Your New Puppy
A Guide to Its Care
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. This is an exciting time for everyone and we hope that you will have many happy years together. This handout covers some of the basic facts about keeping a new puppy. Please read it carefully; if you have any further questions please ask a member of staff.
Suggested Feeding Guidelines
- 6-12 weeks: 4 meals daily of Hills Science Plan puppy food.
- 12-16 weeks: 3 meals daily of Hills Science Plan puppy food.
- From about 16 weeks: 2 meals daily of Hills Science Plan puppy food. Change to an adult complete diet at about 1 year for small breeds and at about 10 months for large breeds.
- Large breeds should be fed the Hills Science Plan large breed puppy
- Remember if you are feeding a Hill's diet you do not need to add any form of supplementation or milk.
Getting the right food for your dog is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The right choice will help keep your pet fit for life.
At Parkvets we believe that best food your puppy can get is Hill's Science Plan. The Science Plan range is designed to satisfy all of your dog's dietary needs from the beginning of its life, right up until the end. It's a fact that if you feed your dog a diet like Hill's Science Plan it will live a longer healthier life because it is less likely to suffer from problems like obesity and dental disease.
As your dog gets older its dietary requirements change and different breeds have different needs as well. With Hill's and Parkvets you don't need to worry about this because we will recommend the right diet for your dog regardless of its age, breed or lifestyle.
Actions speak louder than words though and it's a fact that most of our staff feed their pet on Hill's, so we really do practice what we preach.
Vaccinations
- Your puppy should have a primary course of two vaccinations starting with the first at eight weeks and the final one at ten weeks. This allows early socialisation to be undertaken.
- Remember older puppies still need vaccinating if the breeder has not already done it.
- We recommend that puppies should not go out in public areas until fourteen days after their second vaccination.
- Once vaccinated your puppy should receive yearly booster vaccinations at its annual health check.
Parasite Control - Worms, Fleas and Fox mange
There are a number of parasites that pose a threat to your puppy and your family. Understanding each and using the right products to protect your pet is the key to avoiding problems.
Did you know that most puppies are born with roundworms? It is very important that your puppy is treated regularly to eliminate these intestinal parasites. Untreated puppies can suffer from slowed growth, tummy upsets and occasionally death.
Puppies that are in close contact with children should be wormed as well because children can be infected with roundworms too. Roundworm infection in children can be extremely serious with the potential to cause liver damage, asthma and even blindness.
The other worm of concern in dogs is French heartworm because it can kill your pet! Dogs can only pick up this parasite by eating slugs or snails. Affected animals are often young and frequently develop a cough.
Fox mange is caused by a tiny mite that burrows in the skin of your dog. Fox mange is intensely itchy and an infected dog will cause great damage to its skin by scratching almost constantly.
Fleas are one of the most common parasites. They infest both the pet and the home making them difficult to treat. Infestations are therefore best avoided or dealt with quickly.
At Parkvets we will assess the risk to your pet and your family from each parasite and recommend an individualised prevention plan accordingly.
The products recommended by Parkvets are prescription only medicines (POM - V). In order for you to obtain these products from us, your pet will need to have been examined within the previous 12 months.
We would recommend not purchasing flea and worm products from a pet shop or supermarket as they are rarely effective enough to protect your pet.
Exercise
Your puppy should not be allowed to exercise heavily until it has reached maturity. In small breeds this will be about 12 months of age, in some larger breeds it can be as much as 18 months of age. Excessive boisterous exercise (jumping, agility or flyball for example) can increase the chances of joint problems, especially in large susceptible breeds. It may therefore be necessary in some individuals to exercise them mostly on the lead until they are mature.
Neutering
- We recommend that both dogs and bitches are neutered after the age of 6 months. Not only does this prevent unwanted pregnancy, it also has several health benefits to our pets.
- Neutering males can reduce the likelihood of testicular tumours, prostate problems and anal cancers.
- Neutering females at an early age can reduce mammary gland cancers and prevent serious womb infections in later life.
- Neutering your pet will not change it from being a happy personality but can in some individuals reduce any aggressive tendencies that may exist. In males it may also reduce the tendency to wander off.
- It is not necessary for a bitch to have a season before neutering. However bitches that are only 6 months old should be checked by a vet before the neutering operation to ensure that they are physically mature enough.
- If you are considering breeding from your pet you should weigh up all the pros and cons carefully. If things do not go according to plan it can be time consuming and expensive. Further advice about breeding can be obtained from books or at the clinic.
Insurance & Microchips
Insurance for your pets is something we strongly recommend. Veterinary fees can be expensive. There is no NHS for animals but many people want the same quality of care and treatment for their pets. Many of the more complicated procedures can cost hundreds if not thousands of pounds! We have a range of insurance leaflets available in the clinic. Please ask for advice if you are unsure.
Microchipping is a unique way of identifying your pet. A small microchip is implanted, under the skin of your puppy's neck. Should your pet go missing, many rescue centres including Battersea Dog and Cat Home are able to scan for these chips and identify you as the owner. We now stock the Biotherm™ microchips that can read you pet's body temperature without the need for a thermometer in the bottom! Please ask for details.
Dental Care
Dogs' teeth like our own are susceptible to cavities and tartar. Regular oral hygiene is therefore an essential part of the care of your pet. Daily tooth brushing with a soft child's toothbrush is recommended. Flavoured toothpastes are available from the practice for your pet. We also recommend a dry food formula (Hills t/d) to support daily brushing.
Your dog should be encouraged to chew to reduce plaque and tartar. Rawhide chews, tugger ropes and dental kongs™ are effective aids to dental hygiene.
Toys, Playing & Training
Your puppy will need lots of toys to keep it occupied. Try not to buy toys with bits that come loose and can be swallowed. We encourage the use of toys that can be chewed safely to help clean teeth.
Toilet training can be frustrating. Newspaper should be used indoors and the puppy initially encouraged to use this. Praise should always be given when your puppy goes to the toilet in the correct place.
Remember like children, each puppy will take different lengths of time to acquire toilet training. Be patient be consistent. Please ask for more information on training and behaviour.
Puppy Party!
Twoce every week we host a puppy party. The parties are designed to introduce your puppies to other dogs of a similar age, help with socialisation and help to teach you how to look after your puppy for life.
You and your puppy attend the course once weekly for four weeks then your pup "graduates" from class with a certificate. Call our hospital on 02083008111 to find out how to join the next party.
Emergency Service
The practice has a vet on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In the event of an emergency, day or night, you should always telephone your local branch and you will be given the appropriate information on how to contact the emergency vet. Alternatively call the emergency number on 02083008111.
And Finally
We hope that you will have lots of fun and pleasure from your dog over the coming years. We trust it will enjoy good health and hope we can help you achieve this.
Should you need further advice about the health or welfare of your dog then make Parkvets your first port of call. (All of the products featured in this article are available from the practice.)
