Congratulations on your new family addition! Here are some guidelines to keep your puppy happy and healthy. We’re ready to take good care of you and your new puppy each step of the way. Please ask us if you have any questions about your puppy’s health and well-being.

Age 7 – 9 weeks

•  initial exam with one of our doctors.
•  first vaccine for canine distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvo viruses (DHPP). We vaccinate according to professional guidelines and the key is to administer a booster every 3-4 weeks until your puppy is 16 weeks old.
•  first vaccine for bordetella (kennel cough). This vaccine is recommended if you plan to board your puppy, enroll in an obedience class, take to a grooming salon, or socialize with unknown dogs at the park. This vaccine is most effective when administered 10 – 14 days prior to exposure. This vaccine can be given at any point during the puppy booster series. It is good for one year.
• initial fecal exam to test for intestinal worms and dispense deworming medication.
• discuss flea and tick control and heartworm prevention.
• review dietary needs. A good quality puppy food is recommended for the first year of life. Large breed puppies may have special dietary needs which we can discuss with you.
• discuss permanent identification (microchip).

12 – 13 weeks

• second DHPP vaccine.

16 – 17 weeks

• final DHPP vaccine. The next DHPP vaccine will be due in one year at the annual exam.

20 – 22 weeks

• first rabies vaccine with a doctor visit. The next rabies vaccine will be due in one year at the annual exam.
• a Multnomah county license can now be obtained.
• review heartworm disease and consider starting prevention by this age.

6 -18 months

• spay (females) or neuter (males).

Our recommendations are based on breed and size and we will recommend the appropriate age for your pet. To make sure your puppy is healthy and safe during this surgery, we strongly recommend running pre-anesthetic bloodwork. We strongly encourage that all puppies be enrolled in puppy class. These classes are great at strengthening the bond between you and your pet and are best if attended by all the members of the family. If you are interested in pet insurance, visit www.petinsurancereview.com to compare different companies and policies. Examination and vaccine reminders will be mailed to you after your initial visit.