We know your four-legged friend is probably full of energy, and you’re probably full of questions, especially if you’re a first-time puppy owner. At Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, we have the answers, and you can find many of them here on our website.
Your Puppy’s First Wellness Exam
The first step in getting your pup started on the right paw is to schedule their first veterinary visit at our clinic. We typically recommend that puppies see a vet for the first time when they’re around six to eight weeks of age. During your pet’s first visit to our clinic, we will perform a comprehensive physical exam to create a health profile and ensure they’re healthy. Please remember to bring a fresh stool sample to this visit so we can check for intestinal parasites.
We will then work with you to customize a healthcare plan with consideration for their breed, age, lifestyle, and any health or behavioral concerns. This plan will include a vaccination schedule to keep your pet protected from various health problems, which you can learn more about in the next section.
Puppy Vaccinations
Vaccinating your dog protects them from health conditions like leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and kennel cough. We recommend puppy vaccinations every three to four weeks until 16 weeks of age. We also recommend booster shots throughout their adult lives for year-round protection, every year.
Your pet’s healthcare plan will include core (essential) vaccines, but it may also include some non-core (lifestyle-based) vaccines. We’ll discuss these in more detail during the visit. Below is an example of a standard puppy vaccination schedule:
6–10 weeks
- DHPP
- Kennel Cough
11–14 weeks
- DHPP
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme Disease
15–16 Weeks
- DHPP
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme Disease
- Rabies
Puppy Healthcare Tips
Vaccinating your dog protects them from health conditions like leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and kennel cough. We recommend puppy vaccinations every three to four weeks until 16 weeks of age. We also recommend booster shots throughout their adult lives for year-round protection, every year.
Your pet’s healthcare plan will include core (essential) vaccines, but it may also include some non-core (lifestyle-based) vaccines. We’ll discuss these in more detail during the visit. Below is an example of a standard puppy vaccination schedule:
- Spaying and Neutering: We generally recommend that all dogs be spayed or neutered around six to eight months of age, due to the health and behavioral benefits associated with these procedures.
- Socializing: Exposing your puppy to other dogs at an early age can be a great way to prevent behavioral issues down the road. That’s why we recommend enrolling your puppy in a puppy class with a veterinary-recommended trainer at around seven to eight weeks of age.
- Diet: We recommend purchasing food that includes a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which ensures the food meets canine nutritional requirements.
- Parasite Prevention: From topical medications to chewable tablets to collars, there are several options available to protect your pet against parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Regardless of what you choose, make sure to keep your pet protected year-round.
We’ll be happy to address any questions or concerns you have about how to best care for your new puppy at your next visit. We look forward to meeting you and your new four-legged friend!
