Buying your first puppy is an exciting time, but it equally comes with big responsibility, including ensuring you attend all their important vaccinations and vet check ups in their first year of life. Here’s our easy to follow roadmap of what to expect in your first year of puppy parenthood along with some training tips to ensure your pup has a pleasant experience at the Vet.
1st Year Roadmap
10-12 weeks - Welcome your fur-baby home
Your puppy should have received their 1st vaccinations between 6-8 weeks of age when under the care of the dog breeder, giving them a healthy start to puppyhood. During this first stage of bringing your puppy home it’s important to only socialize your pup with other vaccinated dogs until they receive all 3 rounds of shots.
12-14 weeks - Initial Vet Appointment
This will be their first vaccination & worming treatment under your care (and no need to panic, they will barely feel a thing, especially whilst being offered delicious treatos!).
14-16 weeks - 2nd Vet Appointment*
Hooray, after this vaccination your pup is officially ready to enter the world as a fully vaccinated dog! It’s time to start taking them out on more fun activities to raise a well socialized doggo.
5 months+ - Discuss Spaying/Neutering options*
This stage is very personal from puppy to puppy and advice may vary depending on your dog's breed. We highly recommend consulting with your Vet for optimal desexing timing to suit your puppies health needs.
+1 year - Booster Vaccination*
Every 1 year past their last vaccination you’ll need to give them a booster vaccination to ensure their protection is up to date.
*This advice is general. Consult with your dog breeder & Vet to ensure you are meeting the specific needs of your puppies unique circumstances and requirements.
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Train your puppy to feel comfortable visiting the Vet
Practice handling your puppy
It’s important your puppy gets used to being handled in all the common areas that a Vet may need to do a general health check i.e. paws, ear, mouth, teeth, belly, tail.
Whilst in the comfort of your own home, slowly and calmly pretend you are giving your pup a health check by inspecting and holding various areas of your pups body. Repeat this for 5-10 minutes daily until you feel they have become comfortable and familiar with the process. Reward them with plenty of praise and treats to let them know they are doing a great job!
Practice gentle restraint
Your puppy is going to need to lay still during their vaccinations so it’s a good idea to give them a bit of a practise at this before they show up to the Vets office.
Hold your puppy in a position where they need to be still (e.g. on their side or being cradled). Do this for a few seconds at first, gradually building up to 1-2 minutes.