A New Puppy

Stop!!! Before you make that impulse buy of a new puppy, make sure your household is ready for a new addition and that you pick the right breed. Consider this check-list.

I have time in my life for a new puppy.
My house can provide a safe home for a new puppy.
My family supports a new addition to the family. If you have considered these issues and still have questions, our doctors are available for pet pre-adoption counseling.
My children are old enough to take part in responsible pet ownership.
I have researched puppies and selected a breed based on suitability for our household, not emotion.
I have researched special issues, needs, or health concerns for the breed I have selected.
I have financial resources allotted for the care of a new pet.

If you have considered these issues, you are ready to consider a new pet.

Where to Find a Puppy

Consider a rescue group or local shelter. Make sure the pet has been examined by a veterinarian or that you can take the puppy to a veterinarian for an exam with the option of returning the puppy if problems are found. The first 2 weeks you have a pet adopted from a shelter are the most important, diseases that the pet may have been exposed to when confined with a large number of other dogs will usually show up during that 2 weeks. Vaccinations and dewormings are very important during this time. I also suggest an isolation period form other animals in the house for this time, or at least make sure your other pets are well vaccinated before bringing the rescue home.
Breeders-Contact local dog clubs or animal hospitals to find reputable breeders. Avoid the “puppy factory”. Look for a breeder that raises puppies for a purpose and not just for money. I suggest avoiding “line breeding”, the practice of breeding family members to each other. You may get the “super puppy” this way, but you may also increase the risk of genetic problems as well. Look for a breeder that has screened for common problems in their breed and has “bred” to minimize these problems. Example: OFA screening to reduce hip problems in Labs and German Shepherds.
The newspaper: You can often find a family that has bred their dog for fun. They should have done all a breeder does as well. Again, look at the pedigree and health of the parents. Extreme caution should be exercised when buying or receiving a "Free Puppy" in store parking lots or on the side of the road. They are more often than not health risks and have very sad endings.

Always try to see both parents. Ask about the parents' health. Look for a clean environment. A 6 to 7 week old puppy should be bright and alert, want to play with you, and should have been dewormed at least 2 times and started on its first vaccines.

The First Year

Your puppies first year will be like birth through about 3^rd grade in a child’s life. There will be many health issues, diet considerations and socialization events that must happen.

Physical exam and Deworming at 3 to 4 weeks
6-9-12-16 weeks of age Physical exams, vaccinations for Distemper/Parvo and other puppy diseases, additional dewormings, and starting on heartworm and flea control.
12 weeks of age Rabies vaccination
I suggest a good quality name brand puppy food for the first 6 months to a year. Feed a type designed for your chosen breed. Example-large breed formula for large breeds. Make sure your pet has a formed stool, a shinny hair coat, is growing at a proper rate, and likes the food. Our veterinarians can help you decide on a good food for your puppy. Somewhere between 6 and 12 months, you will need to switch to an adult food. The timing varies with each animal and is usually determined by body maturity and weight.
Puppy classes - I suggest socialization classes. Socialization classes usually start at around 12 weeks of age and include basic obedience as well as social skills for your new puppy. Your pet will learn to interact with other dogs and people. If there are no classes in your area, try to arrange for your pet to meet friends dogs that are well mannered and are accustomed to playing with other dogs and as many new people as you can. Play with other dogs is best done on “neutral territory”, a place that neither dog calls home.
6 months old-spay females and neuter males. It is very important to spay females before their first “heat”. This early spay reduces the risk of breast cancer as the dog gets older.

After the first year, I suggest an annual exam and vaccinations based on your dogs life style. We will assist you in the timing of these visits and what needs to be considered at each visit. We have several hand-outs that deal with specific issues that you may request at any time. You will have many questions concerning housetraining, barking, treats, etc. Please feel free to call us with any of these concerns or questions.