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New Puppy Advice

Click the topics below for your comprehensive guide to adding a new puppy to your family!
House Training

House Training

One of the most daunting tasks when you have brought home a new puppy is house training. The key to success is developing a routine.

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Puppy Pre-School

Puppy Pre-School

The critical socialisation period for puppies happens between 8 to 12 weeks of age. This is when the foundations for good behaviour are laid.

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Parasite Control

Parasite Control

Intestinal worms are common in puppies, so regular worming is required especially as these parasites can be transmitted to humans.

Flea and Heartworm treatments also need to be considered.

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Desexing

Desexing

We recommend all pets not required for breeding are desexed before they develop mating behaviours.

Desexing your puppy will help prevent adverse behaviour and protect against certain illnesses.

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Vaccinations

Vaccinations

Vaccinations for your puppy are essential to protect against serious and potentially fatal diseases. 

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Item Checklist

Item Checklist

Puppies can be a handful so some essential items can make having a new puppy in the household so much easier.

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Feeding

Feeding

Puppies grow so fast during their first 12 to 15 months that correct nutrition is vitally important for their rapidly developing bodies.

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House Training your Puppy

 

The secret to house training is patience, perseverance and developing a routine. No more sleeping in, develop a routine where you take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, every time it wakes up after every sleep, after being left alone for a long period of time, after every meal and just before bedtime. Also watch out for simple signs such as stopping play to walk around in circles, sniffing the ground, sitting or whining at the door. Consider putting a bell on its collar to inform you that it has woken up is a good idea.

Accidents will still happen but if they do and you you catch them in the act, take them immediately outside without punishing them. Punishment does not work and is detrimental. Praise them when they do the right thing and soon you will have a house trained puppy!

 


 

Socialising your Puppy

 

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for the whole household but it can also be quite demanding. Your new puppy needs a fair bit of your time, care and attention. How well behaved and socialised your puppy will be as an adult is often shaped in its first 6 to 18 weeks of age. For this reason we recommend that your new puppy attend Sanford Veterinary Clinic's Puppy Pre-School. It is here that you will learn the techniques and methods to raise a well adjusted, properly socialised and obedient pet.

Find out more about Puppy Pre-School here.

 

Driving them around

A good idea is to get you puppy used to being driven around in a vehicle. Short trips are the key. It is a good idea to get your puppy used to a dog carrier and later a car harness for safety. Once that is going well you can progress onto some longer trips.

 


 

Vaccinating your Puppy

 

Vaccinations are essential to protect your puppy against serious and often fatal diseases. Geraldton in particular has a high risk of Parvovirus, which if contracted is often fatal. In most cases your puppy will have already had its first 6 week vaccination when you get it, but it is essential to confirm this with your breeder. At this stage it is important to keep your puppy confined to your property as it does not have full immunization yet. Once you puppy has had its 10-12 week vaccination it can get out and about safely. To fully develop its immunity it will also require a 14-16 week injection. 

Vaccination protocols are;

 

Puppies

  • 6-8 weeks Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus
  • 10-12 weeks Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza and Bordatella
  • 14-16 weeks Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza and Bordatella
  • ADULTS: Annual boosters for life.

 

 


 

Parasite Control

 

Worming

Intestinal worms are common in puppies, so worming should be be a regular part of health care for your new puppy. Many worms are not visible to the naked eye and worms can be transmitted to humans, so worming tablets should given regardless of whether worms are seen in the faeces.

Worms such as roundworm can be transmitted from dogs to humans and they are a significant hazard to human health and can cause loss of eyesight in children. Ask us about a suitable all wormer,  either tablet or chew-able for your new puppy.

Flea Control

No-one wants a flea infestation and a new puppy may be the source of fleas or flea eggs that will then lead to a flea problem on your property. Fleas are almost impossible to see on a pet. It is recommended to use a regular flea treatment to control and ultimately break the flea life cycle. This will ensure that your property remains flea free. Remember that all pets in the household need to be treated and simple effective treatments are now available including three monthly chew-able tablets.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease that is transmitted between dogs by mosquitoes. Treatment for the disease is very expensive and not always successful. Prevention is a much better course of action and is not expensive. Prevention can be started at 3 months of age and once yearly Proheart injections provide year round protection so you don't have to remember monthly treatments.

 


  

De-sexing your Puppy

 

We recommend that all pets other than those intended for breeding are de-sexed as adolescents and before they develop mating behaviors. De-sexed dogs are far less likely to roam and fight or develop undesirable behaviors. De-sexing also greatly reduces the incidence of illnesses such as mammary tumors and prostate cancer. There is no medical or social advantage in letting a dog have puppies before being de-sexed.

The best age for de-sexing your new puppy is between 6 to 12 months of age, ideally before first heat.

Find out more about de-sexing your pet here.

 


 

 

Feeding your Puppy

 

Puppies grow so fast in the first 12 months so you need to give them the very best nutritional start to ensure healthy development. Our nurses can give you specific advice on feeding your new puppy and we also recommend and supply high quality age based foods from Hills and Royal Canin that ensure all your puppy's nutritional needs are correctly met. We use these products for our own pets. A good diet is the foundation to a long and healthy life for your pet.

 


 

Checklist for your Puppy

 

Here is a quick list of essential items you will need for your new puppy.

 

Dog Bed. Your puppy will need a warm and comfortable bed somewhere quiet for it to sleep. One inside and another outside is ideal. 
Puppy Food. Introduce your puppy to our range of premium quality pet food from Hills or Royal Canin. Do this slowly so you don't upset sensitive puppy stomachs. 
Two bowls. One bowl for feeding and a slightly bigger one for water that cannot be tipped over. 
Play & Chew Toys. Puppies love to chew, its important for teething. Have a selection of toys for them to play with and chew, it will save your shoes and help teach them what is theirs and what is to be left alone.
Treats. Reward good behavior with healthy treats, but keep training sessions short.
Puppy Shampoo Puppies get dirty! We sell Paw Gentle Puppy Shampoo!
Stain neutraliser/Urine off. Lets face it, your puppy is going to have the odd accident. Great for cleaning up.
Collar, tags and micro-chips. Puppies can start wearing a collar from about 7 to 8 weeks of age. We can supply your puppy a collar and tag with name address and phone number, just in case it gets lost on a little adventure or should that be miss-adventure. We have all sorts of stylish dog collars and tags at the clinic, come in and have a look. Also you will need to get your puppy micro-chipped which is the ultimate way to safeguard the return of a lost pet. Just remember to update your address and contact details if they change over the years.
Dog Brush. If your puppy has a long coat, regular brushing will be required. Most pets love getting brushed and it can be a real bonding experience between puppy and owner. 
Car Harness/Transport Crate. Keep your puppy safe in the car with a car harness or transport crate.
Chew Stop Spray. Bitter Apple or Bitter Lime spray to stop your puppy chewing on inappropriate things.
 

  

Faq

  • I was using another Vet. Can I change to Sanford Vet Clinic?

    Yes you can. Call us for an appointment and let us know you are wanting to change to Sanford Vet. We will organise to have your pets medical records transferred to us. It's that easy.
  • Do I have to pay on the day?

    Yes, all consults and procedures have to be finalised on the day or when picking up your pet.
  • Do you have payment plans?

    Yes, for more complex procedures or surgery we can organise finance through VetPay. Ask our nurses for more details.
  • What are your opening hours?

    We are open extended hours 6 days a week for your convenience.

    Mon - Fri 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

    Sat 8:00 am to 12 noon

    Sun Closed

  • Do you have Puppy Pre-School?

    Yes we do, it's highly recommended. Puppy Pre-School is run on Thursday evenings. Classes start at 6.30pm with another at 7.30pm but bookings are essential. Call us to book your puppy in today!
  •  

Opening Hours & Booking Button

  • Mon08:00 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Tue08:00 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Wed08:00 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Thur08:00 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Fri08:00 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Sat08:00 AM - 12.00 NOON
  • SunClosed

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Providing Veterinary services to Geraldton, Beachlands, Beresford, Bluff Point, Cape Burney, Deepdale, Drummond Cove, Glenfield, Karloo, Mahomets Flats, Meru, Moresby, Mount Tarcoola, Narngulu, Rangeway, Rudds Gully, Spalding, Strathalbyn, Sunset Beach, Tarcoola Beach, Utakarra, Waggrakaine, Wandina, Webberton, West End, Wonthella, Woorree.

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