Basic Healthcare for Your Dog
By Dr. John Varnado, DVM
Many puppies are acquired by their new owners at six weeks, which is the
usual weaning age. Up until this time, the pups should have been dewormed every
two weeks, starting at two weeks of age. At six weeks of age the pups start
their well-puppy examination/vaccinations series. This series is an ideal time
to establish a relationship with your pet’s veterinarian. Owner, puppy, and
veterinarian should get to know each other.
The well-puppy series is a schedule of examinations and vaccinations that is
performed at approximately six, nine, twelve, and sixteen weeks of age. Even
though most puppies remain healthy throughout their well-puppy series, it is
recommended that a physical examination be very subtle initially. Also a fecal
examination should be performed each time to check for worms and other
intestinal parasites.
The basic well puppy procedure is as follows: A physical examination and
fecal check are performed at each visit. A standard distemper, parvo, hepatitis,
etc. combination vaccine is administered at each scheduled date. Rabies
vaccination is given at twelve or sixteen weeks of age. Additional vaccines such
as Lyme, bordetella (kennel cough), etc. are given based on the possible
exposure of these diseases to your dog. Check with your veterinarian on these
additional vaccinations. More frequent or earlier age vaccination is not
recommended. Heartworm prevention is started at eight to nine weeks of age and
maintained throughout the dog’s life. Deworming is performed regularly until
heartworm prevention is started, as most approved heartworm preventatives today
also treat for some of the most common intestinal worms.
Diet and dental health are important in your dog’s overall health. Puppies
should be fed a premium brand puppy food in measured amounts until they are one
to two years old. They are then switched to a premium adult dog food. Measured
amounts of food help prevent obesity and other health problems. Good quality dog
food helps maintain healthy teeth, but regular teeth brushing and preventative
dental cleanings are most important for good dental health. Most pups can be
easily trained to accept daily teeth brushing. Use toothpaste developed for your
pet and not human toothpaste which may cause stomach upset if swallowed.
Once a puppy has completed its puppy health series, regular checkups and
vaccinations are recommended to help maintain your dog’s health. Physical
examination, fecal exam, heartworm test, and dental exam are recommended yearly.
Dental cleaning by your veterinarian is performed as needed. Booster vaccination
traditionally have been given yearly based on initial vaccine manufacturer
recommendations. However, vaccination protocols are evolving as new research is
being done on length of vaccination protection. Last, but not least, spay or
neuter your dog unless it is a valuable working or breeding animal. Regular
preventative medicine, good diet, regular exercise and routine veterinarian
examinations will help your dog live a long and healthy life.