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 hour with the doctor 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.

Also check out our New Kitten Guide


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.

TRUPANION

HEALTHY PAWS

EMBRACE


Diet

What to 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!


Training

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”

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?

Microchipping

Microchips help reunite you with your pet if they become lost. They are small and easy to implant.



Your Pup’s Health

Vaccinations

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

Elective Vaccines

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!


We look forward to seeing you for your puppy’s first appointment. Call us to schedule a visit today!

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Call us: 484-427-7598

8 Saint Albans Avenue
Newtown Square, PA 19073


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