New Puppy Information

Congratulations on your new puppy!  Summarized below are our recommendations for new puppies.  Please also visit this page to select a local class for puppy training.

AT THE VETERINARY CLINIC:
Vaccinations:  Commonly given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age or 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age

1.    Distemper (Distemper, Parvo, Parainfluenza, & Hepatitis) needs to be given every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old.
This vaccination is boostered at 1 year, then repeated in 2 years, then every 3 years for the duration of the dog’s life.
2.    Rabies is required by law, but the puppy needs to be at least 12 weeks old to get it.
•    This vaccination is boostered at 1 year, and is then repeated every 3 years.
3.    Bordatella/Kennel cough is recommended if you plan on boarding your dog or taking it to obedience classes.
•    This vaccination is boostered once yearly.
4.    Lyme vaccine should be given to dogs that will travel to areas with ticks, hunting dogs or any dog that spends significant time in areas where they may get tick bites.
•    This is a series of 2 injections given 3-4 weeks apart, then boostered once yearly.

A spay/neuter surgery can be done as young as 4 months and we recommend getting it done before 6 months of age.

Fleas: We recommend using Advantage or Frontline Plus starting June 1st through November.  Beware of over-the-counter flea medication, as some can be poisonous and most don’t work (especially flea collars).

Your puppy will be dewormed at the time it receives its vaccinations.  We also require a fecal analysis with the first and last vaccines to ensure the puppy does not have intestinal parasites, since no single dewormer kills all parasites.  A fecal analysis is also recommended at each annual visit.

Don’t allow your puppy to play in areas where other dogs play unless you know the vaccine history of all the other dogs.  Your puppy is susceptible to Parvo virus and other illnesses until the last vaccination is complete.

Heartworms are rare in Cortland, but if you plan to travel outside of this area (especially to Florida or other southern states) let us know.  In these cases, we recommend using Interceptor for heartworm prevention.  This medication can also be important as a monthly dewormer if you have small children or a dog that comes in contact with parasite-infested areas.

For outdoor or an indoor/outdoor dog, microchip identification is available and can help identify the dog if they get lost or stolen. 

AT HOME:
Training: Start NOW!  Obedience classes and daily exercise can help your puppy to become a well-mannered adult dog.  (See 2nd page.)

Now is the time to start brushing your puppy’s teeth to prevent tartar build up and improve oral health.

Regular nail trims can help minimize damage to floors, furniture and people. Start getting your puppy accustomed to it now to make it much easier in the future.

NEVER give a dog Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen. These medications can lead to kidney or liver disease.

Please feel free to call our office for advice or suggestions on proper care of your puppy.  We want to help you ensure a life-long happy relationship with your new dog!