Congratulations on your new addition! We will review the following checklist with you the first time we see you with your pup, and each subsequent time as you proceed through the series of visits.

This checklist contains our best, most thorough general recommendations. We will help you sort through them to create the best plan for your pet. The schedule of events will vary a bit from pup to pup, depending on his age the first time we see him and other factors. 

Please review the following information prior to your pet’s procedure. You can ask questions and let us know your preferences for optional services and additional procedures at your convenience, before the appointment by phone or email, or at the time or admission.

Here is our check-in list, followed by the same list with detailed information.

Update client account info

Update your pup's info

Any concerns?

Exams - the puppy series

Nutrition

Behavior and training

Vaccines

Heartworm preventive

Internal parasites other than heartworm

Fleas and ticks

Spay or neuter

Dental care 

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Update client account info  Your name, address, phones, email, etc

Update your pup's info  Please bring any records you have for your pup.

Any concerns?

Exams - the puppy series  We recommend starting with a visit at 6 to 8 weeks, with subsequent check-ups once every 3 to 4 weeks until your pup is 16 weeks or older. Exams will be coordinated with all of the other items in the puppy program.

Nutrition  What are you feeding your pup, how much, and what is the schedule?

Behavior and training  Do you have any general questions about the basics, or concern about particular behavior problems?

Vaccines  The basic "puppy shot" follows the same sequence as examinations, with an initial vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks old, followed by boosters once every 3 to 4 weeks until your pup is 16 weeks or older.  Rabies vaccine will be given at 12 weeks or older. We advise a kennel cough vaccine for all pups, and lyme vaccine for most pups. We also advise leptospirosis vaccine for most pups, but we typically delay this until a month or more after all of the other vaccines are completed.

Heartworm preventive  The first dose of monthly preventive is given as early as 8 weeks old. Puppies do not need a blood test before starting the preventive.

Internal parasites other than heartworms  Pups often have worms and/or other parasites, even despite dewormings and the best breeding circumstances. We advise at least one fecal test (stool sample) during the series of puppy visits; please bring a specimen with you. For some pups we will repeat dewormings.

Fleas and ticks  The first dose of most monthly flea and tick control products can be given or applied at 6 to 8 weeks old.

Spay or neuter  Owners often have questions about these procedures - please ask us. In general, if you do not plan to breed your dog, we recommend spay or neuter at about 16 weeks old. If it is done at his time, the procedure can be combined with the final puppy exam, vaccines, etc. 

Dental care  Puppies will start to get their adult teeth between 4 and 6 months old. Dental care should start earlier than this, though. We will demonstrate proper brushing technique, help you sort through appropriate chews and toys, and advise you on the best time to schedule the first adult cleaning and evaluation.