New Puppy Guide
Welcome to the family!
Congratulations! We are so excited to meet your new pup. Our goal is to help keep your puppy on track to a healthy, happy, long life. We want you to know we are here to help with any questions or concerns. At Newtown Square Veterinary Hospital, all new puppy visits are scheduled for a full thirty minutes with our doctors to ensure we have adequate time to get to know you and your puppy, as well as answer all of your questions. Here is some information to get you started.
Insurance
As pet parents we want to give the best care we can to our furry family. Injuries and illness can come unexpectedly and expenses can add up quickly. Pet insurance works as a reimbursement for submitted claims.
Diet
What should you feed your new puppy?
Picking a food can be difficult with many different options on the shelf. It is important that your new puppy be on a puppy specific diet. Puppy formulas are developed to help provide proper nutrition as they grow. Please do not hesitate to ask us if what you are feeding is a good option!
Toys
Things to consider when picking a toy:
- Could they swallow it?
- Could they rip it up?
- Could they get pieces out or off of it?
- Is the toy hard enough to break a tooth?
Microchipping
Microchips help reunite you with your pet if they become lost. They provide permanent, lifelong identification for your pet. They are small and easy to implant. If your pet is microchipped, please make sure the chip is correctly registered to you so you can be contacted if your pet is lost!
Training
Investing time and effort in training your new puppy can yield a lifetime of good behavior.
Puppy Classes
Remember: boredom = trouble. Your new puppy is eager and ready to learn! Destructive and nipping behavior can stem from lack of stimulation and lack of exercise. Talk to us if you need a referral for a qualified trainer.
Potty Training
Tips and tricks! Always take your puppy out after they:
- Wake up (nap or bedtime)
- 30 minutes after meals or drinking
- During playtime/exercise
Choose Your Command
Pick a command and stick with it. Consistency is key. Tell your pup to go:
- “Potty”
- “To the bathroom”
- “Do your business”
- “Park time”
Parent to a new kitten?
Check out our new kitten guide
What to Know About Your Puppy’s Health
NSVH will be partners in your pup’s care to help them live a long, healthy, happy life!
Core Vaccination Guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association and American Veterinary Medical Association
DHPP Parvo: Given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
Distemper: No specific cure, can cause a variety of signs in young puppies including seizures.
Hepatitis: Very contagious, spreads quickly, cough and lethargy noted.
Para-influenza: Similar to hepatitis.
Parvovirus: Most prevalent in un-vaccinated puppies. No specific cure, treatment includes hospitalization and empiric care.
Rabies Vaccine: Given between 12 and 16 Weeks of age. Rabies vaccinations are REQUIRED BY LAW
Non-Core Vaccinations (All considered essential for dogs in Southeastern PA)
Leptospirosis: Bacterial infection spread by wildlife, common in this area
Lyme: Infection spread by ticks, prevalent in surrounding areas
Bordetella: Required by most boarding and grooming places. Recommended for dogs interacting with other dogs on a regular basis.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Flea and tick preventives should be given year round to maintain full protection. Fleas and ticks survive all seasons in the Philadelphia area.
Heartworm and Intestinal Parasitic Prevention
Heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention should be started as early as possible and given once a month, year round. Heartworm is a mosquito-borne parasite that lives in the heart and bloodstream. Intestinal parasites are transmitted by fecal-oral contact.
Annual heartworm tests are required to purchase preventative. Annual fecal examination is recommended at time of yearly wellness exams.
Ask us for specific recommendations for preventives for your puppy. Please come see us for a monthly weight check as your puppy grows so we are sure they are getting the appropriate sized preventives.
Spaying and Neutering
It is recommended that all puppies be spayed and neutered at the age of 6 months. Prior to scheduling, we will perform pre-anesthetic blood work to help minimize any complications. Please contact us with any additional questions!
Dental Care
Dental disease is the most common disease diagnosed in dogs. Brushing your dog’s teeth frequently is the most effective way to prevent problems. Using dental chew toys and treats can help if used often and your dog spends time chewing on them. Avoid hard bones which can break teeth. The more home care you provide, the less often your dog will need professional dental cleanings!
