Chapter 1, Basic Care & Protection
Learn the basics
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Questions to ask about your new pet
Your veterinarian will be your go-to source for information about the health of your new puppy, but there is some information they will need to know. Discover the reasons why it is so important to ask these questions of whomever you get your new puppy from.
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What has the puppy been given for treating worms and when?
Worms such as heartworm, tapeworm, and other GI worms are common in all dogs, including puppies.Prevention of heartworm disease should begin as early as 4-6 weeks of age, so you need to be aware of what treatment your puppy has already been given.
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What has the puppy been given for treating ticks and fleas, and when?
Fleas are a common parasite found on dogs1 and ticks are also very common. Tick treatment should begin as early as 8 weeks of age, so you need to be aware of what treatment your puppy has had.
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What has the puppy been given for heartworm prevention?
Heartworms are one of the most damaging parasites in dogs, but heartworm disease is preventable.2 Treatment should begin as early as 4-6 weeks of age, so you need to be aware of what treatment your puppy has already been given.
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What is the puppy’s vaccination history?
Many diseases can threaten your puppy but are preventable with a series of vaccinations from your veterinarian. You need to be aware of your puppy’s vaccination history so you can inform your vet on your first visit.
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What has the puppy been eating?
A puppy who has been fed raw meat is at greater risk for worms. Inform your vet if you learn they have been eating uncooked meat.
Choosing and visiting a veterinarian
Much like finding a doctor for yourself, choosing a vet and visiting them for the first time can be a bit intimidating. Put your mind at ease with this information.
- Finding a vet
- When to go
- What to expect
Get recommendations
Finding a vet can be a very personal choice for a lot of people. That is why it is best to rely on the advice of those you know. Ask the organization you got your new pet from, a friend, or even people walking their dogs in your neighborhood.
Use online tools
If you are unable to get personal recommendations or prefer not to, don’t fret! Use our vet finder to locate one.
Important
Choosing a vet is a deeply personal decision
Remember
- Get vet recommendations
- Ask shelters, friends and neighbors
- Use our vet finder
Your first visit
Taking your pet to the vet should be done as soon as possible, especially if you have other pets in your house. The vet will help guide your pet’s vaccinations, protective treatments, diet, exercise, and more.3
Regular visits
You should schedule a checkup with your vet at least twice a year. As your pet ages, your vet may recommend more frequent checkups.3
Important
Your vet will be your best guide
Remember
- Visit your vet immediately
- Schedule a checkup twice a year
- Follow recommendation for additional checkups
What happens at a checkup?
Every checkup, your vet will ask if your pet has had any vomiting or diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, itching, or excessive thirst, in addition to asking about their energy and appetite. They will weigh your pet, check for ticks and fleas, take their temperature and perform a full physical exam. They may also call for other tests.3
Important
A pet checkup is not so different from a human one
Remember
- Your vet will ask questions
- Your vet will perform a full exam
- Your vet may call for additional exams
Questions to ask your vet
It is important to get the right information out of your vet on your first visit. Discover the questions you should ask and why they are so vital.
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How can I establish a wellness routine that includes heartworm disease prevention and tick, flea and worm protection?
As of the beginning of 2018, heartworm infections were up 20% since 2013. Additionally, the prevalence of Lyme disease, which is associated with ticks, continues to expand4.A protection routine is essential for safeguarding your pet.
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What internal and external parasites are common in this area and how should we protect against them?
The prevalence of different parasites varies from area to area due to climate and geography. Your vet can advise on the risks in your area. The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends protecting every pet, all year long by administering year-round broad-spectrum parasite control with efficacy against heartworm, intestinal, parasites, ticks and fleas. Control of parasites with zoonotic potential is essential5.
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What should I be feeding my puppy?
Dogs have very different needs from humans. Most human meals won’t give them the balanced nutrition they need and some foods like chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins can be poisonous. Your vet can advise what to feed your dog, how much and how often6.
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What is the safest immunization strategy?
Vaccinations protect your puppy from dangerous disease. Consult your veterinarian to ensure an adequate vaccination series is completed for your puppy's protection.
References
1Pets and Parasites. “Fleas.” http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/fleas. Accessed February 10, 2019.
2 Pets and Parasites. “Heartworms.” http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/heartworms. Accessed February 10, 2019.
3 Pets and Parasites. “Dogs Continue to be at an Elevated Risk of Heartworm Disease and Lyme Disease in 2018.” http://www.petsandparasites.org/expert-insights/dogs-continue-to-be-at-an-elevated-risk-ofheartworm- disease-and-lyme-disea. Accessed February 10, 2019.
4 Companion Animal Parasite Council. General Guidelines. Available at: https://capcvet.org/guidelines/general-guidelines. Accessed Feb 21, 2019.
5 RSPCA. “How to Take Care of Your Dog.” https://www.rspca.org.uk /ImageLocator/LocateAsset?asset=document&assetId=1232731755326 &mode=prd. Accessed February 10, 2019.
