Congrats on your new addition! Caring for a new pet is a full time job, as it can be overwhelming. Between vaccinations, surgery and much more, there is a lot to consider. Lexington Animal Hospital wants to ensure that you are prepared for this next chapter of your life, and wants to be a guide for you and your loved one.
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Finding the right diet
Puppies have sensitive stomachs as changing their food may lead to upset stomachs and accidents. The process comes trial and error when finding something your puppy will enjoy eating that has essential nutritional value.
House Training
A puppy will need to be taken to do their business every few hours. The more your puppy is taken outside the quicker your puppy will learn the proper behavior.
Reinforce good behaviors, and redirect them away from negative behaviors.
Collar/Harness
It is important puppies/dogs have a collar with identification and a proper leash. We do not recommend leashes that are retractable as they can be dangerous.
Toys
Be cautious that puppies to do eat pieces of chewed up toys and that they are only given toys they can not choke on.
Nail Trims/Grooming
Clipping nails is very important to avoid dogs'/puppies' nails from growing into their paw pad which can be very painful.
Especially when it comes to long haired fur, dogs/puppies might need some assistance with grooming.
Flea/Tick Preventative
It is important to give your dog/puppy monthly flea and tick preventative. This will keep your dog/puppy safe from fleas, tick, and multiple intestinal parasites.
Fecal Samples
It is important to test a fecal sample of your puppy to check for any intestinal parasites. These parasites can be harmful to your pet and require specific medical attention.
Toxins
Some items to keep in mind that are toxic to puppy/dogs include flowers, Tylenol, mosquito repellent, chocolate, etc. If you ever think your puppy/dog ingested something toxic immediately call us at 732-381-3700 and the Pet Poison Hotline at 800-213-6680
Vaccines
Vaccines
Multiple vaccines are given in doses to ensure protection against specific diseases. Most vaccines also require to be updated yearly or every 3 years. The vaccines options at our hospital include DAPPv (distemper, parvo combo), LEPTO (leptospira), LYME (tickborne disease), Canine Influenza, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), and RABIES. Rabies is required by law, while Lyme, Lepto and DAPPv are highly recommended. Canine Influenza and Bordetella are recommended situationally.
Dental Care
Dental Care
Neglecting your puppy`s/dog`s oral hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems. It can be beneficial to incorporate dental chews and toys in your pet`s routine. The best option is to use a pet safe tooth paste. During a routine physical exam, a DVM might recommend having a dental done. In a dental the teeth are scaled/polished and any teeth may be removed if they are causing an issue.
Heartworm
Heartworm
Canine heartworms are parasite worms that can cause damage to the heart and lungs. The prevention of heartworms is essential to prevent health issues such as respiratory issues, heart failure and even death.
Spaying Your Puppy
Spaying Your Puppy
Spaying your puppy can prevent mammary cancer, pyometra (infection of the uterus), urine marking around the house, unwanted puppies and noisy heat cycles. Spays are a same day surgery as the puppy will only be with us for a few hours and does not require an overnight stay. Our DVMs recommend all puppies to be spayed at around 6 months of age.
Neutering Your Puppy
Neutering Your Puppy
Neutering your puppy can prevent the development of any unwanted behaviors. These include urine marking and fighting. Neuters are a same day surgery as the puppy will only be with us for a few hours and does not require an overnight stay. Our DVMs recommend all puppies to be neutered at around 6 months of age.
Fleas Know Your Enemy
Fleas Know Your Enemy
Fleas are not only a nuisance, but they can kill. A flea infestation can lead to anemia as they suck the blood of those they inhabit. Besides causing skin issues, some animals may be allergic to flea bites which can cause a reaction. Even a puppy/dog who does not go outside often or is usually just walked on pavement can still contract fleas. It is best to have your puppy/dog on flea preventative medication.
Why Microchip?
Why Microchip?
A microchip ID is a small transmitter the size of a grain of rice that get implanted beneath the skin of a pet . When a scanner passes over the area of the microchip it will read the microchip ID number which is unique to every owner. If your puppy/dogis every lost and is found with a microchip, the proper registry will be contacted. The registry then has the owner`s contact information, and can reunite a lost pet with their proper owner.
Please note:
Once microchips are placed, Lexington Animal Hospital will register the patient. The first year of enrollment will be paid for. Subscriptions are required to be renewed yearly by the client.
All of the above information has been approved by Lexington Animal Hospital and is sourced from Veterinary Partner VIN
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