Veterinary Care and Life Stages Checklist for New Puppies

Before Bringing Your Puppy Home

Puppies bring joy and laughter to your household and health studies say they're good for our hearts too. Before you bring your new puppy home, review this checklist to know what to expect and plan for.

Schedule a Veterinary Visit

   - Arrange an initial veterinary examination for your new puppy.

   - Discuss vaccinations, deworming, and a preventive care plan with your veterinarian.

Prepare a Safe Environment

   - Puppy-proof your home by removing hazards and providing a designated, safe space for your puppy.

   - Set up a cozy bed, food and water bowls, toys, and a secure area for potty training.

Nutritional Consultation

   - Consult with your veterinarian about the best puppy food for their breed, size, and health requirements.

   - Establish a feeding schedule and portion sizes to support healthy growth.

First Veterinary Visit (6-8 Weeks Old)

Vaccinations

   - Administer core vaccinations, including those for distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus.

   - Discuss the vaccination schedule for boosters and additional vaccines, such as for leptospirosis.

Parasite Control

   - Initiate deworming and discuss a preventive plan for intestinal parasites.

   - Begin flea and tick prevention if recommended by your veterinarian.

Microchipping and Identification

   - Discuss microchipping options with your veterinarian for permanent identification.

   - Consider using a collar with an ID tag.

Second Veterinary Visit (12 Weeks Old)

Additional Vaccinations

   - Administer additional boosters for core vaccinations and any non-core vaccines recommended for your puppy's lifestyle.

Spaying/Neutering Consultation

   - Discuss the optimal timing for spaying or neutering your puppy.

   - Establish a plan for the procedure, considering breed-specific recommendations.

Nutritional Assessment

   - Reevaluate your puppy's diet based on growth and development.

   - Discuss transitioning to an adult diet and portion adjustments.

Third Veterinary Visit (6 Months Old)

Final Puppy Shots

    - Administer any final boosters required for core and non-core vaccinations.

    - Confirm that your puppy is fully protected against common diseases.

Dental Care Discussion

    - Introduce dental care practices, such as toothbrushing and dental diets, to promote good oral health.

Behavioral Consultation

    - Address any behavioral concerns or questions with your veterinarian.

    - Discuss training options and positive reinforcement techniques.

Ongoing Veterinary Care (Throughout Life)

Regular Check-ups

    - Schedule annual wellness check-ups to monitor your dog's overall health.

    - Discuss any changes in behavior, appetite, or activity levels with your veterinarian.

Parasite Prevention

    - Maintain a consistent schedule for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

    - Monitor for signs of parasites and consult with your veterinarian if needed.

Weight Management

    - Monitor your dog's weight and body condition regularly.

    - Adjust feeding portions or switch to a special diet if weight management is necessary.

Senior Wellness (7 Years and Older)

    - Schedule more frequent veterinary visits as your dog ages.

    - Discuss age-specific health screenings, including bloodwork and joint evaluations.

Remember that individual puppies may have unique needs, and regular communication with your veterinarian is crucial for tailoring a care plan that best suits your puppy's health and well-being throughout their life stages.

Image credit: Photo by Nicole Romero on Unsplash