Playful, cuddly, and irresistibly cute—if you’re a first-time puppy owner, these may be a few adjectives to describe your furry companion. In addition to lots of love, puppies require special attention to keep them healthy and happy. Here are a few veterinary care tips to help your new pet.

3 Veterinary Care Tips for First-Time Puppy Owners

1. Get Scheduled Vaccinations

Puppies’ developing immune systems don’t yet have the antibodies to fight off diseases. That’s why they need vaccinations. The most common core vaccines are for canine parvovirus-2, rabies, and distemper. Non-core vaccines are also recommended depending on the possibility of your puppy being exposed to dangerous infections, such as Leptospira bacteria. 

2. Deworming

Parasites are typically passed on to a puppy from its mother. These intruders invade the intestines and, if not treated, can cause weight loss, anemia, and other serious illnesses. As part of veterinary care visits, puppies should receive a deworming medication around eight to 12 weeks of age. A separate heartworm dose should be administered when your puppy is approximately eight weeks old to guard against diseases caused by mosquito bites. 

3. Spay or Neuter

Spaying or neutering is a common surgical sterilization procedure that helps control the pet population, so unadopted dogs are not euthanized in animal shelters. These highly recommended veterinary care procedures also protect puppies from deadly cancers and infections. Spaying or neutering typically occurs between eight weeks and six months of age. 

To give your puppy a strong and healthy start, consult Kokua Pet Clinic in Honolulu. For nearly 20 years, they’ve provided professional and compassionate veterinary care to dogs and cats throughout Hawaii. Whether you’re a new pet owner or a dog breeder, the experienced team performs a variety of services, from vaccinations and flea and tick prevention to cosmetic surgery such as ear cropping. Give the office a call today at (808) 843-8382 to make an appointment for your puppy. Visit the website for their full lineup of care and treatment options.