Veterinarian recommended care for a puppy, puppies.

Veterinary Care Guidelines For Puppies 0-2 years of age, depending on breed (reprinted from Purina Pro Club - Chief's Brittanys is a Pro Club Member)

Member, Purina Pro Club. We feed Purina Pro Plan. Article reprinted from issue 39, 'Today's Breeder', a Purina publication.

The following wellness checklist outlines some of the important veterinary care your puppy needs during the first year. However, this should only be used as a general guide - it is important that you work together with you veterinarian to ensure your puppy is receiving the appropriate health care throughout his/her first year.

(Chief's Brittanys note: Strongly Consider ALL non-core vaccines and vaccination schedules for hunting dogs such as Lymes, Giardia vax, etc. Also Lepto, Corona and Bordetella. Hunting dogs are exposed to more than usual - tell your vet that your dog is a hunting dog! )

Puppy's Age

Veterinary Visit to Include:

Things to Consider:

6-10 weeks

A baseline physical examination, including:

1. Fecal Examination

2. First Vaccinations for core vaccines: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHPP)

Ask your veterinarian if the following non-core vaccinations are necessary:

1. Bordetella (Canine Cough Complex)

2. Corona virus (DHLPPC)

3. Leptospirosis

Non-Vaccine Considerations include flea/tick/heart worm preventatives.

Important: Try to limit exposure to public places and other dogs until the 16-week core vaccination schedule is complete.

(Chief's Brittanys note: Strongly Consider ALL non-core vaccines for hunting dogs such as Lymes, Giardia vax, etc.)

Important for first year:

1. Be prepared to give your puppy's history (birth date, any vaccinations already received)

2. Discuss core and non-core vaccinations with your veterinarian and establish vaccination schedule (CHIEF'S BRITTANYS NOTE: BIRD DOGS THAT TRAVEL SHOULD HAVE ALL CORE/NON-CORE VACCINATIONS):

Core vaccinations are those vaccinations required by law or needed by all puppies.

Non-Core vaccinations are optional depending on your veterinarian's recommendation and your pet's lifestyle.

3. Discuss puppy spaying/neutering options with your veterinarian; schedule procedure if possible.

4. Discuss puppy training classes (cost, location, etc.) and begin classes once puppy has completed the core vaccination schedule (usually at 16 weeks) (CHIEF'S BRITTANYS NOTE: DISCUSS WITH PRO BRITTANY TRAINER AS ORDINARY OBEDIENCE CLASSES CAN INTERFERE WITH BIRD DOG TRAINING!)

5. Find out the clinic's hours, emergency clinic number, etc. You may want to drive to the emergency clinic to become familiar with its location.

6. Discuss appropriate flea, tick, heartworm and other parasite preventatives and the appropriate application/administration intervals.

10-12 weeks

Veterinary visit for vaccinations:

1. Second vaccination / booster for DHPP

2. Rabies vaccine (check with your veterinarian on timing, as laws vary among communities)

(Chief's Brittanys note: Strongly Consider ALL non-core vaccines for hunting dogs such as Lymes, Giardia vax, etc.)

Non-Vaccine Considerations include flea/tick/heart worm preventatives.

Talk to your veterinarian about:

1. Heartworm and flea prevention program

2. If haven't done so already, discuss puppy training classes (cost, location, etc.) -(CHIEF'S BRITTANYS NOTE: DISCUSS WITH PRO BRITTANY TRAINER AS ORDINARY OBEDIENCE CLASSES CAN INTERFERE WITH BIRD DOG TRAINING!)

3. Now is a great time to puppy-proof your home, including:

-Securely screen all windows

-Securely store poisonous materials

-Keep toilet lids down and doors and drawers closed. Puppy will be teething and may chew on inappropriate items. Provide a safe chew toy instead. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to brush your puppy's teeth.

4. Appropriate flea, tick, heartworm and other parasite preventatives should be already in place. Discuss with your Vet.

14-16 weeks

Veterinary visit for vaccinations:

1. Third vaccination / booster for DHPP

(Chief's Brittanys note: Strongly Consider ALL non-core vaccines for hunting dogs such as Lymes, Giardia vax, etc.)

Non-Vaccine Considerations include flea/tick/heart worm preventatives.

Now is a great time to introduce grooming and regular dental care. If you perform at-home grooming regularly, your puppy will get used to it, which will help as he/she gets older.

1. Begin with short, daily grooming sessions

2. Brush your puppy all over including his/her underside

3. Handle your puppy's paws so he/she will allow nails to be trimmed

4. Reassure and praise your puppy as you groom

5. Appropriate flea, tick, heartworm and other parasite preventatives should be already in place. Discuss with your Vet.

Training considerations:

If your puppy has completed the 16-week core vaccinations schedule, you can begin obedience class training and/or puppy agility class. Talk to your veterinarian about scheduling your dog to be spayed or neutered. (CHIEF'S BRITTANYS NOTE: DISCUSS WITH PRO BRITTANY TRAINER AS ORDINARY OBEDIENCE CLASSES CAN INTERFERE WITH BIRD DOG TRAINING!)

6 months

Veterinary visit, including:

1. Physical exam for overall development and body condition

2. Dental check-up (most of your puppy's permanent canine teeth have come)

3. Spay or neutering procedure, unless you are a qualified breeder.

(Chief's Brittanys note: Strongly Consider ALL non-core vaccines for hunting dogs such as Lymes, Giardia vax, etc.)

Non-Vaccine Considerations include flea/tick/heart worm preventatives.

Talk to your veterinarian about:

1. Any concerns you have with your puppy's behavior or health and your veterinarian's recommendations

2. Your puppy's weight and how to tell if he/she is getting too heavy

3. When to switch your puppy to adult food

4. How to perform a Rib Check

5. Appropriate flea, tick, heartworm and other parasite preventatives should be already in place. Discuss with your Vet.

Training considerations:

1. Begin obedience class training and/or puppy agility class if you haven't already

(CHIEF'S BRITTANYS NOTE: DISCUSS WITH PRO BRITTANY TRAINER AS ORDINARY OBEDIENCE CLASSES CAN INTERFERE WITH BIRD DOG TRAINING!

About 6 months of age is a good time for Chief's Brittanys Phase I training program. Speak with us to see if your puppy is ready. Click here for more info about our training: http://www.brittanygundogs.com/services.htm#train )

Chief's Brittanys^®