If you’ve recently brought home a new puppy, you’ve probably stocked up on chew toys, a dog bed, bones and other treats. But have you thought about your furry friend’s health? There are several important steps you should take when your dog is young to ensure it stays free from diseases and other health problems.
Dr David Neck, president of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association, gives his top tips for keeping your puppy healthy.
What vaccines does my puppy need?
The most important vaccinations are against distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and parvovirus. These are known as the “core” vaccines and should be given at six to eight weeks, 10 to 12 weeks and 14 to 16 weeks.
Non-core vaccines include those against two agents that can cause kennel cough — parainfluenza virus and a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica — as well as coronavirus and leptospirosis. They can be given at the same time as the core vaccines. Most vets will consider the puppy’s lifestyle and geographic location to decide if they’re warranted.
The first annual booster is given around 15 months of age. There are now “triennial” vaccines against the core diseases that provide three years of protection. However, non-core vaccines need to be given annually and vets still recommend an annual health check-up for all dogs.
How can I protect my puppy from fleas and other parasites?
Heartworm prevention needs to start from 12 weeks of age. There are products that are given daily or monthly, or an injection that’s given yearly. Some southern regions of Australia don’t have heartworm, but prevention in the tropical areas is essential.
Flea prevention usually starts from 12 weeks as well, although it isn’t uncommon to see puppies crawling in fleas from birth. Different products can be used at different ages, but most are registered from 12 weeks onwards.
Gastrointestinal worms are different to heartworm. The standard recommendations are to give a tummy allwormer every two weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until six months, then every three months for life. These recommendations change depending on the environment; tropical areas have a greater problem with worms.
We might also recommend different worming intervals if young children are in close contact with the dog. We never want dog worms to end up in us! Your vet clinic and their staff are experts at recommending the best flea, worm and heartworm products for your puppy.
When should my puppy be desexed?
The Australian Veterinary Association doesn’t have a specific policy on this. Some vets will advocate desexing as young as eight weeks, while others recommend allowing the dog to develop more and suggest waiting until five or six months of age. You should determine the best time for desexing your puppy by discussing it with your vet.
What should and shouldn’t I feed my puppy?
Puppies have higher calcium and energy requirements, and the easiest way to satisfy them is with a complete and balanced puppy food. Dogs should never get onions, chocolate, grapes or sultanas as they’re all potentially poisonous.
How much exercise does my puppy need?
Playtime is important, but we don’t recommend disciplined “exercise” such as taking them for a run on a lead until they’re at least one year old. Their skeletons need to mature first. You can almost never play with your puppy too much. But when they’re sleepy, give them time out!
What else should I do to ensure my puppy is healthy and happy?
Socialising your puppy is one of the most important things — the early weeks are when they learn to “talk” to other dogs. I recommend puppy preschool for everyone, even experienced dog owners, as the dog gets to interact with others in a safe way.
I love it when the preschool is held at the vet clinic as the dogs love coming to the vet for the rest of their lives. If the only reason they come to the vet is for needles or surgery, it’s little wonder they don’t like us later in life!
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