: Puppy Health

When do we need to see the veterinarian?

It is a good idea to visit your veterinarian for a health check soon after obtaining your puppy. Vaccinations are needed at approximately 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age depending on various programs. These vaccinations help to protect your new puppy against diseases such as parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis which can be very serious diseases. There are also vaccinations available for a condition known as Kennel Cough, which can be annoying and worrying, but is rarely life threatening.

Your veterinarian will also talk to you about heartworm prevention, regular intestinal worming and control of fleas and ticks. Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitoes that can cause heart failure and death even in young dogs. Intestinal worms can cause loss of weight, diarrhoea, vomiting and even death, as well as posing a potential health risk to humans. Fleas and ticks can be annoying as well as dangerous if you live in an area where the paralysis tick is found.

If you are not planning to allow your dog to breed, desexing is usually recommended for both male and female dogs at around 6 months of age.