Welcome To Our New Puppy Pawrent Guide

First Steps as a New Puppy Owner

  • Prepare your home: Before bringing your puppy home, make sure it is safe and secure. Remove anything that could be dangerous, like small objects, toxic plants, and electrical cords. Put cleaning supplies, medications, and other hazardous substances out of reach.
  • Set up a designated space for your puppy: This could be a crate, a bed, or a corner of a room. Make sure the space is comfortable and has everything your puppy needs, like food, water, and toys.
  • Start potty training right away: Take your puppy outside frequently and reward them for going to the bathroom in the right spot.
  • Establish a routine: Puppies thrive on predictability. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and training sessions.

What to Watch Out for

  • Puppy socialization: Puppies have a critical socialization period between 3 and 12 weeks of age. During this time, it is important to expose them to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a safe and positive way.
  • Vaccination schedule: Puppies need a series of vaccinations to protect them from serious diseases. Talk to your vet about the recommended vaccination schedule for your puppy.
  • Parasite prevention: Puppies are susceptible to parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Your vet can recommend the best parasite prevention products for your puppy.
  • Nutrition: Growing puppies need a high-quality diet that is specifically formulated for their age and breed. Your vet can help you choose the right food for your puppy.

Schedule Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit

It is best practice to book your puppy’s first vet visit within 24 to 48 hours of bringing them home.

During this visit, your vet will:

  • Perform a complete physical exam to assess your puppy’s overall health.
  • Discuss parasite control and prevention.
  • Create a vaccination schedule and administer any necessary vaccines.
  • Answer any questions you have about behavior, training, nutrition, and exercise.
  • Building a strong relationship with your veterinarian is crucial for your puppy’s well-being. Regular checkups and open communication with your vet will ensure your puppy stays healthy and happy throughout their life.

Core vaccines are those recommended for all dogs to protect them against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases, based on guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). In Oakville, the core vaccines are Rabies, Distemper Combination (DHPPi), Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (Kennel Cough), and Leptospirosis. These vaccines are vital to safeguarding your puppy’s health, preventing the spread of serious illnesses, and, in the case of rabies, complying with legal requirements.

Puppies typically receive their first set of core vaccines between 8-9 weeks of age, followed by booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are around 16 weeks old. This series is crucial due to the presence of maternal antibodies, which can interfere with vaccine effectiveness. The specific timing of vaccines may vary based on your puppy’s individual needs and risk factors.

If your puppy seems to lose interest in food after a few meals or prefers treats to meals, you can try these tips: offer food for 5 minutes, remove it if uneaten, and re-offer at the next scheduled mealtime. This helps increase the value of their meals. Choose a high-quality diet that suits their digestive system and avoid constantly changing food or adding excessive toppings.

Puppies have specific nutritional needs that change as they develop. During their first 6 months, feed them 3-4 small meals per day of puppy-specific food formulated for their breed size. Always monitor your puppy’s body condition, adjusting portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight.

Parasite prevention protects your puppy from heartworms, fleas, ticks, mites and intestinal worms, which can cause a range of health problems. Year-round flea and tick prevention is recommended in Ontario, while heartworm prevention is typically given from June 1st to November 1st. Regular deworming is also essential, especially in the early months. Consult your vet for the most appropriate parasite prevention plan for your puppy.

Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are surgical procedures that prevent reproduction. They offer numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers, preventing unwanted pregnancies, and decreasing hormone-driven behaviors like roaming and aggression.

Traditionally, dogs are spayed or neutered around 6 months of age. However, the optimal timing can vary depending on breed, size, and individual health considerations. Consulting with your vet is recommended to determine the best course of action for your dog.

Socialization exposes your puppy to various sights, sounds, people, and other animals during their crucial developmental period (3-12 weeks). This helps them grow into well-adjusted, confident dogs. Introduce your puppy gradually to different environments, ensuring positive experiences. Puppy training classes are an excellent way to facilitate socialization in a controlled setting.

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Note from the author

Congratulations on your new family member!

I created this book, to provide new puppy or dog “pawrents” with a reference guide to understand those first few visits to the vets.

I hope you and your family find it to be a helpful resource in getting your new best friend off to the right start.

Sincerely,
Dr. Chung Yeen Mac