All About Puppies!

At Kindler Animal Hospital, we believe in promoting a lifestyle of wellness for our pets, starting at a young age. In fact, getting puppies and kittens started on the right track in life is one of the most rewarding parts of this profession. For this article, we will focus on what we recommend for puppies.

It is important for puppies receive to receive their DHPP (Distemper/Hepatitis/Parvovirus/Parainfluenza) boosters every 3-4 weeks, until they are about 16 weeks old. We usually begin the series of boosters when they are around 8 weeks old. This vaccine is considered a core vaccine, meaning it is vitally important for all puppies regardless of lifestyle. Of the components that make up this vaccine, the one you may be most familiar with is parvo. Parvo is a very serious viral infection that can cause vomiting and diarrhea so severe that it can potentially be fatal to puppies.

Another infection that we vaccinate for is called leptospirosis. We wait until they are at least 12 weeks to begin their lepto vaccine series. This also requires a booster in 3-4 weeks. This is a bacterial infection that is spread in the urine of wildlife. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can make us sick as well. Lepto can cause severe liver and kidney failure in dogs as well as people.

We typically recommend a bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine during a puppy’s first visit as long as they are 8 weeks or older. This protects puppies from a highly contagious respiratory infection. In general, this is considered a non-core vaccine, meaning it is dependent on lifestyle. It is recommended for adult dogs who go to the groomer or boarding kennel. We recommend it for all puppies, however, because socialization with other dogs is considered very important at this age. It is also a vaccine that we want them to have when they come in for spay or neuter surgery.

We usually administer the rabies vaccine at their last visit. This vaccine is vitally important because there is no treatment for this deadly viral infection. Like leptospirosis, this is also a zoonotic infection that can affect people as well.

Although they are very important, there is more to puppy health care than vaccinations alone! Internal parasites like intestinal worms, and external parasites such as fleas, can weaken a small puppy very quickly. We strongly recommend a fecal exam to check for microscopic intestinal parasite eggs. Even if you have not been seeing obvious worms, they may still be present. If you are not able to bring in a fecal sample, we can still deworm for the most common parasites seen in puppies. We will also be able to start your puppy on heartworm, flea and tick prevention during their puppy series.