Parkside Animal Hospital / PUPPIES

We’re excited that you have a NEW PUPPY!

We hope that you will have many wonderful, fun-filled years ahead, but special care must be taken now.
Let us share some very important information with you regarding the health of your new pet.

The most dangerous diseases of dogs, resulting in thousands of deaths annually are:

· Distemper: part of DHP series of 3-4, 1^st annual, then every 3 years as recommended.

· Hepatitis (Adenovirus): par of DHP series of 3-4, 1^st annual, then every 3 years as recommended.

· Parvovirus: part of DHP series of 3-4 (more for certain breeds); 1^st annual, then every 3 years as recommended.

· Leptospirosis: series of 2, then booster annually.

· Bordetella: 1^st intra-nasal, then 2^nd injectable, then injectable or intra-nasal annually.

· Rabies: vaccine required every 1-3 years depending on area.

VACCINATIONS ARE BEST BEGUN AT 6-8 WEEKS OF AGE.

Puppies should be kept away from public places until vaccinations are complete
and protective immunity has been adequately developed.

1^st VISIT: Exam, 1^st DHP, fecal, de-worming, discuss training, diet, specific breed concerns, flea/tick control, begin
Heart worm preventative. 6-8 weeks of age.

2^nd VISIT: Exam, 2^nd DHP, 1^st Bordetella (if at risk), de-worming, refill HWP and flea/tick control.
9-11 weeks of age.

3^rd VISIT: Exam, 3^rd DHP, 1^st Lepto, 2^nd Bordetella, de-worming, refill HWP and flea/tick control.
12-14 weeks of age.

4^th VISIT: Exam, 4^th DHP (if needed), 2^nd Lepto, Rabies (law requires by 16 weeks), de-worming, refill HWP and
                flea/tick control, discuss spaying or neutering, lifelong HWP and flea/tick control.
               15-17 weeks of age.
5^th VISIT: Parvo only – recommended for Doberman, Rottweiler, and American Pit Bull puppies due to unusual
                susceptibility to Parvovirus. Other puppies may need a 5^th visit to separate out the number of vaccines
                given at each appointment. This visit, if needed, is usually with technician only and usually does not
               require an exam by the doctor. 18-20 weeks of age.

                                Puppies must be well socialized before 12-14 weeks of age.
                        Try to expose your puppy to 100 new people before they are 3 months.
   Do this from the safety of your home, to not expose your puppy to contagious disease.

· RABIES VACCINATION: is usually given around 12-16 weeks of age, a 2^nd vaccine at 1 year then given every 3 years.

· BORDETELLA VACCINE: Kennel cough prevention is recommended for dogs potentially in contact with a number of other dogs or prior to boarding in any dog kennels, grooming, training classes, etc.

· INTESTINAL PARASITES: Worms and protozoa.. a stool (bowel movement) sample less than 24 hours old is needed to check for these common parasites. Some parasites are contagious to people, so treating the puppy for them is very important. A fecal is first done a puppy visits and then as recommended by your veterinarian throughout life.

· SPAYING FEMALES: (ovariohysterectomy) Preferably between 5-6 months of age. (important to do before the 1^st heat)

· NEUTERING MALES: (castration) Preferably between 5-6 months of age.

· TEETH and GUMS: Around 4 months old, permanent teeth will begin to replace “baby”
teeth. Try to brush your puppy’s teeth 2-3 times per week. Monitor teeth for an accumulation of green, brown, yellow or grey material, indicating harmful plaque. This means your dog’s teeth need cleaning. Tooth root and gum disease means a likely painful and shortened life-span since liver, kidney or heart valve disease originating from infected gums and tooth roots can occur. Ask us about home dental care for your dog.

· HEARTWORMS: A parasitic disease which is rampant in our area. Dogs should have a blood test every years. They should be given one a month preventative oral chewable tablets. It is recommended that dogs be on Heartworm prevention all year round to protect against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. Heartworm disease often leads to death and is entirely preventable.

· FLEA and TICK CONTROL: Fleas and ticks can cause serious disease. Monthly prescription strength topical products are recommended. (Frontline Plus or Revolution)

If you ever have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to call.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your new pet!