Your puppy's first vet visit should happen within a few days of bringing them home. This visit will include:
A comprehensive physical exam
First round of core vaccinations
Parasite screening and prevention (fleas, ticks, worms)
Nutrition consultation
Discussion about microchipping and spaying/neutering
Pro Tip: Bring any paperwork from the breeder or shelter, including vaccine records and previous health checks.
Staying on track with your puppy's vaccinations is key to their health. Here’s a general timeline:
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza) |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP booster, Bordetella |
| 14–16 weeks | Final DHPP, Rabies |
| 6 months+ | Spay/neuter discussion, Leptospirosis, Lyme (if applicable) |
We’ll tailor this based on your puppy’s breed, lifestyle, and health history.
Parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes can pose serious health risks to your puppy. Heartworms, in particular, can damage the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to lung disease or even heart failure. Treatment is difficult and expensive, which is why prevention is key.
We recommend Simparica Trio®, a monthly chewable that protects against fleas, ticks, and heartworms, and is safe for puppies as young as eight weeks. We also offer other oral and topical options based on your puppy’s needs.
Spaying or neutering your puppy not only helps reduce pet overpopulation but also offers important health benefits. Neutering males lowers the risk of testicular cancer and prostate issues, while spaying females helps prevent mammary tumors and uterine cancer.
Most female dogs will go into heat around 6 to 8 months old. If you have a larger indoor dog, you may need to consider hygiene products during this time.
For puppies under 50 lbs., spaying or neutering is typically recommended around 6 months of age. For large breeds over 50 lbs., we suggest waiting until 12 to 24 months, as early sterilization may increase the risk of orthopedic issues and certain cancers.
Puppies need calorie-rich, balanced food made specifically for growth. Feed three times a day at consistent times, and always offer fresh water. After meals, take your puppy out for a potty break to support training.
Stuffing a Kong with canned puppy food and freezing it makes a great treat, especially for crate training or when leaving your puppy alone.
We recommend quality brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Eukanuba. These support healthy development and weight gain.
Switch to twice-daily feedings around 6 months of age, and transition to adult food by 12 months. We’re happy to help choose the right diet during your puppy’s health checks.
Even if your puppy doesn’t need professional grooming right away, early exposure to brushing and nail trims builds good habits.
Brush their coat a few times a week
Gently handle paws and ears to get them comfortable
Brush teeth with dog-safe toothpaste