STEP-BY-STEP
PUPPY WELLNESS CARE
Necessary Veterinary Procedures and Preventative Medications for
Canines Less than 1 Year Old
General, veterinarian led wellness care, vaccinations, and preventative medications are very important for young puppies when their immune systems are still vulnerable and developing. Vaccines protect against many viral and bacterial infections that are highly contagious and thrive in our area. We will provide vaccination education and also discuss our vaccination schedule and how we can partner with you to protect your new puppy. We will also begin preventative medications for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms at the appropriate ages. Ensure your new puppy's life with you gets off to the very best start. Contact us to schedule your wellness visit today.
The information below is a general timeline that will provide you with complete details on all necessary wellness and preventative care according to the age of your new puppy during the first year.
What happens if you obtained a puppy at an older age, missed an appointment, or didn't know when to visit our veterinary clinic for vaccinations? Are you too late? Can anything be done? What do you need to do?
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Please don't panic. We are 100% here to help you and your pet get on a customized health plan tailored just for your new puppy so you can enjoy many years of healthy companionship moving forward. Dr. Carter will enjoy speaking with you at your first visit concerning your pet's history. He will custom tailor a wellness and preventive care plan for your new puppy and he will discuss future veterinary care needs moving forward.
Please call our pet loving staff today to begin the journey towards wellness and preventative care.
We will enjoy helping you every step of the way. That's what we do.
Congratulations on your new puppy and we look forward to building the foundation of preventative care for with you. It is easy for new pet owners to be a little overwhelmed. Puppies need the very best puppy food, plenty of love and attention, gentle training, safe toys, socialization, a comfortable home, and proper veterinary care. We sincerely look forward to helping you every step of the way to ensure your puppy gets off to the very best start.
VETERINARIAN
NOSE-TO-TAIL EXAMINATION
VACCINATIONS ADMINISTERED:
DAPP
PRESCRIPTION
STRENGTH
DEWORMER
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS AND COUNSELING
AGE APPROPRIATE FLEA PRODUCTS
What is the DAPP Vaccination?
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DISTEMPER: This disease is a paramyxovirus, which is similar to human measles. It can cause fever, poor appetite, pneumonia, and can continue on to cause neurologic symptoms that can become permanent and cause death. It is transmitted mainly through saliva but can be potentially transmitted through any secretion. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
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ADENOVIRUS: Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by an adenovirus. It primarily causes liver failure but can also affect the eyes and kidneys. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in the cornea of the eye, and even death. It is transmitted by bodily fluids, especially nasal discharge and urine. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
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PARAINFLUENZA: Dog flu is similar to the human flu and has similar symptoms. Dogs with the flu may sneeze, cough, have a runny nose, a low appetite, and a high fever. Life threatening pneumonia may develop.
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PARVOVIRUS: Parvo is a dangerous disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies. The virus is usually transmitted through infected feces, but anything can be contaminated, even the dirt from the bottom of your shoe. It is a stubborn, highly contagious virus that can live on surfaces for months and up to a year outdoors. We are able to provide hospitalization services and medical treatments as well as IV fluid administration and supportive care to combat dehydration as the virus runs its course. Parvo is often a fatal disease unless immediate action is taken.
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
Meet Tripp - a tri-color Brittany puppy bred and raised by Dr. Carter at his nationally awarded, home competition kennel. Tripp has been provided a premium quality diet and the ultimate in socialization, veterinary care, and prevention treatments.
Speak with Dr. Carter about his preferred food brands as he is the "food guru" and enjoys sharing his knowledge and findings with new owners. He has completed multiple, in-depth food and nutritional studies, evaluations, and experiments on his own litters he raised at home. This has provided him with much more knowledge and practical experience than traditional, general veterinary nutritional education can provide.
There are clear winners in the vast food market of premium diets. We assure you, good food is mandatory for proper development and general health.
We are happy to point you in the right direction.
Dr. Carter recommends feeding a high quality diet designed for puppies for the first full 12 months of life before switching to an adult food.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED
PET INSURANCE?
How does this sound?
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90% cash back on all covered vet bills
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Super-extensive accident and illness coverage
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Best-in-Show service & pet-obsessed care team
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Insurance designed by Veterinarians for Veterinary patients for the ultimate in coverage when they are sick, when they are hurt, and when they are healthy.
SIGN UP AT 8 WEEKS OLD & MAKE VETERINARY CARE MORE AFFORDABLE TODAY!
Three weeks after the 6 week vaccination visit, it is time for 9 week old boosters and additional vaccinations. Why do young puppies need booster shots for certain vaccinations? Every puppy is an individual and there is no clear way to know precisely when the mother's antibodies, which are provided through colostrum the first few days after birth, will wear off. Puppies are at their most critical period for disease contraction when young. As a result, boosters are provided to fill the void in the gap from where maternal antibodies end and their personal immune response begins. Timeliness of vaccinations is EXTREMELY important. We can't stress this enough. Ensure you keep your appointments for vaccinations to provide your puppy with the best protection and defense against common diseases that are preventable, but can not be cured if contracted.
VACCINATIONS PROVIDED:
DA2L2PP + CV + Bordetella
FLEA AND TICK PRODUCTS
6-8 WEEKS AND OLDER
PRESCRIPTION
DEWORMER
ADMINISTRATION
What are the DA2L2PP + CV + Bordetella Vaccinations?
Your Puppy will Be Provided Booster Shots for the Following Vaccinations:
​
-
DISTEMPER: This disease is a paramyxovirus, which is similar to human measles. It can cause fever, poor appetite, pneumonia, and can continue on to cause neurologic symptoms that can become permanent and cause death. It is transmitted mainly through saliva but can be potentially transmitted through any secretion. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
-
ADENOVIRUS: Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by an adenovirus. It primarily causes liver failure but can also affect the eyes and kidneys. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in the cornea of the eye, and even death. It is transmitted by bodily fluids, especially nasal discharge and urine. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
-
PARAINFLUENZA: Dog flu is similar to the human flu and has similar symptoms. Dogs with the flu may sneeze, cough, have a runny nose, a low appetite, and a high fever. Life threatening pneumonia may develop.
-
PARVOVIRUS: Parvo is a dangerous disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies. The virus is usually transmitted through infected feces, but anything can be contaminated, even the dirt from the bottom of your shoe. It is a stubborn, highly contagious virus that can live on surfaces for months and up to a year outdoors. We are able to provide hospitalization services and medical treatments as well as IV fluid administration and supportive care to combat dehydration as the virus runs its course. Parvo is often a fatal disease unless immediate action is taken at the first outward sign of illness and symptoms.
Your Puppy will Be Provided the First Vaccination for the Following Diseases
​
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LEPTOSPIRA CANICLOA & LEPTOSPIRA ICTEROHAEMORRHAGIAE: This disease can be transmitted to humans and a small amount of other animals. It is an infection of bacterial spirochetes. Dogs acquire this when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogates penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of the bloodstream. If untreated, the disease can be fatal.
-
CANINE CORONAVIRUS: Please note that this is NOT the same virus as SARS-CoV-2, that is responsible for causing the COVID-19 infection. Canine coronavirus is a highly infectious intestinal infection that can cause considerable abdominal discomfort. It is transmitted by oral contact with infected fecal matter or by eating from contaminated food bowls or by coming in direct contact with infected canines. There is no specific treatment. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, but may be helpful in controlling secondary bacterial infections.
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BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA (KENNEL COUGH): This highly contagious disease causes inflammation of your dog's upper respiratory system. This inflammation leads to coughing and illness and can expose your dog to secondary infections. It is usually spread in areas where large numbers of dogs are confined or congregate, as in boarding kennels, dog parks, and other such places. Kennel cough is generally not fatal in puppies, however, the disease can lead to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs.
SPEAK WITH US TODAY ABOUT PRESCRIPTION FLEA CONTROL OPTIONS FOR YOUR PET
Dr. Carter can assist you with finding the best, long-lasting, veterinary prescription flea control for your puppy that meets your individual needs. Choosing the right product can be done with confidence and doesn't have to be a stressful experience with the right guidance. Always administer flea prevention to your pets year-round to fully protect them from parasites. Even if your pet doesn't spend a significant amount of time outdoors, they are still at risk for acquiring fleas. Humans can also unknowingly carry fleas inside the house either on their clothing or shoes. It's easy for fleas to attack and feed on your pet.
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Prescription flea controls are only available by prescription from a veterinarian and are not available for over-the-counter sales without a prescription. They protect puppies by killing any fleas that latch onto your puppy's skin. Once on your puppy, these blood-thirsty parasites feed on your puppy's blood and can cause anemia, in severe cases which can be fatal. Fleas are also the host for tapeworms. If your puppy eats a flea infected with tapeworms, your puppy can then acquire tapeworms. These intestinal parasites cause itchiness and irritation around the anus.
Did you know that all owned puppies are required by Georgia Law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using approved vaccines in accordance with the national Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control? This is why the 12 week wellness visit is so important. Your puppy will receive the first rabies vaccination. We will issue a rabies certificate for your records and also assign a rabies tag to be worn on your puppy's collar. The rabies tag has also helped countless puppies be reunited with their families. We store your pet's tag number in our system which can assist with the return of your puppy if lost. Additionally, we also begin prescription heartworm medication for life at this visit, which is equally as important as rabies. Heartworms are a deadly disease transmitted by mosquitos. It literally only takes ONE bite. For our area, year-round heartworm preventative protection is required for your dog for the entire duration of your dog's life. Lastly, we will provide very important boosters for prior vaccinations to continue prevention of deadly diseases, such as Parvo, at this highly sensitive age.
What are the DA2L2PP + CV + Rabies Vaccinations?
Your Puppy will Be Provided Booster Shots for the Following Vaccinations:
​
-
DISTEMPER: This disease is a paramyxovirus, which is similar to human measles. It can cause fever, poor appetite, pneumonia, and can continue on to cause neurologic symptoms that can become permanent and cause death. It is transmitted mainly through saliva but can be potentially transmitted through any secretion. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
-
ADENOVIRUS: Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by an adenovirus. It primarily causes liver failure but can also affect the eyes and kidneys. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in the cornea of the eye, and even death. It is transmitted by bodily fluids, especially nasal discharge and urine. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
-
PARAINFLUENZA: Dog flu is similar to the human flu and has similar symptoms. Dogs with the flu may sneeze, cough, have a runny nose, a low appetite, and a high fever. Life threatening pneumonia may develop.
-
PARVOVIRUS: Parvo is a dangerous disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies. The virus is usually transmitted through infected feces, but anything can be contaminated, even the dirt from the bottom of your shoe. It is a stubborn, highly contagious virus that can live on surfaces for months and up to a year outdoors. We are able to provide hospitalization services and medical treatments as well as IV fluid administration and supportive care to combat dehydration as the virus runs its course. Parvo is often a fatal disease unless immediate action is taken at the first outward sign of illness and symptoms.
-
LEPTOSPIRA CANICLOA & LEPTOSPIRA ICTEROHAEMORRHAGIAE: This disease can be transmitted to humans and a small amount of other animals. It is an infection of bacterial spirochetes. Dogs acquire this when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogates penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of the bloodstream. If untreated, the disease can be fatal.
-
CANINE CORONAVIRUS: Please note that this is NOT the same virus as SARS-CoV-2, that is responsible for causing the COVID-19 infection. Canine coronavirus is a highly infectious intestinal infection that can cause considerable abdominal discomfort. It is transmitted by oral contact with infected fecal matter or by eating from contaminated food bowls or by coming in direct contact with infected canines. There is no specific treatment. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, but may be helpful in controlling secondary bacterial infections.
Your Puppy will Be Provided the First Vaccination for the Following Diseases
​
-
RABIES: This is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with an open cut on the skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth of a person or animal. Once the outward signs of the disease appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. There is no treatment and 59,000 human lives are lost annually due to this disease that can be prevented through timely vaccination.
PRESCRIPTION HEARTWORM
PREVENTATIVE MEDICATION
LIFELONG PREVENTION BEGINS AT 12 WEEKS OLD
All it takes is ONE infected bite
​
Carter Veterinary Clinic has an in-house, fully stocked pharmacy with our favorite, dependable heartworm preventatives available for immediate purchase. Heartworm medications are by prescription only and are not sold over-the-counter. Speak with us today about your pet's specific needs and get started on preventing your pup from this deadly disease today.
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If your puppy is over 6 months old and hasn't been started on Rx heartworm medication, please contact us to schedule testing and examination so preventative treatments can begin.
Heartworms are a preventable, but serious and potentially fatal disease that can only be transmitted by mosquitos. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, young heart worms called microfilariae enter into that mosquito's system. Within two weeks, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae inside the mosquito which can be transmitted to another animal when the mosquito takes it's next blood meal.
HOW DO HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVES WORK?
Heartworm preventative medications kill immature heartworm larvae and prevent them from reaching adulthood. If owners routinely skip doses or choose not to place their pet on Rx heartworm preventative medications, immature heart worms will reach adulthood. Puppies begin preventative medications at 12 weeks of age and prior to any present heartworm larvae reaching adulthood.
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RX PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS
KILL IMMATURE HEARTWORM LARVAE. ​
THEY DO NOT KILL
ESTABLISHED ADULT HEARTWORMS. AN ADULT HEARTWORM'S LIFESPAN IS 5-7 YEARS
Once your pet has an established, adult heartworm infection, the only way to treat this disease is through costly heartworm treatment, which slowly kills off adult heartworms. Adult heartworms can reach lengths of 14 inches and damage the blood vessels, and reduce the heart's pumping ability, resulting in severe lung and heart disease, which can be fatal. Catching this disease early is extremely important in preserving the life of your pet.
This visit will be your very last vaccination visit until the annual vaccinations are due. We encourage you to consider microchipping your pet. Microchipping is the only unique, unalterable, tamper-proof, permanent form of identification that owners can provide for their beloved companions.
What are the DA2L4PP Vaccinations?
Your Puppy will Be Provided Booster Shots for the Following Vaccinations:
​
-
DISTEMPER: This disease is a paramyxovirus, which is similar to human measles. It can cause fever, poor appetite, pneumonia, and can continue on to cause neurologic symptoms that can become permanent and cause death. It is transmitted mainly through saliva but can be potentially transmitted through any secretion. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
-
ADENOVIRUS: Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by an adenovirus. It primarily causes liver failure but can also affect the eyes and kidneys. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in the cornea of the eye, and even death. It is transmitted by bodily fluids, especially nasal discharge and urine. Only supportive care can be provided through your veterinarian.
-
PARAINFLUENZA: Dog flu is similar to the human flu and has similar symptoms. Dogs with the flu may sneeze, cough, have a runny nose, a low appetite, and a high fever. Life threatening pneumonia may develop.
-
PARVOVIRUS: Parvo is a dangerous disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies. The virus is usually transmitted through infected feces, but anything can be contaminated, even the dirt from the bottom of your shoe. It is a stubborn, highly contagious virus that can live on surfaces for months and up to a year outdoors. We are able to provide hospitalization services and medical treatments as well as IV fluid administration and supportive care to combat dehydration as the virus runs its course. Parvo is often a fatal disease unless immediate action is taken at the first outward sign of illness and symptoms.
-
LEPTOSPIRA CANICLOA & LEPTOSPIRA ICTEROHAEMORRHAGIAE: This disease can be transmitted to humans and a small amount of other animals. It is an infection of bacterial spirochetes. Dogs acquire this when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogates penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of the bloodstream. If untreated, the disease can be fatal.
-
CANINE CORONAVIRUS: Please note that this is NOT the same virus as SARS-CoV-2, that is responsible for causing the COVID-19 infection. Canine coronavirus is a highly infectious intestinal infection that can cause considerable abdominal discomfort. It is transmitted by oral contact with infected fecal matter or by eating from contaminated food bowls or by coming in direct contact with infected canines. There is no specific treatment. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, but may be helpful in controlling secondary bacterial infections.
Your Puppy will Be Provided the First Vaccination for the Following Diseases
​
-
LEPTOSPIRA GRIPPOTYPHOSA & LEPTOSPIRA POMONA: his disease can be transmitted to humans and a small amount of other animals. It is an infection of bacterial spirochetes. Dogs acquire this when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogates penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of the bloodstream. If untreated, the disease can be fatal.
PLEASE CONSIDER MICROCHIPPING
FOR ALL PETS BEGINNING AT THE AGE OF 6 WEEKS AND OLDER
Carter Veterinary Clinic encourages you to consider microchipping your pet. Microchipping is the only unique, unalterable, tamper-proof, permanent form of identification that owners can provide for their beloved companions. If your pet is found, shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet for the unique microchip number and ultimately reunite you with your pet. We proudly use DATAMARS microchips. Dr. Carter understands the importance of microchips and he has prepaid the enrollment fees for you to ensure your pet is listed in the national database for life of your pet. There are no hidden costs or additional fees beyond the affordable purchase of the chip ($45). These chips are also recognized internationally as well. Find peace of mind today and provide your pet with a silent voice.​
*Microchipping is a free service if your pet is covered by Pumpkin Health Insurance
SPAYING & NEUTERING
RECOMMENDED AGE IS
6 MONTHS OLD FOR MALES AND FEMALES
Spaying and neutering has benefits beyond unwanted reproduction. In females, if spayed before the first heat cycle, the occurrence of future breast cancer cases is reduced by 90%. In males, you completely reduce concerns of testicular cancer, testicular torsion, and the unwanted behavioral concerns that plague
in-tact males, such as constant urinating to mark territory, roaming, and aggression. It has been proven by numerous studies that spayed or neutered pets live longer, healthier lives. That's a WIN for everyone!
PLEASE MAKE YOUR SPAY OR NEUTER SURGERY APPOINTMENT
3-4 MONTHS IN ADVANCE
DUE TO THE NUMBER OF BOOKINGS ALREADY ON OUR SURGERY SCHEDULE
DOGS 6 MONTHS AND OLDER HAVE MORE OPTIONS
NEW Prescription Flea and Tick Medications
&
NEW Injectable Heartworm Preventatives
ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO YOUR DOG
Now that your puppy has reached the age of 6 months or older, we are able to offer more options for your pet's
Rx Flea/Tick Medication and
Rx Heartworm Medication needs
Pro-Heart 6 and Pro-Heart 12 is an Injectable heartworm and intestinal dewormer. Never forget a dose again with this convenient product that lasts for 6 months or 12 months, respectively! Protect your pet today with peace of mind.
Affordable and tasty chewable flea and tick control that lasts a full 12 weeks with just ONE dose!
How is that for convenient?!
Your puppy is officially a teenager and it is time for a routine health and wellness, nose-to-tail checkup to ensure proper growth and development. We will also speak with you concerning any health issues you may have encountered. Additionally, we will perform a fecal test to check for intestinal parasites. Due to medication resistant hookworms that have been found in our area, we perform a fecal check at this age to see if your pet is possibly infected. If you have been providing prescription heartworm preventative on time each month, a positive fecal test may indicate that your pet needs an additional intestinal dewormer medication. Since your puppy is approaching adult weight, we will need to get an accurate weight to ensure your puppy is on the correct weight size of your flea and heartworm medications, which are due to be refilled. This will be the last puppy wellness exam.
Your next visit will be for your puppy's annual health examination, booster vaccinations, fecal testing, and the first heartworm blood test will be due at the age of 15 months old.
NOSE-TO-TAIL TEENAGER HEALTH
CHECK
WEIGHT CHECK FOR FLEA MEDICATION REFILLS
FECAL TEST FOR INTESTINAL WORMS AND PARASITES
WEIGHT CHECK FOR HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE
REFILLS
BOOK YOUR ANNUAL VACCINATION APPOINTMENT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
You made it! Throw YOURSELF and the POOCH a party because you leaped through puppyhood with flying colors! As an official adult, you can now learn what's needed to ensure exceptional health for your dog in the adult years by clicking the link below. Always contact us with any questions at any time!