Puppy Veterinary Care

It is essential that your puppy have several examinations within the first year of his or her life. We will address many different areas to make sure that the health of your pup is excellent. We will also discuss such issues as microchipping, spaying/neutering, blood work, behavior, and nutrition and can even recommend training options. Also, we will discuss the first-year wellness schedule based on your puppy’s first exam.

Between 9 and 12 weeks of age, puppies lose the disease protection they received from their mothers and develop the ability to form their own immunity. It is important to have your puppy vaccinated to help prevent infection and to keep him or her healthy.

Vaccination Recommendations for Puppies

VACCINATION	INFO	SYMPTOMS	VACCINE IS GIVEN
Distemper	Highly contagious, potentially fatal virus	Thick eye and nose discharge; fever, which often comes and goes unnoticed; poor appetite; coughing and development of pneumonia; vomiting and diarrhea; seizures	See below
Adenovirus (also known as infectious canine hepatitis)	Contagious disease	Range of symptoms including fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, runny eyes and nose, cough, vomiting	See below
Parainfluenza	Highly contagious respiratory disease	Coughing, sneezing	See below
Parvovirus	Highly contagious intestinal disease that can cause severe dehydration and can be fatal despite aggressive treatment	Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and loss of appetite	See below
The four viruses listed above are commonly grouped together in one vaccine, which is known as the “distemper vaccine” or DAPP. The vaccine series begins at 6–8 weeks of age and continues every three weeks until 15–17 weeks of age. The first vaccine lasts one year, the second vaccine lasts three years. Puppies must receive two vaccines to be protected if under 6 months of age. PLEASE NOTE: It is extremely important to keep your puppy in your yard until he or she has received all vaccines! Your puppy’s immune system is still developing.
VACCINATION	INFO	SYMPTOMS	VACCINE IS GIVEN
Leptospirosis	Can affect humans as well as dogs; transmitted by drinking, swimming, or walking through infected water	Vary but can include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, increased thirst and urination, or jaundice (yellowing of skin)	As a series of two vaccines, 3 weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster
Bordetella (also known as kennel cough)	Commonly found where groups of dogs are, such as groomers, kennels, dog parks, pet stores, training centers	Harsh, hacking coughing and bronchitis	As a series of two vaccines, 3 weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster
Canine influenza	Easily spread and commonly found where groups of dogs are, such as groomers, kennels, dog parks, pet stores, training centers	Sneezing, coughing, fever, lethargy	As a series of two vaccines, 3 weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster
Rabies	Fatal virus that can affect humans	Apprehension, nervousness, anxiety, solitude, and a fever may be noted. Friendly animals may become shy or irritable and may snap, whereas aggressive animals may become affectionate and docile.	Required between 12–16 weeks of age, and then boostered one year after the initial vaccine. Then given every three years in the state of Virginia.

After your puppy’s vaccine series is complete, annual physical examinations and a vaccine program individualized for your puppy will be discussed. Our goal is to provide the best life-long care for your furry friend!

It’s important that you bring your dog to us for a checkup at least once a year, even if your dog seems to be healthy at the time. During these annual checkups, we will give your canine a thorough physical exam, which will include: