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Care of your New Puppy!

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR NEW PUPPY!

It is our aim to help you keep your puppy happy, fit and healthy from day one.
We therefore recommend the following procedures so you can relax in the
knowledge your puppy is receiving all he needs at this important stage of his life.

6–8 weeks:
This is the time at which most owners bring their new puppy home. It is the ideal
time as the puppy should be fully weaned by now. As your puppy has not been
vaccinated it is important that you do not allow him to mix with other dogs in
public places. When bringing him to the surgery ensure that he is carried until he is fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations:
8 weeks is the ideal time for your puppy to have the first part of a two course
vaccination. This injection will protect puppy from Canine Parvovirus, Canine
Distemper, Infection Canine Hepatitis, Para-influenza and Canine Leptospirosis.
These infections are often fatal in unprotected animals.

At this appointment you will be given a vaccination card which the Vet will record your pet’s vaccination details. This card will be unique to your pet - please remember to bring it along every time your puppy visits us for any vaccination.

Your puppy will also be given a full health check by the vet, with advice on
worming, dietary needs and preventative flea treatment. The 2nd vaccination must be given 14 days after the 1st, but puppies must be at least 10 weeks old. Keep your puppy in his restricted area for a further 7 days, allowing the immune system to respond, and then he will be ready to ‘face the world’. His next vaccination (booster) will be an annual injection from the date of the 2nd, and we will of course send you a reminder. Please note that vaccination is a
necessary requirement for boarding kennels.

Worming:
Should be carried out every 2 weeks, from 2 weeks old until 12 weeks old, and then monthly until 6 months of age using either Granofen granules sprinkled over food, or Panacur paste given directly into mouth, or Drontal liquid.
At the age of 6 months a different wormer is advised in the form of a tablet and can be then given every 3 months. Wormer is based on weight of
the puppy, so regular weighing is advised, which can be done at the surgery
without having to make an appointment.

Preventative Flea Treatment
Frontline spray can be used from 2 days old and a Frontline Spot On application
from 10 weeks of age. Flea treatment should be administered every 8 weeks.

Dietary Needs
A ‘complete’ puppy food is recommended, but it is important that if a change of
diet has to be made it is a gradual one. Many health problems can result from
feeding an unsuitable diet, therefore please discuss with the vet at your
appointment, or our nurses who will be more than happy to discuss your puppy’s
requirements.

Microchip
So that your pet will be able to be identified should he ever become lost or
injured, we can insert a tiny microchip under the skin on the neck. This is
encoded with a number unique to your pet. This number can be read at many
establishments e.g., veterinary surgeries, police stations, dog warden and
RSPCA. We highly recommend this procedure, as we have reunited many pets
and owners using this system, all at a cost of around £17.

Kennel Cough Vaccination
Can be given over the age of two weeks and should be administered at least two
weeks before your dog goes into boarding kennels, often a requirement at
kennels. Dogs may be re-vaccinated annually to maintain immunity.