Puppy Care at Tulare Veterinary Hospital
Welcoming a new puppy into your family is an exciting time, but it can also bring up many questions and concerns – especially for first time dog owners. At Tulare Veterinary Hospital, we are here to provide guidance for you and your new puppy so that he or she can grow up happy and healthy.
Puppies are more vulnerable to illness as their immune system is still in development. This is why it’s important to bring your new puppy in for their first wellness exam as soon as possible. During the first exam, we will perform a thorough physical examination to look for any underlying health conditions.
The puppy wellness exam is also the perfect time to ask us any questions you have regarding caring for your puppy, such as diet and exercise, behavior issues, or house training. We will also discuss the importance of microchipping your new puppy to ensure that they return home safely if they are ever lost. Please visit our page on microchipping to learn more.
Your puppy’s first exam will include:
- A comprehensive physical exam
- Customized vaccination program based on your puppy’s lifestyle
- Intestinal parasite (worms) screening
- Intestinal parasite (worms) deworming (if necessary)
- External parasite (fleas) screening and parasite protection
- Heartworm prevention
- Recommendations for controlling and preventing external parasites such as flea and ticks
- Microchipping recommendation
- Advice on behavior and house training
- Nutritional counseling
Recommended Vaccinations for Puppies
It is recommended that puppies receive their first vaccination between the ages of six to eight weeks, and that they continue to receive them every three to four weeks until sixteen to twenty weeks of age.
Preparing for Your First Visit
For your puppy’s first exam, please bring a fresh stool sample (ideally less than 12 hours old) and any health information provided to you by the seller or shelter, such as previous vaccinations or deworming. For your puppy’s safety and the safety of others, please arrive with your puppy on a leash or in a secured pet carrier. If you have any questions about your puppy’s first wellness exam or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (559) 686-8544.