Puppy Care
Congratulations on Your New Puppy!
All of us at Pet Wellness Animal Hospital are so excited to meet your new puppy and welcome them into our family. Having a puppy is a joyous experience and a big responsibility. Our staff is here for you to be sure your puppy grows old into a senior canine and receives the care they need to grow up healthy and strong.
Your Puppy’s First Visit
It is important to bring your new puppy in for an exam as soon as possible to establish good health. Premature and young puppies are more likely to experience medical issues as their immune system is not yet fully developed and may be more susceptible illness.
We ask that you bring the health information provided to you by the seller or shelter on your first visit with us, which should include a previous history of vaccines and deworming. We also ask you to bring a fresh stool sample.
During your puppy’s initial visit, we will perform a comprehensive examination and check your puppy for intestinal parasites. Puppies need a series of vaccinations in their first year of life to protect them from various dangerous, but preventable diseases; we will develop a vaccination schedule specifically for your puppy. We will address any questions you have concerning care for your pet, such as diet and nutrition, behavioral issues, integrating the new puppy into your home, and house training.
Your puppy’s first exam will include:
- A comprehensive physical exam
- Intestinal parasite screening
- A tailored vaccination program
- Flea, heartworm, and tick prevention
- Behavior and housetraining advice
- Nutritional counseling
Vaccines and Your Puppy
We believe in designing a personalized vaccine protocol for each puppy to maximize the protection against any diseases your puppy is likely to be exposed to. There are many diseases that are preventable through the judicious use of vaccines, so it is important to vaccinate your puppy against the diseases to which he or she may be exposed.
Dental Care for Your Puppy
At your puppy’s annual wellness visit, we will discuss at-home dental care and show you how to brush your puppy’s teeth. Over time, they will get used to the process and even look forward to having their teeth brushed at home!
Signs That Your Puppy Needs Immediate Medical Attention
Please be alert to the following symptoms, which may be signs that your puppy needs immediate care:
- Signs of pain including panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, hiding, restlessness, loss of appetite, reacting aggressively when touched or approached, crying
- Respiratory problems such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or labored breathing
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- A wound or laceration that’s open or bleeding
- Animal bites
- Allergic reactions, swelling around the face, hives, or severe itching
- An eye injury
- Seizures
- Fainting or collapse, difficulty standing or getting up
- Blank stare, disorientation
- Exposure to extreme cold or heat
- Trauma such as getting hit by a vehicle or falling
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a foreign substance
Please contact us immediately if your puppy is experiencing any of these symptoms.