New Client? Enjoy Your First Comprensive Exam for Just $35!
Starting Your Puppy’s Journey With the Best Care
Whether you’re considering adding a new puppy to your family or have already welcomed one into your home, Riverbend Veterinary PetCare Hospital is here to ensure your puppy gets off to a great start. From essential care like vaccinations and wellness exams to behavioral and nutritional advice, our team is committed to providing high-quality, low-stress care for your new puppy. We are thrilled to help your new addition grow into a healthy and happy dog.
Signs of Illness in Puppies
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of illness in puppies, as they can’t communicate their discomfort. Watch for symptoms like:
- Lethargy: If your puppy seems unusually tired or sluggish.
- Loss of Appetite: A puppy who isn’t eating may be sick.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Indicate infections or gastrointestinal problems.
- Behavioral Changes: If your puppy becomes irritable or withdrawn, they might be unwell.
- Excessive Thirst: A sudden increase in thirst could signal a health issue.
Microchipping Your Puppy for Added Safety
In the unfortunate event that your puppy gets lost, a microchip can be a game-changer in helping reunite you with your pet. A small identification chip is inserted just under the skin, typically near the shoulder blade. If your puppy is found, the chip can be scanned at pet hospitals or shelters, allowing staff to retrieve your contact information and get your puppy back safely.
Why Spaying/Neutering Is Best for Puppies
Spaying or neutering your puppy is an important decision that provides numerous health benefits and helps prevent unwanted litters. The procedure is best done before your puppy reaches sexual maturity, typically between 4 and 6 months of age. Talk to one of our veterinarians to learn more about the benefits of spaying or neutering your new puppy and to schedule the procedure at an appropriate time.
Keep Your Puppy Healthy With Puppy Wellness Exams
Puppy wellness exams are an essential part of their first year. These exams are scheduled every 3-4 weeks until your puppy is over 16 weeks old. During these visits, our veterinarians will monitor your puppy’s growth, administer necessary vaccinations, and check for any signs of illness or parasites. These early checkups are vital for preventing health issues and ensuring your puppy is developing properly.
Vaccinate Your Puppy for a Healthy Future
Vaccinations are a key component of puppy care and play a critical role in protecting your puppy from life-threatening diseases. Given that puppies have developing immune systems, vaccinations are vital during their early months.
Before your puppy completes their full vaccination schedule, we recommend limiting exposure to high-risk environments, such as dog parks or public areas. Keeping your puppy safe within your home and avoiding contact with other dogs can help protect them from potential diseases.
There are two main categories of vaccines for puppies:
- Core Vaccines: These are essential for all puppies and include Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
- Non-Core Vaccines: These are given based on your puppy’s lifestyle, health, and potential exposure risks.
Our veterinary team will help determine which vaccines your puppy needs based on their individual circumstances.
Your Puppy’s Start With Total Wellcare Club
To make keeping your puppy healthy even easier, Riverbend Veterinary PetCare Hospital offers the Total Wellcare Club. This affordable program provides two wellness/preventive care visits each year, along with two complimentary boarding and spa days and more. It’s a great way to stay on top of your puppy’s health and ensure they get the care they deserve all year long.
Providing the Best Start for Your New Family Member
At Riverbend Veterinary PetCare Hospital, we’re committed to helping you provide the best care for your new puppy. From vaccinations and wellness exams to microchipping and behavioral advice, we’re here to guide you through every step of raising a healthy, happy puppy. If you're looking for expert puppy care in Charlotte, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment and get started on the right foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend bringing your puppy in for their first exam within the first week of bringing them home. This allows us to ensure they are healthy and get started on their vaccinations and preventive care right away.
