Puppy Care
What vaccines does my puppy require and when should they be given?
Vaccines help protect your puppy against dangerous viruses and build their immune system. If your puppy is less than 16 weeks old, you should not allow them to walk in public areas such as dog parks, sidewalks, or animal hospitals.
You should remember 3 core vaccines: DHPP Bordetella, and Rabies.
DHPP:
DHPP protects puppies against Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Distemper. It is also known as a “combo vaccine” or “Distemper vaccine”. The DHPP vaccines can be administered to puppies through a series of “boosters”.
Your puppy should have their first DHPP vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age. This will help build immunity as your puppy grows.
Your puppy will receive a 1-year DHPP vaccination at 16 weeks.
You might start the DHPP boosters at 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks depending on where and when your puppy was born. You can continue to follow the booster sequence every 3-4 weeks until your puppy reaches 16 weeks. At that point, they will be eligible for their 1st DHPP vaccination.
The DHPP is renewed every 3 years after the initial year.
Bordetella:
Puppies should be vaccinated against Bordetella at 8-12 weeks old. Some places require Bordetella vaccinations. Every 6 months. Every 6 months, we vaccinate.
Bordetella is a bacteria that causes kennel cough.
Because there are other disease-causing agents than Bordetella, your dog can still get kennel fever with this vaccine.
Rabies:
Your puppy will be ready for their 1 Year Rabies vaccination at 16 weeks.
Because Rabies can cause death and spread to others, it is a law requirement.
What routine treatments should my puppy be receiving?
Three important routine treatments are essential for your dog:
Flea Prevention – Begin when your veterinarian recommends.
Southern California fleas are particularly resistant, so we recommend year-round treatment.
You can continue taking the medication monthly or take a 3-month break.
Tapeworms and other diseases can be caused by fleas, including Bubonic plague.
Heartworm – This parasite can cause live worms in dogs’ hearts. This disease is difficult to treat, but heartworm preventatives can help.
This is usually a monthly pill. Ask your veterinarian to get your pet heartworm prevention as soon as possible.
Fecal Testing and Deworming – Bring a fresh sample of your pup to your first exam. This will allow your vet to determine the best course for parasite control, including deworming.
What routine tests should I ensure my puppy has?
Fecal testing can reveal parasites that may be causing diarrhea and bloody stool, low hunger, lethargy, or dehydration. Sometimes, patients do not show any clinical signs of illness. Common parasites include Coccidia and Giardia. These parasites can cause serious health problems if left untreated. As a precaution, it is important to test every year and treat any symptoms that may occur.
A heartworm test if you are over 6 months of age, can reveal a cardiac parasite that could be fatal. After you have received a negative test, start heartworm guard medication monthly. As a precaution, test every year.
Heartworm treatment can be started without testing for dogs younger than six months of age.
Wellness examinations should be done every year and when new symptoms present. Your veterinarian will inspect your puppy’s ears and eyes, teeth, skin, and overall health.
How can I potty-train my dog?
Your puppy should have a designated area for peeing and pooping. This is called potty training. You can use pee pads, grass, or other methods to create a designated area for your puppy if they are too young or not yet vaccinated. Your job is to direct your puppy to the potty.
Use a schedule to instruct them to use the toilet after every meal, nap, and playtime until they can decide for themselves where to go. You can set up a potty time for them every hour if they are young.
While your puppy is learning, don’t punish him or her. Instead, direct them to the right area. Praise them when they are independent in the designated area. Be consistent and patient!
We recommend this video about potty training.
How can I train my dog to walk on leashes?
After your puppy is 16 weeks old (4 months), you can start leash training outdoors. You can also practice leash training indoors for puppies who have not been fully vaccinated.
Make sure your puppy is properly fitted in a harness. Also, make sure your puppy has a collar and tag that include your contact information.
Praise them and give them treats. Practice should be done in a quiet area with a fence. You can practice for a short time until your puppy feels confident.
Never let your puppy pull you while they are on a leash. To comfort your puppy if he or she refuses to walk, you can kneel at his/her level and encourage him/her to continue walking. Encourage them to walk. If your dog still refuses to walk, you can pick him or her up and give him another chance in an hour.
What vaccines and preventive medicine does my kitten require and when should they be given?
Vaccines help protect your kitten against dangerous viruses and build their immune system. Indoor cats should be kept at all times. Outdoor cats live an average of 2 years.
Remember to keep 2 vaccines in mind: FVRCP and Rabies.
FVRCP:
FVRCP protects kittens against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. FVRCP vaccines for kittens are given in a series called “boosters”.
Your kitten should be vaccinated against FVRCP starting at 6 weeks. FVRCP should always be boosted once every 3-4 weeks, or 4 months until your kitten reaches 16 weeks. This will help build immunity.
Your kitten will receive a 1-year FVRCP vaccine at 16 weeks.
You might start the FVRCP boosters at 7 weeks, 8, 9, or 10 depending on where and when your kitten was born. You can still use the booster sequence every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 years of age. They can get their FVRCP vaccine at 16 weeks.
FVRCP is generally given after the 1-year vaccinations are given.
Your kitten can be vaccinated against Rabies at 16 weeks.
Prevention Medicine Kittens should be given two doses of deworming to prevent parasites and monthly flea prevention if they are old enough. For more information on the schedule and dosages, consult your veterinarian.
