Bringing home a new puppy comes with important health responsibilities. Vaccines are only one piece of the puzzle-proper deworming and heartworm prevention are just as critical to raising a healthy, thriving dog.


Core Puppy Vaccines
Puppies are born with some immunity from their mother, but this protection fades quickly. A structured vaccine schedule is essential to protect against serious, often deadly diseases.

Typical Vaccine Schedule:

   -  6-8 weeks: First DHPP
(Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfuenza)

   -  9-12 weeks: Second DHPP

   -  12-16 weeks: Third DHPP + Rabies

   -  16+ weeks: Final booster as recommended by your veterinarian


***Puppies are NOT fully protected until they complete their full vaccine series***


Important Vaccine Notes:

   -  Avoid high-risk area (pet stores, dog parks, public grass) until fully vaccinated

   -  Limit Exposure to unknown dogs

   -  Even fully vaccinated dogs can carry and shed viruses like Parvo

   -  Safe, controlled socialization is still very important (see Socialzation section)


Deworming
Almost all puppies are born with or exposed to intestinal parasites. Routine deworming is essential - even if your puppy looks perfectly healthy.


Common Parasites:

   -  Roundworm

   -  Hookworms

   -  Whipworms

   -  Coccidia

   -  Giardia

Our Protocol
Puppies are proactively dewormed multiple times before going home.

After You Bring Puppy Home:

   -  Continue deworming as recommended by your vet

   -  Submit a fecal sample at your first vet visit

   -  Watch for symptoms:
Loose stool or diarrhea
Bloated belly
Poor weight gain


***Many parasites are not visible so routine testing matters***


Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and can be life threatening - but they are preventable.


Prevention Plan:

   -  Start your monthly heartworm prevention as recommended by your vet (often around 8 weeks of age)

   -  Keep your puppy on prevention year-round - even in colder months

   -  Many preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites and fleas


***Prevention is simple and affordable. Treatment is not !!**


Your First Vet Visit
Schedule your puppies first vet visit within 2-3 days of coming home. 
Your vet will:

   -  Review vaccine records

   -  Set up your vaccine booster schedule

   -  Preform a fecal test

   -  Discuss deworming and parasite control

   -  Start heartworm prevention


Final Thoughts
Vaccines, deworming, and heartworm prevention all work together to protect your puppy. Skipping or delaying any part of this care can put your puppy at risk.
   -  Stay consistent
   -  Follow your vets guidance
   -  Keep records organized