New Puppy
- Selecting a new puppy
- Checklist for a new puppy
- Vaccination
- De-worming
- Heartworm Prevention
- Flea Control
- Puppy School
- Microchip Identification
- Registration with Council
- De-sexing
- Diet
- Pet Accessories
Selecting a new puppy
There are many factors you should consider in selecting a puppy that is right for you.
The following web sites may help you select a suitable breed of dog:
Checklist for new puppy
Vaccination
- First at 6-8 weeks
- Second at 12 weeks
- Third at 16 weeks
De-worming & Flea Control
- De-worm Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age with Canex Puppy suspension.
- Then de-worm at 16 weeks of age with Drontal Allwormer.
- Heartworm prevention starting from 12 weeks of age.
- Flea control program.
General
- Puppy school
- Microchip Identification
- Registration with council
- De-sexing
- Diet
Vaccination
Puppies at Baldivis Vet Hospital are vaccinated with a C5 vaccination. This covers the parvo virus, distemper virus, hepatitis virus, para-influenza virus and Bordetella (canine cough). The parvo virus, distemper virus and hepatitis virus may cause death and vaccination is essential.
Parvo Virus
Parvo virus causes severe diarrhoea with may result in death. Outbreaks of diarrhoea from Parvo virus occur regularly each year. Puppies with Parvo virus diarrhoea shed millions of virus particles. The virus particles are very resistant to dessication and can be transferred into the household on the soles of shoes and by other methods. Puppies are at special risk of contracting Parvo virus unless they are vaccinated. We recommend puppies are vaccinated at regular intervals until they are 16 weeks of age. Certain breeds of puppies are known to have a poor immune response and in certain circumstances a special vaccination protocol may be recommended for these puppies.
De-worming
Puppies have exposure to special parasites called Toxocara canis. This parasite has larvae that cross from the mother to infest the unborn puppy. The parasite is from the ascarid family and the eggs are sticky, so children may be at risk of ingesting them. We recommend de-worming puppies with Canex Puppy Suspension every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks of age. At 16 weeks we recommend deworming with Drontal Allwormer or a similar product.
There are many products that prevent heartworm, control fleas and gastrointestinal worms. Baldivis Vet Hospital has produced a table of products available and this can be accessed by clicking here
Heartworm prevention
Heartworm is a parasite that resides in the main blood vessels of the heart. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and most puppies are at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. We recommend that all puppies start on heartworm prevention at 12 weeks of age.
There are many products that prevent heartworm, control fleas and gastrointestinal worms. Baldivis Vet Hospital has produced a table of products available and this can be accessed by clicking here.
Flea Control
Flea control needs to start early, so ask veterinary staff to recommend a suitable product. Baldivis Vet Hospital has produced a table of products available and this can be accessed by clicking here.
Puppy School
Puppy school is fun for puppies and their owners and it is essential for the social development of your puppy. Puppy school consists of 5 weekly classes lasting 1 hour. At the end of the course puppies should be able to come, sit, drop and stay. Puppies are able to start puppy school at 8 weeks and this is a good age to commence their training.
Microchip Identification
Almost all lost pets are scanned for the presence of a microchip. Those pets with a microchip are quickly reunited with their family. Microchip identification is recommended for all pets. Pets can be micro-chipped as puppies, or when they are de-sexed. When puppies are micro-chipped, the microchip number is registered on central animal records and this information can be easily accessed.
Registration with council
All dogs need to be registered with the local council.
De-sexing
Females
There are many terms for de-sexing females including spay, sterilize and ovariohysterectomy.
We recommend all female dogs that are not intended for breeding are de-sexed at 6 months of age, because de-sexing prior to their first season results in a lesser incidence of mammary cancer in later life. In addition, de-sexing prevents females coming into season and becoming pregnant.
The Ruby Benjamin Foundation is a fund to assist pet owners who are limited financially to have their bitch sterilized. (Conditions apply)
Male
There are many terms for de-sexing males including castration sterilization and neutering. We recommend castration of male dogs over the age of 6 months who are not intended for breeding.
Diet
Diet is important to all growing dogs especially for large breeds. Large breed dogs are prone to growth related bone and joint abnormalities. A healthy diet is a key factor to ensure your puppy grows and develops healthy bones and joints. Staff at Baldivis Vet Hospital can advise regarding diet.
Premium pet foods are quality foods. They are formulated to deliver optimum nutrition for your pet. Premium pet foods are made from quality ingredients; they have enzymes to limit tartar build up on teeth, beet pulp in the biscuits to absorb gases in the colon, omega 3 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and glucosamine for joint function.
Relevant Links
Pet Accessories Baldivis Vet Stocks
- Collars
- Leads
- Coats
- Snooza beds
- Toys
- Blankets
- Feed bowls
- Water bowls
Relevant Links
