There is a great deal of information to take to in and remember when it comes to your new canine family member. I will try to go over some of the most important information here in this section of the website. If, however, you have any questions, comments, or suggestions on any of the topics, or if you would like me to cover some other topic, feel free to email me.
Vaccinations: The first thing to do when getting a new puppy is a get a complete veterinary check up. Many breeders will tell you that they have given the puppy his/her first set of vaccines. This is fine but make sure that they got the vaccines from a veterinarian. Many breeders order their vaccines online of get them from a co-op or farm supply store. The problem with these vaccines is that no one know how they have been handled. Even though the manufacture is the same as the manufacture of your veterinary vaccines, the distributor is not. Veterinary Hospitals receive their product directly from the manufacture. Your pet magazines, farm supply stores, and co-ops get their vaccines from a distributor. Many times the vaccines are shipped out and sit at loading docks getting hot, thereby inactivating the vaccine.
It will not hurt to vaccinate your puppy again if their are any questions regarding his vaccine status. It is much better to be safe, than sorry. I could not count how many puppies I have treated for parvo that have been “vaccinated”. Most parvo treatments run about $150-$200 per day. Vaccines are much cheaper! See the vaccination page for more details on vaccination recommendations.
Foods: It is very important that you start your puppy off with the right kind of food and continue throughout his/her life. Many people are excited about their new puppy and will buy a good quality food to begin with but as the puppy grows, they begin to get cheaper and cheaper food. This is often due to the fact that the puppy is eating more and more. Don’t let this happen with you! A good quality food will pay for itself in the long run in the longevity of your puppy, decreased trips to the vet’s office, and decreased medications for problems such as arthritis, obesity, and G. I. upsets. Visit our “FOODS??” page for more information on how to choose the right food for your pet.
Fleas and Ticks: Fleas and ticks are a problem that is best prevented rather than treated. It is good to go ahead and get some flea and tick control products for your puppy as soon as you get him. Don’t wait until it has “become a problem” before trying to manage it. Often times your local veterinary hospital will supply the first month of heartworm and flea and tick control preventative to you at no charge on your first visit. If they don’t, make sure that you ask for some! Remember to use it every month to keep your new “friend” healthy, happy, and parasite free. Your local veterinarian should help you pick products that are right for you and your area. Feel free to check out our FLEA AND TICK page to provide you with a comparison of some of the most popular products.
Your veterinarian is your puppy’s second best friend. So choosing a veterinarian is very important. You wouldn’t pick your child’s pediatrician based on who was the cheapest or decide where you would go based on the fact that you never had to wait (because no one else takes their child there). Don’t make the same mistake with your pet. Make sure that your veterinarian is available to answer your questions and make sure that you feel that he/she has your puppy’s best interest at heart. Don’t settle for less!