Fecal Testing – almost all puppies are born with worms. Other parasites can also be picked up in the environment. Over the counter dewormers only get a couple of these parasites, which can be fatal in young animals.
Deworming – deworming should begin at two weeks of age, then continue every two weeks until your veterinarian begins your pet on a monthly heartworm preventative. Some of these worms can be fatal to young animals, as well as transmissible to people.
Flea & Tick Control – here in Texas, external parasites are a big deal! Fleas and ticks are prevalent, and can show up even in indoor animals. Fleas infestations often spike at the beginning and end of summer, so the best thing to do to avoid an infestation is keep your pet on a year round control program. The safest and most effective flea control products are prescription products that you get from your veterinarian. Talk to your vet about the best type of flea control for your pet.
Nutrition – good nutrition is important in puppies just like in children. Starting them off right sets the stage for a long healthy life. Small puppies should be fed small frequent meals, as often as 4 times a day. All puppies should be fed a high quality puppy food for at least the first six months of their life.
Spay / Neuter – spaying and neutering not only prevents pet overpopulation, but also gives your dog a longer, healthier life by preventing many cancers and infections. We recommend spaying or neutering at 6 months of age (we may recommend delaying this in some large breed dogs). A spayed or neutered pet lives a longer, happier life.
Housetraining – this is a critical part of making your pet a part of your life and a member of the household. Crate training is one of the most effective and safest way to housetrain your new dog.
Puppy Classes / Socialization – 6-16 weeks is a critical socialization period for puppies. During this time they learn appropriate ways to interact with other dogs and with people. We recommend visits with properly vaccinated dogs and puppy socialization classes during this period. Dog trainers at puppy classes can also give you tips on curbing unacceptable behaviors (chewing, biting, digging).
Identification – permanent identification is a way to safeguard your pet if they ever get loose. A microchip is a small chip implanted under the skin. It is placed just like a vaccination, although the needle is bigger. It holds a number, so that if your pet shows up at a shelter, they can scan it, call the company, and get your information from the microchip company. You should update your information each time you move or your contact information changes.
Below are links to topics we think are important for new puppy owners:
Training Resources
Recommended books for new puppy owners:
Decoding Your Dog by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Living with Kids and Dogs... Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar
Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for your Companion Dog by Kenneth Martin and Debbie Martin
Click the below images for more puppy topics