Your New Puppy
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Over the next year your puppy will go through many changes both physical and emotional and you will probably have lots of questions about his or her wellbeing and care.
This article attempts to answer your most common concerns but if you do have any further queries all please feel free to contact us at the clinic on 524 8361
Vaccinations
Your puppy’s initial vaccination course gives protection against Parvovirus, Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough.
We recommend three vaccinations at six, nine and twelve weeks of age. If your puppy is likely to be going in to kennels within six months it will also require a Kennel Cough Intranasal Vaccine.
Worming
It is very important that your pet is wormed regularly for their health and also for yours. Worm burdens are greatest in younger animals where they are passed in the mother’s milk and across the placenta. At Abbotts Way we recommend the following worming regime for both cats and dogs.
Every two weeks until twelve weeks of age
Every month from three to six months of age
Every three months thereafter.
We recommend Drontal or Endogaurd which cover both roundworms and tapeworms. Alternatively there is the option of using a combined flea and worm treatment, Advantage Multi. Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable treatment for your puppy.
Neutering
Male Dogs
Health benefits include prostate health, prevention of cancer of the testicles and some anal tumours. The neutered male dog is also much less likely to roam, be aggressive towards other dogs or urine mark. We recommend neutering at 5-6 months of age.
The Female Dog
Speying before the first heat is strongly recommended. Every time an un-neutered bitch has a heat it greatly increases her chance of developing breast cancer later in life
An un-neutered bitch has a high chance of developing the potentially life-threatening condition pyometra (womb infection) later on in life.
Micro-chipping
A micro-chip is a tiny device that is implanted under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. It has a unique serial number that is linked to your pet’s details on the national database. If your pet is injured or lost it will automatically be scanned and you will be contacted. Changes in dog control legislation mean that from the 1st of July 2006 any newly registered dog must be microchipped.
Microchipping is generally painless and can be performed during a normal consultation. Many owners opt to have their pet microchipped at the time of neutering. Discovering the chipping technology and how it will help protecting your puppy.
Puppy Preschool
Puppy Preschool is a fun and challenging way to socialise young puppies while teaching them basic commands. Classes run for four weeks and are held on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Please contact Julie Dalton at the clinic if you would like to book a course.
Flea Treatment
Fleas are the major cause of skin disease in cats and dogs. It is thus vital to keep your puppy flea free. Because of Auckland’s warm humid climate fleas are an issue year round, not just over the warmer months, so it is important that your new puppy is treated each month
We recommend using either Advantage or Frontline. Both of these products can be used safely from 8 weeks of age.
Each of these products has its particular advantages so please ask your veterinarian or one of our qualified veterinary nurses for advice on which product would be suitable for your puppy.
Diet
A good quality growth diet is essential for the health and well-being of your new puppy. Puppies undergo very rapid growth and many changes in that first year of life so it is important that they are fed a highly digestible, nutrient dense, balanced formulation.
We recommend feeding one of the following premium brands: Eukanuba, Iams or Hills.
Our staff are happy to discuss your puppy’s individual dietary requirements with you and help you to choose an appropriate feeding plan.
Insurance
Advancements in veterinary medicine mean that a very high standard of care can be provided for your pet. Treatment can however prove costly especially in large breed dogs, chronic conditions or if referral to a veterinary specialist is required.
Pet insurance works in a similar way to human health insurance, and removes the added worry of an expensive bill should your pet suffer a serious illness or injury.
There are a handful of pet insurance companies on the market providing policies of variable quality. We recommend insuring your animal with either Petplan or Pet-n-Sur (www.pet-n-sur.com)
Wellness Plans
Wellness plans are designed to maximise your puppy’s health though regular check ups and health screening. Puppy plans include vaccination, neutering and a 10% discount on all other services and products excluding food. Brochures are available at the front desk.
Helpful Websites
More detailed information on the care of your puppy is provided on our website: www.abbottswayvet.co.nz. Another helpful website is www.veterinarypartner.vin.com. This is an American website that provides reliable information on animal health, and behaviour including training.
