1. First Health Check-up (Puppy Exam)
- Comprehensive Physical Examination: The vet will perform a full physical exam to assess the overall health of the puppy, checking for signs of illness or congenital conditions.
- Weight Check: Monitoring your puppy's weight and growth progress is important, as it provides valuable insights into its health and nutrition.
2. Vaccinations
Puppies typically receive a series of vaccinations to protect them from common infectious diseases. The following vaccines are often included in an initial puppy package:
- Core Vaccines (DHPP):
- Distemper: A viral disease affecting multiple organs, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus): A viral disease affecting the liver.
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious and often severe viral infection that attacks the intestines.
- Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus that can cause kennel cough.
These vaccines are often given in combination as the DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza).
- Rabies Vaccine: While this is usually administered at a later age (usually around 12-16 weeks), it may be included or recommended in some packages depending on local regulations.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): This vaccine helps prevent kennel cough, especially important if your puppy will be exposed to other dogs in social settings like puppy classes, parks, or boarding.
3. Deworming Treatment
- Parasite Control: Puppies are often treated for common intestinal parasites (such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms), which can affect their health. Deworming treatments are typically given in several doses, starting at a young age and continuing for several months.
- Fecal Exam: A stool sample may be examined to check for the presence of parasites.
4. Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
- Flea and Tick Treatment: If your puppy is old enough, the vet may recommend a flea and tick preventative treatment, especially if you live in areas where these pests are common.
- Heartworm Prevention: While heartworm preventative medications are typically started at around 6-8 weeks of age, the vet might advise starting this early, depending on your puppy’s age and location
5. Microchip Implantation
- Microchip for Identification: A small, permanent identification chip that is implanted under the puppy’s skin, allowing the puppy to be identified if lost or stolen. Some veterinary clinics include this as part of the puppy package.
6. General Puppy Advice
- Nutrition Counseling: Vets often provide guidance on the best food for your puppy’s breed, size, and developmental stage, helping you set up a proper diet plan.
- Behavioral Advice: Some veterinary clinics offer basic advice on puppy socialization, training tips, and how to manage common behavioral issues like biting or housebreaking.