The veterinarians and staff at Country Care Veterinary Center want to help you provide the absolute best care for your pets. We have put together some information on what to expect and things you can be doing throughout the life of your pet.
As your pet grows up and grows older there are recommendations that will help you keep your pet happy and healthy.
- Individual needs: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian will tailor recommendations based on your dog’s specific breed, size, lifestyle, health history, and any existing conditions.
- Early detection: Regular vet visits and wellness screenings are crucial for early detection of diseases, which often leads to more effective and less costly treatment.
- Preventive care: Maintaining a consistent preventive care routine, including vaccinations and parasite control, is key to your dog’s long-term health.
Communication: Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite, energy levels, or physical condition with your vet, regardless of their age. We can be reached via phone, text messaging and email.
Puppies (Up to 1 year old):
- Frequency: Puppies need the most frequent vet visits. Typically, they will see the vet every 3-4 weeks until they are around 16 weeks old.
- What to expect:
- Vaccinations: This is a critical period for core vaccinations (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza – often given as DAPP/DHPP), Leptospirosis and Rabies. Your vet will advise on non-core vaccines (e.g., Influenza, Bordetella, Lyme disease) based on your location and your puppy’s lifestyle.
- Parasite control: Regular deworming and discussion of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
- Physical exams: Monitoring growth and development, checking for congenital issues, and assessing overall health.
- Spaying/Neutering: Discussion and scheduling of this procedure, typically between 6-18 months of age, depending on breed and size.
- Nutrition and behavior: Advice on appropriate diet, house-training, socialization, and any behavioral concerns.
If you are a new dog owner, we can answer your questions. We are here to help you establish the best care and healthy habits for your pets.