Congratulations on your new puppy! We want to make sure your puppy is as healthy as possible and that you’re educated on what steps need to be taken to ensure that
First Visit
For puppies that are 6-9 weeks old we like to start off with their first distemper (dapp) shot. This is a virus that is spread by indirect or direct contact in the air. Young, unvaccinated puppies and older dogs are more susceptible. Symptoms range from fever, discharges from the eyes and nose, vomiting and diarrhea, and can lead to nervous system signs. *Adenovirus type 2 – a virus spread by contact or in the air that causes upper respiratory disease, including a hacking cough and conjunctivitis. *Adenovirus type 1 – a virus also known as infectious canine hepatitis because of the damage it can do to the cells of the liver, it also causes upper respiratory disease. *Parvo – a highly contagious virus that causes bloody diarrhea, vomiting and quickly can lead to dehydration and death in puppies if left untreated. This vaccine is boostered every 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
We also do the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. Bordetella is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes a dry hacking cough, and in more severe cases can lead to pneumonia. Dogs are at greater risk in boarding, grooming, dog parks, or similar situations where a number of dogs will be housed at one time.
We also like to check your puppy’s stool detect internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms living in the intestinal tract. Puppies commonly contract roundworms or hookworms from their mother. People are also at risk for roundworms and hookworms by coming into contact with infected soil or feces. Puppies can also contract coccidia, a protozoal parasite, from their mother’s infected feces and their immune system is not developed enough to fight it off. A fecal sample should be checked at the puppies first vet visit. If a fecal sample is positive, then the appropriate medication will be prescribed and rechecked at the next visit to make sure it is clear of parasites.
Second Visit
At 9-15 weeks old we will do a booster for the distemper (DAPP) shot and also the first round of leptospirosis (lepto) and lyme. Leptospirosis is a spirochete bacteria that dogs can come into contact with by walking or swimming through infected soil or water, or by drinking contaminated water. The soil and water becomes contaminated by urine of infected wildlife. This bacteria is zoonotic and causes liver and kidney damage that can be life threatening. This vaccine will need to be booster again in 3 weeks. Lyme is a tick transmitted bacteria that causes lameness due to inflammation of the joints and more seriously can cause damage to the kidneys; this will need to be booster again in 3 weeks.
Third Visit
At 16 weeks we will do the final round of distemper (DAPP), leptospirosis (Lepto) and Lyme. We also will administer the Rabies vaccine. Rabies a fatal, viral infection that is found in the saliva of infected wildlife or unvaccinated animals and is usually transmitted through a bite. Humans are also at risk for Rabies. It is a state regulation to have your pet up to date on their rabies vaccination. This vaccination is given at 16 weeks of age and is good for 1 year. After the first year, a 3-year rabies vaccination can be given as long as it has not become overdue.
Spay/Neuter
At 16 weeks old we can also spay, neuter, and remove dewclaws. By spaying a female dog before she ever comes into heat, we are greatly reducing the risk of her ever developing mammary tumors and preventing uterine infection. By neutering a male dog we are preventing unwanted behavior from developing such as roaming to find a mate, lifting leg and marking territory, and some forms of aggression. We can also prevent testicular cancer when neutering by 6 months of age.
Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork
We do recommend for every surgery to do pre-anesthetic blood work. This group of testing is important to run prior to anesthesia and surgery, so that we can be best prepared to take care of your puppy. We can make adjustments to our anesthetic techniques and follow up care if there are any abnormal findings in the blood work. This also gives us baseline values for your puppy that we can compare to in the future if he/she were to get sick. This is completely optional to you as long as your puppy is under 1 years old and you are aware of your risks.
Microchip
Microchip is a permanent ID if your pet is lost or stolen. A collar or tag can be lost, but a microchip is permanent and can identify your pet when scanned and linked back to you. We use AKC Reunite microchips, and can easily implant these at the same time as your puppy’s spay or neuter. We will take care of setting up the life-time enrollment which is included in the price of the microchip so that your puppy leaves our office registered.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery can be added to your puppy's procedure. It provides/helps with pain and swelling. It also helps with your puppy's recovery process. We have seen that they recover quickly when laser surgery is used rather than using a scalpel blade where there is more cutting, and blood involved.
If you have any questions or would like an estimate on your pet’s first visit with us, or about any of these services, please call us at 319-277-7675 or email us at [email protected]. We would be happy to assist you.
