Owning a puppy is one of the great joys in life. They can bring us more firmly into the present moment and stop any negative thoughts or emotions with a lick, an inquisitive tilt of the head or a wag of the tail.
Choosing to take on a new puppy is not only a great joy, but a great responsibility too. You have committed to complete care of another living being for up to 20 years.
Here is how we think you should navigate them through the first one.
Before Buying Your Puppy Consider the breed of dog and its suitability to your lifestyle, both now and for the next 15 to 20 years. Speak to the breeder, pet shop or shelter organisation about the puppy’s history and care up to this point.
Be sure to ascertain · The puppy’s vaccination status. · If any worming treatments have been given. · Diet the puppy has been fed until now. · If they have been microchipped. · The puppy’s exact date of birth. (or as near as possible)
Veterinary Care Plan for your Puppy PUPPY’S AGENEED 6 Weeks Health Check, 1st Vaccination, Worm 8 Weeks Worm, 1st Vaccination (if not already done) 10 Weeks Health Check, 2nd Vaccination, Worm 12 Weeks Worm, 2nd Vaccination (if not already done) 4 Months Worm 5 Months Worm, Dental Examination (Checking for retained juveniles) 6 Months De-sexing operation, Worm 6.5 Months Initial Vaccination (first 3 year C3 Vaccination) 9 Months Worm 12 Months Worm 15 Months Worm 18 Months Health Check and Worm
Vaccination: C3 - Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus
Puppies should receive full vaccination course at 6 and 10 weeks of age
A C3 vaccine should be given at 6.5 Months of age. New research has shown that there is better protection against the disease with a vaccination at this age.
Kennel Cough Vaccination -
Required at least once a year if visiting Boarding Facilities
Generally not recommended for other dogs living solely in our region
Occasionally recommended for animals that visit more densely populated areas or are regularly used for breeding or showing purposes.
Use intranasal vaccine wherever possible to maximise efficacy and minimise side effects.
Worming: All-wormer should be given every to a puppy every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old. Then every month until 6 months old. Then given once every 3 months for the rest of its life.
Tape Wormer given once every 3 months, 6 weeks after the 3-monthly all-wormer. Required only if the dog has access to carcasses of sheep or kangaroos, to prevent hydatid tapeworm disease in humans.
Microchipping: We recommend all dogs are implanted with microchips. In keeping with state legislation but, as importantly, to ensure the best chance of recovery of your beloved dog if he or she were ever lost.
Desexing: We recommend all dogs are neutered or spayed at around 6 months of age, unless owners intend to breed with them. This recommendation is positive both for the health of the individual animal, as well as for our community in which unwanted and uncared for dogs can be a safety and animal welfare issue.
Fleas and Ticks: For dogs that spend their entire time in this region, there is generally no reason to routinely use preventative measures against fleas or ticks.
Dogs that travel from the region to flea or paralysis tick endemic areas should receive a treatment for prevention before they travel.
Heartworm: For dogs that spend their entire time in this region, there is generally no reason to routinely use preventative measures against heartworm.
Dogs that travel from the region to heartworm endemic areas should receive a treatment for prevention after they travel.
Feeding and Dental Care: Dogs should be offered raw meaty bones that are size appropriate 1-3 times per week to prevent dental disease. Our veterinarians recommend a complete diet that is based on higher protein levels than most "dog food". Raw meat with the addition of Vet's All Natural Complete Mix , or a home made recipe are far more suitable diets for most domestic dogs.
