Your
new puppy
Vaccinations -Your puppy will need two initial injections, normally a
first one at 8 weeks then a second at 10 weeks. Your puppy will then need annual
boosters to ensure continuous immunity. At each booster appointment and first
vaccination, your vet will also give your pet a thorough examination including
listening to their heart and lungs. A vaccination covers many diseases including
parvo virus (your vet can explain these in more detail if requested).
Worming - Your puppy will need worming when you first get him/her. Roundworms
can be treated with Advocate or Drontal tablet. Tapeworm can also be a risk
if your puppy starts going out and about, or catches fleas. This can be treated
by a Drontal tablet every three months. However your vet can advise you on the
most appropriate treatment for your puppy. Advocate also kills lungworm, a disease
which has become more prevalent in the south of England recently and can be
life threatening.
Fleas - To prevent fleas or treat them your puppy will need a product
called Advantage which is a spot on and needs to be applied monthly. Advocate
also treats for fleas monthly (also killing worms and mites except tapeworm).
Fleas particularly like warm conditions so can be found in the home in winter
with central heating, or in warmer weather. They can cause your pet irritation
and skin problems.
Microchips - A microchip is a small implant the size of a grain of rice.
It is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. It may cause some
discomfort to your puppy when being placed but some do not react at all. It
contains a unique code which is registered on a national data base, meaning
if your pet strays they can be reunited with you as soon as possible. All practices,
police stations and pounds will have a scanner to check if the animal is microchipped.
It is a one off payment that would normally never need repeating. It can be
done from 12 weeks and is essential for a pet passport.
Nutrition - Your puppy must be fed on a high quality, puppy diet. These
diets are designed to meet the nutritional needs of a puppy, which are different
to the adult dog. They contain higher levels of protein, vitamins and minerals
and will ensure your puppy has a healthy development. At Mid Sussex we recommend
Hills Science Plan. Please ask for more details.
Insurance - Unfortunately, puppies can require expensive treatments at
some time during their life. Insurance will safe guard you and your pet by allowing
your dog to have the best possible treatment, without having sleepless nights
over the cost. When looking for a suitable insurance company you should consider
whether they will offer you life time cover, whether they cover heart problems,
prescription diets and dental treatments and if they are a pet specialist. Please
ask at reception for further information or leaflets. Some companies will offer
introductory deals.
Neutering - By the time you have sorted all of the above; it will probably
be time to neuter your puppy! We normally neuter from six months although this
can vary depending on the dog. This has many benefits including - · Can reduce
aggression towards other dogs · Removes risks of cancers · Prevent prostate
problems · Prevent false pregnancies or uterine infections · Prevention of breeding
and inconvenience of seasons · Reduces urine marking · Lowers risk of straying
to mate.
Don't forget to ask about keyhole spaying for bitches
over 8kgs.
